1.
bear
A large, powerful mammal found in mountainous regions of Japan. Both brown bears (Hokkaido) and Asian black bears (Honshu) live in Japan.
熊は冬眠する動物だ。
Bears are animals that hibernate.
熊が里に下りてきたというニュースがあった。
There was news that bears had come down to the village.
山を歩くときは熊よけの鈴を持っていったほうがいい。
When hiking in the mountains, you should bring a bear bell.
熊 refers to bears.
Types in Japan:
- ヒグマ (brown bear) - found in Hokkaido
- ツキノワグマ (月の輪熊) - Asian black bear, found in Honshu/Shikoku
Common expressions:
- 熊よけの鈴 (bear bell - hikers wear these)
- 熊が出る (bears appear - warning sign in mountains)
- 熊のぬいぐるみ (teddy bear, stuffed bear)
Counter: 頭
Safety note:
Bear encounters have increased in Japan as bears venture into residential areas seeking food. Hikers are advised to wear bells, make noise, and know how to respond to bear encounters. Warning signs (熊出没注意) are common on mountain trails.