Japanese · Nature & Environment
鳥
tori
Bird
Beginnernoun
Definition
A warm-blooded vertebrate with wings, feathers, and a beak. Japan's crane (鶴 tsuru) is a symbol of longevity and good fortune, prominently featured in origami.
Example
早朝には鳥のさえずりが聞こえます。
In the early morning you can hear the singing of birds.
Etymology
鳥 (tori) originates from ancient kanji depicting avian creatures, and has been a key part of Japanese culture due to the symbolic meaning of birds in literature and folklore.
How & Where It’s Used
鳥 is used in both spoken and written forms, appropriate for formal and informal discussions about wildlife. This term resonates universally across Japanese-speaking regions.
Literary Heritage
Referenced extensively in poetry, especially in haiku, as well as in folklore and cultural phrases.