カブトムシ
kabutomushi
The Japanese word for beetle is カブトムシ (kabutomushi).
While the English word beetle can refer to many types of insects, カブトムシ specifically refers to the rhinoceros beetle.
Meaning: insect (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kabutomushi
When do people say it?
The rhinoceros beetle is a very popular insect for children to collect in Japan.
Did you know?
- The name カブトムシ (kabutomushi) contains the word カブト (kabuto), which refers to the traditional samurai helmet. The insect's horn resembles the crest of these ancient helmets.
- In Japan, it is common to see specialized stores or seasonal kiosks selling live カブトムシ in plastic bottles with jelly-like food for children.
- The term ムシ (mushi) is a broad category that includes not only insects but also worms and snails in traditional Japanese classification.
Examples in context
- 金色のカブトムシを見付けたぞ！I've found a golden beetle!This sentence is useful for expressing that you have found a golden version of カブトムシ.Tatoeba #9993260 by Sim5634, translation #10238869 by tsp_2
- カブト虫は日本の文化において非常に重要です。The rhinoceros beetle is highly significant in Japanese culture.
- あのカブトムシ、すごく大きい！That rhinoceros beetle is so big!
- このクワガタ、めっちゃかっこいいやん！This stag beetle looks really cool!
- カブトムシを捕まえたいです。kabutomushi o tsukamaetai desu.I want to catch a beetle.
- あそこに大きなカブトムシがいるよ。asoko ni ookina kabutomushi ga iru yo.There is a big beetle over there.
Example conversation
Two children are looking for insects in a forest.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、見て！カブトムシだよ！Hiroto, mite! Kabutomushi dayo!Hiroto, look! It's a beetle!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ！すごくかっこいいね。Hontou da! Sugoku kakkoii ne.You're right! It's so cool.
- 陽葵 Himari捕まえて家に連れて帰ろう。Tsukamaete ie ni tsurete kaerou.Let's catch it and take it home.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ。一緒に捕まえよう！Ii yo. Issho ni tsukamaeyou!Okay. Let's catch it together!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
