Translation guide
The English word 'dove' can refer to the bird, a symbol of peace, or a gentle person. In Japanese, the bird is ハト, while the symbolic or figurative uses often require different expressions.
Referring to the bird species, commonly seen in parks and cities.
The general word for pigeon or dove. In Japanese, there is no strong distinction between 'pigeon' and 'dove'; both are ハト.
There are many doves in the park.
鳩がベンチの上で休んでいる。
A dove is resting on the bench.
Literally 'earth dove', referring to the common city pigeon (rock dove). Used when distinguishing from other species.
土鳩は街中でよく見かける。
Rock doves are often seen in the city.
Oriental turtle dove, a wild species with a distinctive scale pattern. Often heard in rural areas.
朝、キジバトの鳴き声が聞こえる。
In the morning, I can hear the call of the oriental turtle dove.
Referring to the dove as a symbol of peace, often in political or artistic contexts.
The dove as a symbol of peace. Often used in explanations or descriptions.
鳩は平和の象徴です。
The dove is a symbol of peace.
Literally 'peace dove', a common collocation in Japanese.
平和の鳩が描かれたポスター。
A poster with a peace dove drawn on it.
Describing a person who is gentle, innocent, or naive, often in a political context (e.g., a peace advocate vs. a hawk).
Refers to a 'dove' in politics, i.e., a person who advocates peace or moderate policies. Opposite of タカ派 (hawk).
彼はハト派の政治家として知られている。
He is known as a dove politician.
Describing someone as gentle or mild-mannered, without the political connotation. Not a direct translation of 'dove' but conveys the personality trait.
彼女はとても温和な人だ。
She is a very gentle person.
A soft-hearted or naive person who is easily taken advantage of. Can be used for someone who is too trusting, like a 'dove' in a cynical sense.
While English uses 'dove' metaphorically for a gentle person, Japanese 鳩 only refers to the bird. Use ハト派 for political doves or 温和な人 for a gentle personality.
Both are the same word. 鳩 is the kanji form, ハト is the katakana form. In everyday writing, ハト is common, but 鳩 is also used. No difference in meaning.
あいつはお人好しだから、騙されやすい。
He's such a dove (soft-hearted person) that he's easily deceived.