My Translation

By Emperor Koko

It is for you that
I walk the fields of spring,
Plucking youthful herbs
While the snow
Sprinkles on my sleeve.

Original Japanese

光孝天皇

君がため
春の野に出でて
若菜つむ
わが衣手に
雪はふりつつ

Japanese Pronunciation


Koko Tenno

Kimi ga tame
Haru no no ni idete
Wakana tsumu
Waga koromode ni
Yuki wa furi tsutsu

Literal Translation and Notes

You on behalf(1)
Spring’s field to go out(2)
Young [herbs/greens] [pile up/pluck/pick up]
My sleeve on
Snow [falls/sprinkles] while

(1) The word for “you” in this context, or “kimi,” is said by a man to a woman with whom he is close.
(2) Spring’s fields is an archaic way of saying “calm fields of spring.”
Year: 
2011