イタチザメ
itachizame
The English phrase "tiger shark" is translated into Japanese as イタチザメ (itachizame).
イタチザメ is a noun used to refer to the species Galeocerdo cuvier.
Meaning: Galeocerdo cuvier (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of two parts: the second part, ザメ (zame), means "shark".
How do you pronounce it?
itachizame
Did you know?
- The first part of the name, イタチ, is actually the word for 'weasel'. This creates a literal translation of 'weasel shark'.
- In Japanese, the word for shark is usually サメ (same), but in the compound イタチザメ, the sound changes to ザメ (zame). This linguistic phenomenon is called Rendaku, where the first consonant of the second element in a compound becomes voiced.
- In scientific contexts, you might see the word written as イタチザメ using Katakana, despite it being a native Japanese word. This is a stylistic choice used to highlight biological terms in textbooks.
Examples in context
- あの映画を見た？主人公とタイガーシャークの戦いがすごかった！Have you seen that movie? The fight scene between the protagonist and the tiger shark was incredible!
- イタチザメは非常に強力な捕食者です。Itachizame wa hijō ni kyōryoku na hoshokusha desu.The tiger shark is a very powerful predator.
- 水族館でイタチザメを見ました。Suizokukan de itachizame o mimashita.I saw a tiger shark at the aquarium.
- イタチザメの縞模様はとても美しい。Itachizame no shimayō wa totemo utsukushii.The tiger shark's stripes are very beautiful.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- 美咲 Misakiあそこにイタチザメがいるよ。Asoko ni itachizame ga iru yo.There is a tiger shark over there.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ、迫力があるね。Hontō da, hakuryoku ga aru ne.You're right, it's quite powerful/impressive.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔君は、このサメが怖くないの？Hiroto-kun wa, kono same ga kowakunai no?Hiroto, aren't you afraid of this shark?
- 大翔 Hiroto少し怖いけど、かっこいいよ。Sukoshi kowai kedo, kakkoii yo.I'm a little scared, but it's cool.
