ガチョウ
gachō
The English word "goose" is translated into Japanese as ガチョウ (gachō).
The term refers to a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae.
Meaning: a grazing waterfowl of the family Anatidae (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Japanese vocabulary exercises, ガチョウ is often contrasted with アヒル, which means "duck".
How do you pronounce it?
gachō
When do people say it?
The expression ガーガー is an onomatopoeic term used to imitate the honking sound made by a goose.
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese art and poetry, the sight of 雁 (wild geese) flying in a V-formation is a classic literary symbol for autumn and the longing for home.
- Unlike English, which uses 'goose' for both the animal and the meat, Japanese often uses the loanword グース when referring to Western-style goose products or fashion items.
- While ガチョウ is the general term for goose, the word 雁 (pronounced 'kari') is used specifically for wild geese, particularly those that migrate.
Examples in context
- ガチョウは水鳥である。A goose is a water bird.This sentence is useful for defining a goose as a water bird.Tatoeba #226359 by arnab, translation #63700 by Zifre
- アヒルとガチョウの区別が付きますか。Can you tell a duck from a goose?This sentence is useful for practicing the distinction between a duck and a goose.Tatoeba #230400 by small_snow, translation #67768 by Zifre
- 公園にガチョウがいました。Kouen ni gachou ga imashita.There was a goose in the park.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are visiting a farm.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、見て！あそこにガチョウがいるよ。A, mite! Asoko ni gachou ga iru yo.Oh, look! There is a goose over there.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。すごく大きいね。Hontou da. Sugoku ookii ne.You're right. It's very big.
- 美咲 Misakiガチョウってあんなに声が大きいの？Gachou tte anna ni koe ga ookii no?Are geese usually that loud?
- 大翔 Hirotoたぶん、びっくりしたんだろうね。Tabun, bikkuri shita n darou ne.Maybe it was just surprised.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
