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I've come across two kanji, which are both read `やなぎ` and both mean "willow".

From what I've found out so far, `柳` has an On'yomi of `リュウ` and it seems to
mean more "things with the qualities of a willow"; while `楊` has an On'yomi of
`ヨウ` and means the type of tree. That being said it also seems to be a name
element.

Can anyone confirm this or shed some more light on the subject?
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2011-12-08T17:43:22.513
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2011-12-09T02:41:39.587
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question
kanji homophonic-kanji
What is the difference between 楊 and 柳 which both mean "Willow"
According to dictionary.goo.ne.jp, maybe
[柳](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/222323/m1u/%E6%9F%B3/) is the
collective name for all willows, and
[楊](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/226141/m1u/%E6%A5%8A/) may be used
for some specific species (カワヤナギ,ネコヤナギ).

However, the kun reading(やなぎ) of 楊 is usually not used, and 楊 is usually only
used in some compound words. So when referring to willow, 柳 would be used.

Note that for tree names formed with the two characters may refer to different
kinds of trees. E.g, 白楊【はくよう】 may be
[ヤマナラシ](http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%A4%E3%83%9E%E3%83%8A%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B7)
([Populus tremula](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populus_tremula)), which is
not a kind of willow.
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2011-12-08T18:18:55.950
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2011-12-08T18:18:55.950
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answer
`柳` やなぎ リュウ:

>   * Used for willows which have their branches hanging down including
> [`しだれやなぎ`](http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B7%E3%83%80%E3%83%AC%E3%83%A4%E3%83%8A%E3%82%AE).
> Can refer more broadly to the tall deciduous trees in the willow family and
> as a general term for shrubs as well according to Kanjigen.
>   * Has a frequency of 1169/2501 and is classified as a general usage Kanji
> according to Kanjidic.
>

`楊` かわ やなぎ ヨウ:

>   * Used for willows which have their branches going upwards including
> `かわやなぎ` and
> [`ねこやなぎ`](http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%8D%E3%82%B3%E3%83%A4%E3%83%8A%E3%82%AE)
> according to Kanjigen.
>   * Has a frequency of 1815/2501 so is less common and is classified as a
> `人名用{じんめいよう}` Kanji for use in people's names according to Kanjidic.
>
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answer