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.
梟は夜行性だ。
Owls are nocturnal.
お土産に梟の置物を買った。
I bought an owl figurine as a souvenir.
夜の森を歩いていたら、梟の鳴き声が聞こえてきた。
While walking through the forest at night, I heard the hooting of an owl.
梟 refers to owls.
Alternative writing: フクロウ (katakana, common)
Common expressions:
- 梟カフェ (owl café)
- 梟の置物 (owl figurine)
Counter: 羽
Cultural note:
In Japan, 梟 is considered a lucky symbol. The word can be written with different kanji to create puns:
- 不苦労 ("no hardship")
- 福来郎 ("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.