Translation guide
The English word 'crow' refers to a specific bird. In Japanese, the most common and general word is カラス. However, there are different species and cultural nuances to be aware of.
Referring to the common black bird, Corvus species, in everyday contexts.
The standard, everyday word for 'crow' or 'raven'. Japanese does not strictly distinguish between crows and ravens in common usage; カラス covers both.
There are a lot of crows in the park.
A crow was rummaging through the trash.
The kanji for カラス. It is used in literature, signs, or formal contexts, but the katakana form is much more common in daily life.
I can hear a crow cawing.
Referring to the most common crow species in Japan, Corvus macrorhynchos.
The jungle crow or large-billed crow, the most common crow in urban Japan. Recognizable by its thick beak and distinct call.
Jungle crows are often seen in cities.
Referring to Corvus corone, another common species in Japan.
The carrion crow, with a slimmer beak. More common in rural areas.
Carrion crows are seen in rice fields.
Describing the sound a crow makes.
The onomatopoeia for a crow's caw. Often used with the verb 鳴く (なく).
The crow is cawing.
Using 'crow' in idiomatic or cultural references.
Crows are very common in Japan and are often considered pests due to their scavenging habits. However, they also appear in mythology, such as the three-legged crow Yatagarasu (八咫烏), a divine messenger.
In English, 'crow' and 'raven' are distinct, but Japanese usually uses カラス for both. If you need to specify a raven, you can say ワタリガラス (common raven), but it's not common knowledge.
They are nothing but a disorderly mob.