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.
庭に鳥が来た。
A bird came to the garden.
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.
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.
The bird called a sparrow is very familiar.
Wild birds, as opposed to pets or domesticated birds. Common in birdwatching contexts.
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.
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'.
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).
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.
On weekends I go to observe wild birds.
I can hear the chirping of small birds.
Following the proverb 'a bird taking off does not muddy the water behind it', I cleaned the room before leaving.
居酒屋で焼き鳥を食べた。
I ate yakitori at an izakaya.