Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for tortoise is カメ (kame), which also means turtle. The distinction between land and sea turtles is made by adding modifiers.
Referring specifically to a land-dwelling tortoise, as opposed to a sea turtle.
The most common and specific term for a land tortoise. Literally 'land turtle'.
リクガメは長生きです。
Tortoises live a long time.
Kanji form of リクガメ, used in written or formal contexts.
陸亀の飼育方法を調べています。
I'm researching how to care for tortoises.
Referring to turtles or tortoises in general, without specifying land or sea.
The generic word for turtle or tortoise. Often used when the distinction is clear from context.
Japanese does not have a single native word that exclusively means 'tortoise'. The word カメ (kame) covers both turtles and tortoises. To specify a land tortoise, use リクガメ (rikugame). For sea turtles, use ウミガメ (umigame).
ウミガメは海に住んでいます。
Sea turtles live in the ocean.
公園でカメを見つけた。
I found a turtle/tortoise in the park.
Kanji form of カメ, common in written Japanese.
亀は甲羅を持っている。
Turtles have shells.