キリン
kirin
The English word "giraffe" is translated into Japanese as キリン (kirin).
キリン refers to the long-necked mammal. It is typically written in katakana, the script used for foreign loanwords and biological names.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kirin
Did you know?
- The Japanese word キリン is not a loanword from English, but was adopted from the Chinese word for the mythical qilin.
- One of Japan's most famous beer brands is named キリン and uses a stylized version of the mythical creature as its logo.
- In Japanese culture, the mythical キリン is known for being so gentle that it refuses to step on a single blade of grass.
Examples in context
- キリンは見たことないよ。I've never seen a giraffe.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have never seen a キリン.Tatoeba #11155620 by small_snow, translation #1455348 by CK
- キリンってなんて鳴くんだろう？What sound does a giraffe make?This sentence is useful for wondering about the sound a キリン makes.Tatoeba #2852943 by tommy_san, translation #2921563 by CK
- トムの首って、キリンみたいね。Tom's neck looks like a giraffe’s.This sentence is useful for comparing a person's neck to a キリン.Tatoeba #9399956 by small_snow, translation #9399905 by DJ_Saidez
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daigo and Himari are at the zoo.
- 大翔 Hirotoあそこにキリンがいるよ！Asoko ni kirin ga iru yo!There is a giraffe over there!
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ、首がすごく長いね。Hontou da, kubi ga sugoku nagai ne.You're right, its neck is really long.
- 大翔 Hirotoキリンは高いところの葉を食べるんだよ。Kirin wa takai tokoro no ha o taberun da yo.Giraffes eat leaves from high places.
- 陽葵 Himariすごいね。もっと近くで見たいな。Sugoi ne. Motto chikaku de mitai na.That's amazing. I want to see it closer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry キリン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
