鷲(わし)

わし
noun
eagle
1. eagle
A large bird of prey with powerful talons, a hooked beak, and excellent eyesight. Eagles symbolize power and majesty.
空(そら)に鷲(わし)が飛(と)んでいる。
An eagle is flying in the sky.
鷲(わし)は鋭(するど)い目(め)で獲物(えもの)を見(み)つける。
Eagles spot their prey with sharp eyes.
北海道(ほっかいどう)では冬(ふゆ)になるとオオワシが見(み)られることで有名(ゆうめい)だ。
Hokkaido is famous for the Steller's sea eagles that can be seen in winter.
オオワシ = Steller's sea eagle

鷲(わし) refers to eagles.

Common types:

  • オオワシ (Steller's sea eagle)
  • オジロワシ (white-tailed eagle)
  • イヌワシ (golden eagle)

Common expressions:

  • 鷲(わし)鼻(ばな) (aquiline nose, hooked nose)
  • 鷲(わし)のような目(め) (eagle eyes)
  • 鷲(わし)づかみ (to grab/clutch something tightly)

Counter: 羽(わ)

Related:

  • 鷹(たか) (hawk) - smaller than eagles
  • 鳶(とび)/トビ (black kite) - common in urban areas

Note:
鷲(わし) is distinct from 鷹(たか) (hawk). Eagles are generally larger and more powerful. The distinction in Japanese follows similar criteria to English.

general
Added 2026.1.14 20:02 · Revised 2026.3.4 12:07
04000/04329_washi