Hi Jim,

In my kanji books, "sai" is defined as "to plant." I'm referring to the
specific character used in the term "bonsai" and not just any old "sai."
The odd translation in the new (and pretty darn good) Sunset Bonsai book is
probably due to a bit of embellishment. Who knows why.... In strict, even
general terms, this is an inaccurate translation. Doesn't matter much, I
guess, since it's not a matter of substance. Have 5 people EVER agreed what
"bonsai" is? ;-)

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
zone 8, Texas

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Lewis"
Early in the new Sunset "Bonsai" (still a worthwhile, if a bit
quirky, book, BTW) it says:
"The term bonsai . . . combines two Japanese words, bon meaning
tray and sai meaning to create."
That's a new take on the translation for me -- and doesn't seem
to make much sense.
Where's Peter when you need him? (Ans: In Kyoto having fun ;-)
Ernie?
(Speaking of Peter, he has a very interesting article in the
current issue of International Bonsai.)
Jim Lewis

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