からすがい

か

ら

す

が

い

Meanings

noun

cockscomb pearl mussel

usually written using kana alone

A freshwater mussel species (Cristaria plicata) found in East Asia, known for producing pearls. The name literally means 'crow shellfish', referring to its dark shell.

からすがいは淡たん水すいに生せい息そくする二に枚まい貝がいです。
The cockscomb pearl mussel is a freshwater bivalve.
この湖みずうみではからすがいが真しん珠じゅを作つくることがあります。
In this lake, cockscomb pearl mussels sometimes produce pearls.

Kanji

貝shellfish
烏crow, raven

Related words

真しん珠じゅ貝がい
真珠貝 (pearl oyster) is a general term for pearl-producing bivalves, often marine. からすがい specifically refers to the freshwater Cristaria plicata.
二に枚まい貝がい
二枚貝 (bivalve) is the broad biological category. からすがい is one specific species within this group.

Written forms

烏からす貝がいUsage100%
Full kanji spelling. 烏 means 'crow', referring to the dark color of the shell.
カラスガイ
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling, often used in biological contexts or for emphasis.
からす貝がい
Mixed kanji-kana spelling. The kanji 貝 means 'shellfish'.

Etymology

The name からすがい (烏貝) literally means 'crow shellfish', likely from the dark, crow-like color of the shell. The exact origin is uncertain.