ひな鳥
hinadori
The English phrase "baby bird" is translated into Japanese as ひな鳥 (hinadori).
ひな鳥 is used to refer specifically to a young bird that has recently hatched from an egg. While the term focuses on the young age of the bird, the component hina carries a nuance of smallness or preciousness.
Which one should you use?
The term can be written in kana as ひな鳥 or using the kanji as 雛鳥.
How do you pronounce it?
hinadori
Did you know?
- The word hina is famously used in the name of the 'Hina Matsuri' festival, which celebrates girls' growth and well-being with miniature dolls.
- If you see the term 雛形 (hinagata) in a business or technical context, it looks similar but actually means a 'template' or 'model'.
- The term hina carries a sense of 'vulnerability' that is much stronger than the English 'baby', often implying something that needs protection.
Examples in context
- 地面にひな鳥がいます。Jimen ni hinadori ga imasu.There is a baby bird on the ground.
- このひな鳥はとてもかわいいです。Kono hinadori wa totemo kawaii desu.This baby bird is very cute.
- 巣の中にひな鳥が三羽います。Su no naka ni hinadori ga san-wa imasu.There are three baby birds in the nest.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki find a nest in a tree.
- 健太 Kenta見て、木の上にひな鳥がいるよ。Mite, ki no ue ni hinadori ga iru yo.Look, there is a baby bird up in the tree.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ！とてもかわいいね。Hontou da! Totemo kawaii ne.You're right! It's so cute.
- 健太 Kenta親鳥がエサを運んできたよ。Oyadori ga esa o hakonde kita yo.The parent bird brought some food.
- 美咲 Misakiひな鳥がお腹を空かせているね。Hinadori ga onaka o sukase te iru ne.The baby bird is hungry.
