アザラシ
azarashi
The English phrase "seal animal" is translated into Japanese as アザラシ (azarashi).
The term refers to a carnivorous marine mammal characterized by having flippers and a thick layer of blubber.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is azarashi.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word アザラシ is written in katakana, the script usually reserved for foreign loanwords, despite the word being native to Japanese.
- Japanese aquatic parks often use the term アザラシ in 'healing' contexts, as the animal's round shape is linked to the concept of 'iyashi' or emotional healing.
- When referring to the 'seal' of an emperor or official, Japanese uses 印 or 判子, which is entirely unrelated to the animal アザラシ.
Examples in context
- あの水族館にはたくさんのあざらしがいます。There are many seals in that aquarium.
- 水族館でアザラシを見ました。Suizokukan de azarashi o mimashita.I saw a seal at the aquarium.
- アザラシはとても可愛いです。Azarashi wa totemo kawaii desu.The seal is very cute.
- 氷の上にアザラシがいます。Koori no ue ni azarashi ga imasu.There is a seal on the ice.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- 大翔 Hirotoあのアザラシ、泳ぐのが上手だね。Ano azarashi, oyogu no ga jouzu da ne.That seal is good at swimming, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当ですね。とても速いです。Hontou desu ne. Totemo hayai desu.It really is. It's very fast.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲はアザラシが好き？Misaki wa azarashi ga suki?Misaki, do you like seals?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大好きです！Hai, daisuki desu!Yes, I love them!
