1.
sparrow
A small brown bird with a distinctive chirping call, common in both urban and rural areas.
雀が電線に止まっている。
Sparrows are perched on the power line.
雀がチュンチュン鳴いている。
The sparrows are chirping.
チュンチュン is the onomatopoeia for sparrow chirping
雀の涙ほどの給料だ。
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:
- 雀の涙 (sparrow's tear - a tiny amount)
- 雀の子 (sparrow chick - term of endearment for a child)
- 舌切り雀 (The Tongue-Cut Sparrow - famous folk tale)
Cultural presence:
- Appears in children's songs: 「雀の学校」
- Featured in the folk tale 「舌切り雀」
- Symbol of cheerfulness and liveliness
Related vocabulary:
- 雀焼き (grilled sparrow - regional delicacy)
- チュンチュン (sparrow chirping sound)
Counter: 一羽, 二羽...