Translation guide
The English word "birds" refers to the animal class Aves. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 鳥 (とり). This guide covers how to talk about birds in various contexts, from casual conversation to scientific discussion, and includes related expressions.
Referring to birds in general, as animals.
The standard, everyday word for 'bird' or 'birds'. Japanese does not usually distinguish singular and plural, so 鳥 can mean 'a bird' or 'birds' depending on context.
A bird came to the garden.
鳥が空を飛んでいる。
Birds are flying in the sky.
A more formal or scientific term for 'birds' as a class of animals. Often used in biology or ornithology contexts.
鳥類は世界中に分布している。
Birds are distributed all over the world.
Talking about types of birds, such as sparrows, crows, etc.
Use this pattern to say 'a bird called ~' or 'the bird known as ~'. It's a natural way to introduce a specific bird species.
スズメという鳥はとても身近です。
The bird called a sparrow is very familiar.
Wild birds, as opposed to pets or domesticated birds. Common in birdwatching contexts.
週末は野鳥を観察しに行きます。
On weekends I go to observe wild birds.
Small birds, often used affectionately or to refer to pet birds like budgies.
Using 'birds' in figurative or idiomatic expressions.
Literally 'bird skin stands up', meaning 'to get goosebumps'. Used for both cold and emotional reactions.
感動で鳥肌が立った。
I got goosebumps from the emotion.
A proverb meaning 'a bird taking off does not muddy the water behind it', i.e., leave things clean when you depart. Equivalent to 'leave no trace'.
立つ鳥跡を濁さずで、部屋をきれいにして出た。
Following the proverb 'a bird taking off does not muddy the water behind it', I cleaned the room before leaving.
Referring to birds as poultry or game.
Chicken meat. The most common bird eaten in Japan. Note: 鳥 (とり) can also mean chicken meat in casual contexts, especially in compound words like 焼き鳥 (yakitori).
今夜は鶏肉のカレーを作ります。
Tonight I'll make chicken curry.
Grilled chicken skewers, a popular Japanese dish. Despite the name, it usually refers to chicken, not just any bird.
鳥類 is a technical term. In everyday conversation, always use 鳥. Using 鳥類 to mean 'birds' in casual speech sounds overly formal or scientific.
I can hear the chirping of small birds.
居酒屋で焼き鳥を食べた。
I ate yakitori at an izakaya.