This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

松竹梅

Reading

Kana: しょうちくばい
Romaji: shōchikubai
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

pine, bamboo and plum (together an auspicious grouping)

2

high, middle and low (ranking); top, middle and bottom; upper, medium, lower; first, second and third (class)

Note: from 松 down to 梅

Kanji

Readings: ショウ、 まつ
Meaning: pine tree
Readings: チク、 たけ
Meaning: bamboo
Readings: バイ、 うめ
Meaning: plum