鯉(こい)

こい
noun
carp, koi
1. carp
A large freshwater fish.
鯉(こい)を釣(つ)った。
I caught a carp.
鯉のぼり(こいのぼり)を飾(かざ)る。
To display carp streamers.
川(かわ)に大(おお)きな鯉(こい)がいた。
There was a big carp in the river.
2. koi
Ornamental carp kept in ponds.
池(いけ)に鯉(こい)がいる。
There are koi in the pond.
錦鯉(にしきごい)はとてもきれいだ。
Ornamental koi are very beautiful.
庭(にわ)の池(いけ)で鯉(こい)を飼(か)っている。
I keep koi in the garden pond.

鯉(こい) refers to carp - a large freshwater fish that holds special cultural significance in Japan.

KANJI:
The kanji 鯉(こい) combines 魚(うお) (fish) and 里(さと) (village), suggesting a fish commonly found near human settlements.

TYPES OF CARP:

  • 真鯉(まごい): common carp (wild, dark-colored)
  • 錦鯉(にしきごい): ornamental koi (colorful varieties bred for beauty)
  • 緋鯉(ひごい): red carp

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Carp symbolize strength, perseverance, and success in Japan. According to Chinese legend, carp that swim upstream and leap over the Dragon Gate waterfall transform into dragons - representing determination and achievement.

CHILDREN'S DAY (子供(こども)の日(ひ)):

  • 鯉のぼり(こいのぼり): carp-shaped streamers/windsocks
  • Flown outside homes on May 5th
  • Traditionally displayed for boys to wish them strength and success
  • Usually includes: black 真鯉(まごい) (father), red 緋鯉(ひごい) (mother), and smaller colored carp (children)

EXPRESSIONS:

  • 鯉(こい)の滝登(たきのぼ)り: carp climbing a waterfall (metaphor for perseverance leading to success)
  • 登竜門(とうりゅうもん): gateway to success (from the Dragon Gate legend)

DON'T CONFUSE:

  • 鯉(こい) (こい): carp (fish)
  • 恋(こい) (こい): romantic love

Same pronunciation, completely different meanings!

general
Added 2026.1.9 21:28 · Revised 2026.2.22 9:57
02000/02209_koi