鷹(たか)

鷹(たか) refers to hawks and falcons — medium to large birds of prey. Culturally significant in Japan with a rich history in falconry and proverbs.

Cultural note

鷹狩(たかが)り (falconry) was a prestigious pastime of samurai and nobility, especially during the Edo period. The Tokugawa shoguns maintained elaborate hawking grounds.

Common expressions

• 能(のう)ある鷹(たか)は爪(つめ)を隠(かく)す: a skilled hawk hides its talons (talented people don't show off)
• 鳶(とび)が鷹(たか)を生(う)む: a kite gives birth to a hawk (exceptional child from ordinary parents)

Related words

• 鳶(とび)/鳶(とんび): black kite (common, less noble bird)
• 鷲(わし): eagle (larger)
• 隼(はやぶさ): peregrine falcon
• 梟(ふくろう): owl