カピバラ
kapibara[ka̠pʲiba̠ɾa̠]
The Japanese word for capybara is カピバラ (kapibara). Wiktionary also lists 鬼天竺鼠 (onitenjikunezumi).
Meaning: Hydrochoerus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| カピバラ | kapibara | [ka̠pʲiba̠ɾa̠] (narrow) |
| 鬼天竺鼠 | onitenjikunezumi | [o̞ɲ̟i tẽ̞ɲ̟d͡ʑikɯ̟ ne̞zɨmʲi] (narrow) |
This term refers to the large rodent known as Hydrochoerus.
Which one should you use?
カピバラ is the standard, everyday way to refer to the animal, whereas 鬼天竺鼠 is an alternative form.
How do you pronounce it?
kapibara
Did you know?
- Japanese zoos often create 'capybara baths' where the animals soak in hot springs with citrus fruits, a cultural practice reflecting the Japanese 'onsen' tradition.
- The alternative name 鬼天竺鼠 literally combines 'demon' or 'ogre' with the word for 'India mouse', a term used for guinea pigs.
- In Japanese pop culture, the capybara is a mascot for the concept of 'iyashi', which refers to a sense of emotional healing or relaxation.
Examples in context
- カピバラは大きなネズミ科の動物です。Capybaras are large rodents.
- カピバラって、とっても可愛いんだよね！Capybaras are so cute, right?
- カピバラはとても穏やかな動物です。Kapibara wa totemo odayaka na doubutsu desu.Capybaras are very gentle animals.
- 動物園でカピバラに餌をあげました。Doubutsuen de kapibara ni esa o agemashita.I fed the capybara at the zoo.
- カピバラが温泉に入っている姿は可愛いです。Kapibara ga onsen ni haitte iru sugata wa kawaii desu.The sight of a capybara in a hot spring is cute.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are at the zoo looking at animals.
- 蓮 Renあそこにカピバラがいるよ。Asoko ni kapibara ga iru yo.There is a capybara over there.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ！かわいいね。Hontou da! Kawaii ne.You're right! It's cute.
- 蓮 Renのんびりしていていいよね。Nonbiri shite ite ii yo ne.It's nice how laid-back they are.
- 美咲 Misakiずっと見ていられるわ。Zutto mite irareru wa.I could watch it forever.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “capybara” translations and entries カピバラ, 鬼天竺鼠, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries カピバラ, 鬼天竺鼠, CC BY-SA 4.0.
