タツノオトシゴ
tatsunootoshigo
The English phrase seahorse is タツノオトシゴ (tatsunootoshigo) in Japanese.
This term refers to a small marine fish characterized by a head resembling a horse and a curled tail.
What does it mean word for word?
The name is a compound of tatsu (dragon), the possessive particle no and otoshigo (child), which literally means child of the dragon.
Which one should you use?
It can also be written using kanji as 竜の落とし子, which is the more literal way to write the name.
How do you pronounce it?
tatsunootoshigo
Did you know?
- While 落とし子 (otoshigo) means 'child' in this phrase, the word is also used in Japanese to refer to an illegitimate child or a 'bastard'.
- The word tatsu (dragon) in this name refers to the Japanese water dragon, which is quite different from the Western dragon as it is a serpentine deity of rain and seas.
- In Japanese folklore, the 'dragon' mentioned in the name refers to the powerful water deities that command the seas. This connects a tiny, fragile creature to the most formidable spirits of the ocean.
Examples in context
- 化石研究家は、古代の海から発見された美しい 海馬 に興奮しました。The paleontologist was thrilled by the discovery of a beautiful seahorse from the ancient sea.
- タツノオトシゴを見つけた。tatsunootoshigo o mitsuketa.I found a seahorse.
- タツノオトシゴはとても珍しい魚です。tatsunootoshigo wa totemo mezurashii sakana desu.The seahorse is a very rare fish.
- 水槽の中にタツノオトシゴがいます。suisou no naka ni tatsunootoshigo ga imasu.There is a seahorse in the tank.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at the marine life exhibits at an aquarium.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、あそこにタツノオトシゴがいるよ！A, asoko ni tatsunootoshigo ga iru yo!Oh, look, there is a seahorse over there!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ、すごく可愛いね。Hontou da, sugoku kawaii ne.You're right, it's so cute.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔君、もっと近くで見たい？Hiroto-kun, motto chikaku de mitai?Hiroto, do you want to see it closer?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、もっと近くで見たいよ。Un, motto chikaku de mitai yo.Yeah, I want to see it closer.
