うさぎ
usagi
usagi is the Japanese word for rabbit or hare.
usagi refers to a long-eared mammal known for hopping. While the word can be written using the kanji 兎, it is very common to see it written in the phonetic hiragana script うさぎ.
Which one should you use?
The word is often written in hiragana うさぎ to create a softer aesthetic or to make it easier for children to read, whereas the kanji form 兎 is also used to represent the same meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
usagi
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, the usagi is not a silent creature, but a hardworking deity found living on the moon. Instead of making cheese, this moon rabbit is famously depicted pounding rice cakes to make 'mochi'.
- Japanese cuisine includes a dish called usagi-nabe, a traditional hot pot featuring rabbit meat, though it is now a rare delicacy found mostly in specific rural areas.
- In Japanese culture, the usagi is a symbol of agility and leaping progress, which is why it is a popular motif for New Year's decorations and charms to bring a 'leap' in success.
Examples in context
- 彼女は可愛い兎を飼っています。She has a cute rabbit.
- 昨日公園で可愛いウサギを見たよ！Yesterday, I saw a cute rabbit at the park!
- 公園にうさぎがいます。Kōen ni usagi ga imasu.There is a rabbit in the park.
- うさぎは耳が長いです。Usagi wa mimi ga nagai desu.Rabbits have long ears.
- このうさぎはとても可愛いです。Kono usagi wa totemo kawaii desu.This rabbit is very cute.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a picture book at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、うさぎがいるよ！A, usagi ga iru yo!Oh, there is a rabbit!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ、可愛いね。Hontō da, kawaii ne.You're right, it's cute.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くんはうさぎが好き？Hiroto-kun wa usagi ga suki?Hiroto, do you like rabbits?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、大好きだよ。Un, daisuki da yo.Yeah, I love them.
