千鳥
chidori
chidori is the Japanese word for a type of plover bird.
The term refers to plover birds, which are frequently featured as subjects in Japanese art and poetry.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 千 (thousand) and 鳥 (bird), literally meaning "thousand birds".
How do you pronounce it?
chidori
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, the chidori is a traditional motif used in art and textiles, where it often symbolizes the changing of seasons or good luck.
Did you know?
- The chidori motif is often used in Japanese ceramics, specifically in the 'chidori-mon' style, to symbolize a safe journey across the sea.
- The chidori is a classic motif in waka poetry, where the sound of the bird's cry often evokes a feeling of loneliness or yearning for a lover.
- The term 千鳥 can also refer to a specific pattern of interconnected, V-shaped waves used in lacquerware and kimono patterns.
Examples in context
- 波打ち際に千鳥がいます。Namiuchigiwa ni chidori ga imasu.There are plovers at the water's edge.
- 千鳥の模様がとても美しいです。Chidori no moyō ga totemo utsukushii desu.The plover pattern is very beautiful.
- 砂浜で千鳥が鳴いています。Sunahama de chidori ga naite imasu.Plovers are calling on the sandy beach.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are looking at a traditional Japanese screen painting.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、この千鳥の絵を見て。Misaki, kono chidori no e o mite.Misaki, look at this painting of plovers.
- 美咲 Misakiとても綺麗ですね。Totemo kirei desu ne.It is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota和歌によく出てくる鳥なんだよ。Waka ni yoku detekuru tori nanda yo.They are birds that often appear in waka poetry.
- 美咲 Misakiそうなんですね、勉強になります。Sou nan desu ne, benkyou ni narimasu.I see, I've learned something new.
