コブラ
kobura[ko̞bɯ̟ɾa̠]
The English word "cobra" is translated into Japanese as コブラ (kobura). If unsure, use コブラ. Wiktionary also lists 眼鏡蛇 (meganehebi).
Meaning: venomous snake (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| コブラ | kobura | [ko̞bɯ̟ɾa̠] (narrow) |
| 眼鏡蛇 | meganehebi |
The word refers to the venomous snake.
How do you pronounce it?
kobura
Did you know?
- The Japanese word コブラ originates from the Portuguese word 'cobra', which means any kind of snake, not just the hooded variety.
- The term 眼鏡蛇 uses the kanji 眼鏡, which is the same word used for 'eyeglasses' in Japanese.
- In Japanese pop culture, the phrase コブラ is strongly associated with the 1970s manga and anime 'Cobra', featuring a space pirate with a cybernetic arm.
Examples in context
- コブラはとても危険なヘビです。Kobura wa totemo kiken na hebi desu.A cobra is a very dangerous snake.
- 図鑑にコブラの写真がありました。Zukan ni kobura no shashin ga arimashita.There was a photo of a cobra in the guidebook.
- コブラの毒は強力です。Kobura no doku wa kyouryoku desu.The venom of a cobra is powerful.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about a nature documentary at school.
- 結衣 Yuiさっきの番組にコブラが出てきたよ。Sakki no bangumi ni kobura ga detekita yo.A cobra appeared in that program just now.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に怖かったね。Hontou ni kowakatta ne.It was really scary, wasn't it?
- 結衣 Yui大翔くんはヘビが好き？Hiroto-kun wa hebi ga suki?Hiroto, do you like snakes?
- 大翔 Hirotoいや、苦手だよ。Iya, nigate da yo.No, I'm not a fan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cobra” translations and entries コブラ, 眼鏡蛇, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries コブラ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
