鳩(はと)

はと
noun
pigeon, dove
animal-bird
1. pigeon, dove
A plump bird with a cooing call, found in both urban areas (pigeons) and symbolic contexts (doves).
公園(こうえん)で鳩(はと)に餌(えさ)をやる。
Feed the pigeons in the park.
餌をやる/あげる means to feed (animals)
鳩(はと)が平和(へいわ)の象徴(しょうちょう)とされている。
Doves are considered a symbol of peace.
鳩(はと)が豆鉄砲(まめでっぽう)を食(く)らったような顔(かお)をしている。
He has a face like a pigeon hit by a peashooter. (Looking shocked/stunned)
Idiom describing a bewildered expression

Types

  • ドバト/土鳩(どばと) (rock dove/feral pigeon) - common in cities
  • キジバト/雉鳩(きじばと) (oriental turtle dove) - wild, shy
  • 白(しろ)い鳩(はと) (white dove) - symbol of peace

Cultural note

  • 平和(へいわ)の象徴(しょうちょう) (symbol of peace)
  • Associated with shrines and parks
  • 鳩(はと)サブレー (dove-shaped cookies from Kamakura)
  • Feeding pigeons is discouraged or banned in many Japanese cities due to hygiene concerns.

Common expressions

Counting patterns

Related words

  • クルックー (cooing)

Related Words

Compare: 雉(きじ) (pheasant)
general
Added 2026.1.14 21:56 · Revised 2026.10.6 3:41
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