花より団子

hana yori dango
phraseIntermediate
informal

Preferring food or practical things over aesthetic beauty, often used to describe someone who values comfort or convenience over appearance.

彼女は花より団子で、美しい庭よりも美味しいお菓子を選ぶ。

She prefers sweets over beautiful gardens, as she values delicious treats more than aesthetics.

花より団子な性格で、見た目よりも実用性を重視する。

She has a practical nature, prioritizing functionality over appearance.

💡

This phrase originates from a famous Japanese proverb, often used to describe people who prioritize tangible benefits over beauty.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

花より団子idiom
Preferring practical things over beauty

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is often used in a lighthearted or slightly critical way, but it can also describe a practical mindset without negative connotations.

📖Word Origin

The phrase comes from a story in the 'Otogi Zōshi' (御伽草子), a collection of Japanese tales, where a woman chooses dango (sweet rice dumplings) over flowers, symbolizing practicality over beauty.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe someone's preference for practicality or comfort over aesthetics.

Word Breakdown

flower
root
+
より
than
particle
+
団子
dango (sweet rice dumplings)
root
Noted on May 31, 2026JAEN