鯱
shachi[ɕa̠t͡ɕi]
The Japanese word for orca is 鯱 (shachi). Wiktionary also lists さかまた (sakamata).
Meaning: ''Orcinus orca'' (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 鯱 | shachi | [ɕa̠t͡ɕi] (narrow) [ɕa̠t͡ɕi̥ho̞ko̞] (narrow) |
| さかまた | sakamata |
The term refers to the species Orcinus orca. While the word kujira can be used to express orca, it is generally used to refer to whales in general.
How do you pronounce it?
shachi
Did you know?
- In ancient Japanese folklore, the shachi was believed to be able to summon rain to extinguish fires, which is why its image appears on the roofs of castles.
- The word 鯱 is a 'kokuji', meaning it is a character created in Japan specifically to represent a concept, rather than being imported from Chinese characters.
- In Japanese architecture, a 鯱鉾 (shachihoko) refers to a mythical creature with a fish body and a tiger head that protects buildings from fire.
Examples in context
- 最新の研究によると、鯱（しゃち）は海洋哺乳類の中でも知能が高いとされています。According to the latest research, orcas are considered highly intelligent among marine mammals.
- 鯱が泳いでいる。shachi ga oyoide iru.An orca is swimming.
- 鯱はとても大きい。shachi wa totemo ookii.The orca is very large.
- 水族館で鯱を見た。suizokukan de shachi o mita.I saw an orca at the aquarium.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are looking at a picture book about sea creatures.
- 美咲 Misakiこの鯱の写真、かっこいいね。kono shachi no shashin, kakkoii ne.This photo of the orca is cool, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。とても力強いね。hontō da. totemo chikarazuyoi ne.You're right. It looks very powerful.
- 美咲 Misaki鯱は海の王者と言われているよ。shachi wa umi no ōja to iwarete iru yo.Orcas are said to be the kings of the ocean.
- 大翔 Hiroto一度、本物を見てみたいな。ichido, honmono o mite mitai na.I want to see a real one someday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orca” translations and entries 鯱, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 鯱, CC BY-SA 4.0.
