How to Say "Hippopotamus" in Japanese

カバ

kaba

The Japanese word for hippopotamus is カバ (kaba).

カバ refers to the African mammal. It can also be represented by the kanji characters 河馬.

Meaning: African mammal (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The kanji 河馬 literally translates to 'river horse'.

kaba

If you search for カバ in a Japanese dictionary, you may also find it referring to 'leather' 革, as they are homophones. Context is essential to avoid confusing a river animal with a handbag.
In Japanese pop culture, the カバ is often depicted as a symbol of clumsiness or gentleness, contrasting with its actual reputation as one of Africa's most dangerous animals.
The kanji 河 in 河馬 specifically refers to a large river, which is distinct from the general kanji for river 川. This ensures the 'river' part of the name feels appropriately grand for the animal's size.

私は「かば」が好きです。
I like hippopotamuses.
カバって可愛いよね！
Hippos are so cute, right?
この動物は「かば」です。
This animal is a hippopotamus.
カバはなかなか速く泳ぐんだよ！
Hippos can swim quite fast!
カバはとても大きいです。
Kaba wa totemo ookii desu.
The hippopotamus is very big.
水の中にカバがいます。
Mizu no naka ni kaba ga imasu.
There is a hippopotamus in the water.
動物園でカバを見ました。
Doubutsuen de kaba o mimashita.
I saw a hippopotamus at the zoo.

Daito and Yui are looking at animals at the zoo.

大翔 Hiroto

見て、あそこにカバがいるよ。
Mite, asoko ni kaba ga iru yo.
Look, there is a hippopotamus over there.
結衣 Yui

本当だ！すごく大きいね。
Hontou da! Sugoku ookii ne.
You're right! It's huge.
大翔 Hiroto

カバは泳ぐのが上手なんだよ。
Kaba wa oyogu no ga jouzu nan da yo.
Hippopotamuses are good at swimming.
結衣 Yui

へー、そうなんだ。
Hee, sou nan da.
Oh, I didn't know that.

Sources

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