I have a question about the difference between the words bonsai and bonzai, I know one word means a tree.?

Question

I do know bonsai and bonzai are different words in Japanese and one means that little tree that you trim like a miniature topiary. But the other is a Japanese war-cry. I know that they are different words. My grandpa told me that he learned that in Japan when he went there on a business trip.

Answer 1

Thats right. Sort of. A bonsai is a miniature tree, grown to look all nice and pretty. 'Banzai' with an a and a z wasn't just a war cry. Literally, it means '10,000 years (of life)' and is yelled on many occasions. One was during war, referring to the emperor "May the emperor live ten thousand years!" or "Long live the emperor!". It was cried to the emperor as a sign of respect.



These days, it can simply mean 'hoorah!', or 'cheers!'.



Make sure you pronounce them differently. They are spelt phonetically.

Answer 2

Bonsai is the mini tree in flower pot

Answer 3

So then what is your question?