タコ
tako
The Japanese word for octopus is タコ (tako).
タコ is a noun used to refer to the mollusc known as an octopus. While the word can be written in kanji (蛸), it is very commonly written in katakana (タコ) in menus, scientific contexts or general text.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
tako
Did you know?
- The word タコ is also used in a different context to refer to a callus on a finger or a corn on a foot.
- In Japanese slang, the word タコ can be used to describe someone who is clumsy or a 'total failure' at a task. This usage is quite different from the biological meaning of the sea creature.
- The popular snack tako-yaki literally means 'grilled octopus', but the word yaki refers to the cooking process rather than the shape of the ball.
Examples in context
- タコって、足は何本あるの？How many arms does an octopus have?This sentence is useful for asking about the number of arms an タコ has.Tatoeba #11563279 by small_snow, translation #2228387 by Tximist
- タコが、ココナッツの殻に身を潜めている。The octopus is hiding in a coconut shell.This sentence describes an タコ hiding in a coconut shell.Tatoeba #11563264 by small_snow, translation #7813019 by sharris123
- 昨日、スキューバダイビングしてたら、大きなタコがいたよ。I saw a huge octopus while scuba diving yesterday.This sentence is useful for describing a sighting of a large タコ while scuba diving.Tatoeba #11563269 by small_snow, translation #8741223 by Solana
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to eat at a restaurant.
- 陽太 Yota今日の刺身、タコが入ってるかな？Kyou no sashimi, tako ga haitteru kana?I wonder if there is octopus in today's sashimi.
- 美咲 Misakiメニューを見ると、タコはなさそうだよ。Menyuu o miru to, tako wa nasasou da yo.Looking at the menu, it doesn't look like there is octopus.
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、代わりにイカにしよう。Jaa, kawari ni ika ni shiyou.Then, let's have squid instead.
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ、それがいいと思う。Ii yo, sore ga ii to omou.Okay, I think that's a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry タコ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
