noun
hawksbill turtle
Refers specifically to the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), known for its beautiful shell used in traditional crafts.
タイマイは絶滅危惧種に指定されている。
The hawksbill turtle is designated as an endangered species.
このべっ甲細工はタイマイの甲羅から作られている。
This tortoiseshell craft is made from the shell of a hawksbill turtle.
Rarely used kanji form.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
The Japanese word タイマイ is likely derived from the Chinese name for the hawksbill turtle, 玳瑁 (dàimào), adapted into Japanese pronunciation. The exact historical path is uncertain.