Translation guide
The animal Orcinus orca. In Japanese, the most common term is シャチ, but the formal biological name is サカマタ. There is also a less common kanji term 鯱.
killer whale
Refer to the killer whale in everyday conversation, news, or casual contexts.
The most common and widely understood word for killer whale. Used in aquariums, documentaries, and daily speech.
I saw a killer whale show at the aquarium.
The formal biological name for the species. Used in scientific contexts or formal writing.
Kanji form of シャチ. Rarely used in modern writing; mostly seen in traditional contexts or as a decorative motif (e.g., 鯱鉾 on castle roofs).
This kanji is also used for the mythical creature shachihoko, not always the actual animal.
Killer whales are the apex predators of the sea.
The killer whale is a mammal.
城の屋根に鯱が飾られている。
The castle roof is decorated with a shachihoko (mythical carp).