Translation guide
A small migratory cuckoo species found in East Asia, known for its distinctive call. In Japanese, it is primarily referred to by its standard ornithological name, with a poetic variant used in literature.
Referring to the lesser cuckoo as a bird in scientific, birdwatching, or general nature contexts.
The standard Japanese name for the lesser cuckoo. This is the most common and widely understood term.
ホトトギスが鳴いている。
A lesser cuckoo is singing.
ホトトギスは夏鳥です。
The lesser cuckoo is a summer bird.
A poetic or literary kanji rendering of ホトトギス, often used in classical poetry and literature. Rare in everyday usage.
不如帰の声を聞いた。
I heard the call of the lesser cuckoo.