雀(すずめ)

すずめ
noun
sparrow
1. sparrow
A small brown bird with a distinctive chirping call, common in both urban and rural areas.
雀(すずめ)が電線(でんせん)に止(と)まっている。
Sparrows are perched on the power line.
雀(すずめ)がチュンチュン鳴(な)いている。
The sparrows are chirping.
チュンチュン is the onomatopoeia for sparrow chirping
雀(すずめ)の涙(なみだ)ほどの給料(きゅうりょう)だ。
The salary is as small as a sparrow's tear. (Very little)
Common idiom for a tiny amount

One of Japan's most familiar birds, often seen near human habitation. The main species is スズメ (Eurasian tree sparrow).

Expressions:

  • 雀(すずめ)の涙(なみだ) (sparrow's tear - a tiny amount)
  • 雀(すずめ)の子(こ) (sparrow chick - term of endearment for a child)
  • 舌切(したき)り雀(すずめ) (The Tongue-Cut Sparrow - famous folk tale)

Cultural presence:

  • Appears in children's songs: 「雀(すずめ)の学校(がっこう)」
  • Featured in the folk tale 「舌切(したき)り雀(すずめ)」
  • Symbol of cheerfulness and liveliness

Related vocabulary:

  • 雀(すずめ)焼(や)き (grilled sparrow - regional delicacy)
  • チュンチュン (sparrow chirping sound)

Counter: 一羽(いちわ), 二羽(にわ)...

general
Added 2026.1.14 21:56 · Revised 2026.6.4 4:09
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