ハト
hato
The Japanese word for dove is ハト (hato).
The word ハト refers to birds of the family Columbidae, specifically describing both doves and pigeons. While English speakers often distinguish between the two, Japanese uses this single term for both birds.
Meaning: bird of the family Columbidae, especially one smaller than a pigeon (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word is often written using the kanji 鳩, but in general texts and signs, it is very common to see it written in katakana as ハト. Additionally, the specific term shima-hato is used to mean "island dove".
How do you pronounce it?
hato
Did you know?
- The Japanese god of war, Hachiman, is strangely accompanied by the ハト, making the bird a symbol of a deity associated with combat rather than just peace.
- The grain known as 'Job's tears' in English is called ハトムギ in Japanese, which literally means 'dove millet'.
- Visitors to certain Japanese shrines may find designated areas for 'dove feeding', as these birds are seen as divine messengers.
Examples in context
- 白いハトが屋根にいます。There is a white dove on the roof.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a white ハト.Tatoeba #121436 by small_snow, translation #282570 by adjusting
- ハトは平和のシンボルである。The dove is a symbol of peace.Tatoeba #197942 by bunbuku, translation #35131 by CK
- ハトは平和の象徴だ。A dove is a symbol of peace.Tatoeba #1697674 by mookeee, translation #35129 by CK
- 私は公園で美しい鳩を見ました。I saw a beautiful dove in the park.
- その神社にはたくさんの鳩がいます。There are many doves at that shrine.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are walking in a park.
- 陽太 Yotaあそこにハトがたくさんいるね。Asoko ni hato ga takusan iru ne.There are a lot of doves over there, aren't there?
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ。みんなでお餌を食べているよ。Hontou da. Minna de o-esa o tabete iru yo.You're right. They're all eating food.
- 陽太 Yotaハトに餌をあげてもいいのかな？Hato ni esa o agetemo ii no kana?I wonder if it's okay to feed the doves?
- 陽葵 Himariここは禁止されていると思うよ。Koko wa kinshi sarete iru to omou yo.I think it's forbidden here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
