Translation guide
The English word 'urchin' can refer to a mischievous child or a sea creature. This guide covers both meanings.
To refer to a poor, often dirty, child who behaves badly or playfully, especially in a street setting.
A somewhat literary term for a mischievous or bad child, often used in stories.
その悪童は市場で果物を盗んだ。
The urchin stole fruit at the market.
A common, affectionate term for a mischievous child, not necessarily poor.
うちのいたずらっ子がまた壁に落書きした。
Our little urchin drew on the wall again.
Specifically a homeless or street child, emphasizing poverty and wandering.
戦後、多くの浮浪児が街をさまよっていた。
After the war, many urchins wandered the streets.
To refer to the spiny sea creature, often eaten as sushi.
The standard word for sea urchin, both the animal and the food.
ウニの寿司が大好きです。
I love sea urchin sushi.
Kanji for sea urchin, used in formal or written contexts, especially menus.
この海胆は北海道産です。
This sea urchin is from Hokkaido.
Another kanji for sea urchin, specifically the processed roe used in sushi. Rarely used in everyday writing.
雲丹の軍艦巻きをください。
Please give me sea urchin gunkan-maki.
The English word 'urchin' has two very different meanings. In Japanese, they are completely separate words. Make sure to use the right one based on context.
あの子はいたずらっ子だ。
That kid is an urchin.
ウニを食べたことがありますか？
Have you ever eaten sea urchin?