1.
shark
A large predatory fish with cartilaginous skeleton, multiple rows of teeth, and a streamlined body.
鮫は海の食物連鎖の頂点にいる。
Sharks are at the top of the ocean food chain.
この海岸では鮫が出ることがあるので注意が必要だ。
Sharks sometimes appear at this beach, so caution is necessary.
鮫は嗅覚が非常に発達している。
Sharks have a highly developed sense of smell.
鮫 refers to sharks in general.
Alternative writing: サメ (katakana, common in scientific contexts)
Common types:
- ホホジロ鮫 / ホオジロ鮫 (great white shark)
- ジンベエ鮫 (whale shark)
- シュモク鮫 (hammerhead shark)
Common expressions:
- 鮫肌 (rough skin; literally "shark skin")
- 鮫皮 (sharkskin, also used for sword handle wrapping)
Counter: 匹 or 頭 (for large sharks)
Cultural note:
In traditional Japanese swordmaking, 鮫皮 (ray/shark skin) is used to wrap sword handles for grip. This material is actually from rays rather than sharks in most cases.