(ふくろう)

ふくろう
noun
owl
1. owl
A nocturnal bird of prey with large forward-facing eyes, a flat face, and silent flight. Owls are associated with wisdom and good luck in Japan.
(ふくろう)夜行性(やこうせい)だ。
Owls are nocturnal.
土産(みやげ)(ふくろう)置物(おきもの)()った。
I bought an owl figurine as a souvenir.
(よる)(もり)(ある)いていたら、(ふくろう)()(ごえ)()こえてきた。
While walking through the forest at night, I heard the hooting of an owl.

(ふくろう) refers to owls.

Alternative writing: フクロウ (katakana, common)

Common expressions:

  • (ふくろう)カフェ (owl café)
  • (ふくろう)置物(おきもの) (owl figurine)

Counter: ()

Cultural note:

In Japan, (ふくろう) is considered a lucky symbol. The word can be written with different kanji to create puns:

  • 不苦労(ふくろう) ("no hardship")
  • 福来郎(ふくろう) ("good fortune comes")

Owl figurines and goods are popular as good luck charms. Owl cafés where visitors can interact with owls have become tourist attractions in Japan.