noun
kingfisher; common kingfisher
Refers to the bird species Alcedo atthis, a small brightly colored bird often seen near water.
川のそばでカワセミを見つけた。
I spotted a kingfisher by the river.
カワセミは美しい青い羽を持っている。
The kingfisher has beautiful blue feathers.
Rarely used kanji form.
Rarely used kanji form.
The name カワセミ literally means 'river cicada' or 'river clear-water', but the exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 翡翠 is also used for the gemstone jadeite, likely due to the bird's vivid colors.