鶴
[t͡sɨɾɯ̟]
The English phrase "crane bird" is translated into Japanese as 鶴.
The term refers to a large, long-legged and long-necked bird.
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of longevity and good fortune.
Did you know?
- The word tsuru may be a 'Wanderwort', a term that spread across different languages, potentially relating it to the Turkish 'turna' and Mongolian 'togoruu'.
- Before the reading 'tsuru' became common, the crane was known by the name 'tazu'.
Examples in context
- 鶴は美しい鳥です。Tsuru wa utsukushii tori desu.The crane is a beautiful bird.
- 池に鶴がいます。Ike ni tsuru ga imasu.There is a crane in the pond.
- 白い鶴を見ました。Shiroi tsuru o mimashita.I saw a white crane.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- 大翔 Hirotoあの鶴はとても大きいですね。Ano tsuru wa totemo ookii desu ne.That crane is very large, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても優雅です。Hai, totemo yuuga desu.Yes, it is very elegant.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんは鶴が好きですか？Yui-san wa tsuru ga suki desu ka?Yui, do you like cranes?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、大好きです。Hai, daisuki desu.Yes, I love them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 鶴, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 鶴, CC BY-SA 4.0.
