海豚(いるか)

いるか
noun
dolphin
1. dolphin
An intelligent marine mammal known for its playful behavior, agility, and ability to be trained. Dolphins are popular attractions at aquariums in Japan.
水族館(すいぞくかん)で海豚(いるか)のショーを見(み)た。
I watched a dolphin show at the aquarium.
海豚(いるか)が船(ふね)の横(よこ)を泳(およ)いでいた。
Dolphins were swimming alongside the boat.
海豚(いるか)は非常(ひじょう)に知能(ちのう)が高(たか)い動物(どうぶつ)として知(し)られている。
Dolphins are known as highly intelligent animals.

海豚(いるか) refers to dolphins. The kanji literally means "sea pig."

Alternative writing: イルカ (katakana, common)

Common expressions:

  • 海豚(いるか)ショー (dolphin show)
  • 海豚(いるか)と泳(およ)ぐ (to swim with dolphins)
  • バンドウ海豚(いるか) (bottlenose dolphin)

Counter: 頭(とう) or 匹(ひき)

Note:
Dolphins are distinct from 鯨(くじら) (whales) though both are cetaceans. The smaller cetaceans are generally called 海豚(いるか), while larger ones are 鯨(くじら). 鼠海豚(ねずみいるか) (porpoise) refers specifically to porpoises.

Related Words

Related: 鯨(くじら)
general
Added 2026.1.14 20:02 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:14
04000/04313_iruka