梅雨の花、あじさいが見ごろ

Welcome to Japanese Daily News. I'm Maya. Today is June seventh. Right now, all across Japan, hydrangeas are in full bloom. These round clusters of blue, purple, and pink flowers are the signature sight of the rainy season. Let's listen.

Let's break it down.

Right now in Japan, the hydrangea flowers are beautiful.

It means flower. A word you'll meet again and again through Japan's four seasons.

The hydrangea is a flower that often blooms in June.

It means to bloom — what flowers do when they open up.

The colors include blue, purple, pink, and white.

It means color. Hydrangeas can even change theirs depending on the soil.

The hydrangea is a flower that suits the rain well.

It means to suit or match well. Here, the flower and the rain just go together.

In many places in Japan, there are temples and parks famous for hydrangeas.

It means famous. Pair it with 'for' to say what a place is known for.

In this season, many people go to see the flowers.

It means a period or time of year — a season for something to happen.

Even on rainy days, some people put up an umbrella and take a walk.

It means umbrella — essential gear all through the rainy season.

Because you can only see them for a short time, now is the very best season.

It means short — in length or in time. The opposite is long.

Let's listen to the full story one more time.

Quiz time. Three questions.

In what month do hydrangeas often bloom? In June.

What kind of weather suits the hydrangea? Rain.

On rainy days, what do people put up to take a walk? An umbrella.

That's today's Japanese Daily News. Full transcript with furigana at podcast.jpnotes.dev. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See you tomorrow.