Japanese bush warbler; Japanese nightingale
A small olive-brown bird known for its distinctive early-spring song. Often associated with the arrival of spring in Japanese culture.
When spring comes, the Japanese bush warbler begins to sing with a beautiful voice.
beautiful voice; woman with a beautiful voice
Metaphorical use comparing a person's singing or speaking voice to the warbler's song. Often used in the phrase 鶯嬢 (うぐいすじょう) for a female announcer or singer with a lovely voice.
Her voice is so beautiful, just like a Japanese bush warbler's.
greenish brown; olive brown
Pteria brevialata (wing oyster species)
black-naped oriole
bun filled with sweet green pea paste
Katakana spelling is common and preferred for the bird name; usually written in kana.
Kanji form is uncommon in modern writing; learners may encounter it in names or older texts.
Hiragana spelling is also used, especially in literary or traditional contexts.
Variant kanji form; even less common than 鶯.
The word is native Japanese, with the kanji 鶯 being a Chinese character adopted for this bird. The origin of the reading 'uguisu' is uncertain, but it may be onomatopoeic, imitating the bird's call.