梟(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.
梟(ふくろう)は夜行性(やこうせい)だ。
Owls are nocturnal.
お土産(みやげ)に梟(ふくろう)の置物(おきもの)を買(か)った。
I bought an owl figurine as a souvenir.
夜(よる)の森(もり)を歩(ある)いていたら、梟(ふくろう)の鳴(な)き声(ごえ)が聞(き)こえてきた。
While walking through the forest at night, I heard the hooting of an owl.

梟(ふくろう) refers to owls.

Alternative writing: フクロウ (katakana, common)

Common expressions:

Counter: 羽(わ)

Cultural note:

In Japan, 梟(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.

general
Added 2026.1.14 20:02 · Revised 2026.5.31 6:10
04000/04330_fukurou