華 means “splendor, flower, China”

か · ka

Also: petal, shine

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): はな
On'yomi (Chinese reading): カ, ケ

JLPT N1 · Taught in secondary school · 10 strokes

The story

Grass (艹) over a plant heavy with blooms: 華 was the old way to write flower, before 花. It means splendor: 華やか is bright and showy, 豪華 is luxurious, and 中華 is China, as in Yokohama's 中華街.

Used in 豪華 (gouka, luxurious), 中華 (chuuka, Chinese food), and 華やか (hanayaka, gorgeous/bright)

華 means “splendor, flower, China”

The story

More from Grace & Beauty