ツキノワグマ
tsukinowaguma
The English phrase "black bear" is translated into Japanese as ツキノワグマ (tsukinowaguma).
ツキノワグマ refers to the species of bear characterized by a white crescent-shaped patch on its chest.
What does it mean word for word?
The name literally means "moon-ring bear", referring to the white crescent-shaped patch on the animal's chest.
How do you pronounce it?
tsukinowaguma
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, the ツキノワグマ is often associated with the mountain god and can be seen as a spiritual messenger.
- Japanese has a specific word クマ除け for charms or bells used specifically to ward off bears like the ツキノワグマ during hikes.
- The word ツキ in ツキノワグマ is written using the kanji character for 'moon' to describe the animal's chest pattern.
Examples in context
- カナダには黒熊がたくさん生息しています。There are many black bears inhabiting Canada.
- 昨日、山でクロクマを見たよ！Yesterday, I saw a black bear in the mountains!
- 図鑑にツキノワグマの写真があります。Zukan ni tsukinowaguma no shashin ga arimasu.There is a photo of a black bear in the guidebook.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are looking at a picture book about animals.
- 結衣 Yui陽太、このツキノワグマを見て！Yota, kono tsukinowaguma o mite!Yota, look at this black bear!
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。毛が真っ黒だね。Honto da. Ke ga makkuro da ne.You're right. Its fur is pitch black.
- 結衣 Yuiツキノワグマはとても賢いそうだよ。Tsukinowaguma wa totemo kashikoi so da yo.I heard black bears are very smart.
- 陽太 Yotaへえ、面白いね。Hee, omoshiroi ne.Wow, that's interesting.
