Translation guide
The Japanese nightingale (uguisu) is a small olive-brown bird known for its distinctive early spring song. In English, 'Japanese nightingale' usually refers to this specific bird, though it is not a true nightingale.
Referring to the bird species commonly called Japanese nightingale or Japanese bush warbler in English.
The standard Japanese name for the Japanese bush warbler. Often written in hiragana as うぐいす. This bird is famous for its 'ho-hokekyo' song and is a symbol of spring.
春になると鶯が鳴き始める。
When spring comes, the Japanese nightingales start singing.
庭で鶯の声が聞こえた。
I heard a Japanese nightingale in the garden.
Katakana form, often used in scientific or casual contexts, or when emphasizing the bird as a species.
ウグイスは日本の春を象徴する鳥だ。
The uguisu is a bird that symbolizes spring in Japan.
Referring to the bird in poetry, art, or as a seasonal symbol.
In haiku and waka, the uguisu is a kigo (season word) for early spring. It often appears in classical literature and art.
鶯の谷渡りの声が聞こえる。
I can hear the uguisu's song echoing across the valley.
Referring to the olive-green color named after the bird.
A traditional Japanese color name meaning 'uguisu color,' a dull olive-green. Often used in fashion and design.
彼女は鶯色の着物を着ていた。
She was wearing an uguisu-colored kimono.
Referring to things named after the bird, such as sweets, locations, or brands.
Often used in names of Japanese sweets (e.g., uguisu mochi), train stations, or other products to evoke a sense of spring and elegance.
うぐいす餅は春の和菓子です。
Uguisu mochi is a spring Japanese sweet.
The Japanese nightingale (uguisu) is not related to the European nightingale. In Japanese, the European nightingale is called ナイチンゲール (naichingēru) or 夜鳴き鶯 (よなきうぐいす). Be careful not to confuse them in translation.