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マベガイ (まべがい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

マベガイ

Meanings

1

noun

penguin wing oyster

usually written using kana alone

A species of pearl oyster, Pteria penguin, known for producing mabé pearls. The name is used in marine biology and pearl industry contexts.

マベガイは真しん珠じゅ養よう殖しょくに使つかわれる貝かいの一いっ種しゅです。
The penguin wing oyster is a type of shellfish used in pearl cultivation.

Written forms

マベガイ
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling is standard for this species name; usually written in kana.
まべ貝がい
Kanji-hybrid form; rarely used. Lists it but it is not the usual spelling.

Kanji

貝shellfish

Similar words

真しん珠じゅ貝がい
真珠貝 is a general term for pearl oysters, while マベガイ refers specifically to Pteria penguin.

Etymology

The name マベ (mabe) likely derives from a local or regional name for this oyster; the exact origin is uncertain. ガイ (貝) means 'shellfish'.