かもめ

かもめ (seagull/gull) is a common seabird seen at Japanese coastal areas, harbors, and beaches.

Writing

Can be written as 鷗(かもめ), though the kanji is uncommon and usually replaced by kana. The kanji is classified as 常用漢字外(じょうようかんじがい) (outside the standard kanji list).

Common collocations

• かもめが飛(と)ぶ: seagulls fly
• かもめの群(む)れ: a flock of seagulls
• 海(うみ)のかもめ: seagulls at the sea

Cultural note

かもめ appears frequently in Japanese literature, songs, and poetry as a symbol of the sea and coastal life. The famous play「かもめ」is the Japanese title for Chekhov's "The Seagull."

Counter

Birds are counted with 羽(わ): 一羽(いちわ)、二羽(にわ).