Language/Japanese/Vocabulary/Animals
Hi Japanese learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about animals in Japanese.
Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: Transport, Days of the Week, Basic Workplace and Business Terminology & Basic Directions and Transportation.
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Let's start with some basic animals:
Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
猫 (ねこ) | neko | Cat |
犬 (いぬ) | inu | Dog |
鳥 (とり) | tori | Bird |
魚 (さかな) | sakana | Fish |
It's important to note that Japanese people refer to animals by the sound they make. For example, a frog is called "kaeru" because that's the sound they make in Japan.
Here are some more animals you might encounter in Japan:
Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
キジ | kiji | Pheasant |
猿 (さる) | saru | Monkey |
海獣 (かいじゅう) | kaijuu | Marine animal |
蛙 (かえる) | kaeru | Frog |
Japanese people also have cultural associations with certain animals. For example, the crane is a symbol of longevity and good luck. The tanuki, a raccoon-like animal, is a symbol of mischief and trickery.
Interesting Facts[edit | edit source]
- Japan has a cat island called "Tashirojima" where the cat population is larger than the human population.
- In Japan, deer are considered sacred creatures and roam freely in Nara, a city in the Kansai region. Visitors are allowed to feed the deer special crackers, called "shika senbei."
- The Japanese Macaque, also known as the Snow Monkey, is the northernmost, non-human primate. They are famous for their habit of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Person 1: あのう、すみません。あそこの猫、可愛いですね。 (Excuse me, sorry. That cat over there is cute, isn't it?)
Person 2: ええ、そうですね。私も猫が好きです。 (Yes, it is. I also like cats.)
Person 1: それでは、どんな種類の猫が好きですか? (So, what kind of cat do you like?)
Person 2: あの、私はシャム猫が好きです。 (Um, I like Siamese cats.)
Practice[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to practice some of the vocabulary you learned! Try to match the animal with its Japanese translation.
English | Japanese |
---|---|
Dog | 犬 |
Frog | カエル |
Marine animal | 海獣 |
Monkey | 猿 |
Pheasant | キジ |
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
That's it for today's lesson! Remember, to improve your Japanese Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions! Don't forget to practice often and learn about the cultural associations with different animals. 😊
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Bird, Family Members in Japanese, Drinks & Counting Numbers and Time.
Videos[edit | edit source]
Japanese Vocabulary - Animal Sounds in Japanese - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Basic Japanese Vocabulary Animals - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Learn Japanese vocabulary! Animals in Japanese! Mammals ...[edit | edit source]
【Animal】in Japanese どうぶつ/動物 | Japanese vocabulary ...[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Unique Expressions
- Metals
- How to say Good Bye?
- Family
- Fishies
- Food
- Bird
- Body
- Animal
- Glossary of Japanese martial arts
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Japanese Animals Words and Vocabulary
- Welcome to the Wild: Animal Names in Japanese
- Japanese Animal Vocabulary: Pronunciation and Characters