also: しらぬひ
noun
mysterious sea lights; phosphorescent light on the sea
Refers to a legendary atmospheric phenomenon seen off the coast of Kyushu, often described as ghostly flames or lights over the water. Also used poetically.
不知火は、九州の八代海で見られるという神秘的な光の現象だ。
Shiranui is a mysterious light phenomenon said to be seen in the Yatsushiro Sea in Kyushu.
noun
shiranui citrus; sumo citrus; dekopon
A seedless, sweet citrus fruit with a distinctive bump at the top. Often marketed as 'dekopon' in Japan and 'sumo citrus' abroad. The reading しらぬい is standard for this sense.
See also: デコポン
冬になると、スーパーで不知火がよく売られている。
In winter, shiranui citrus is often sold at supermarkets.
不知火は甘くてジューシーで、とても人気がある。
Shiranui citrus is sweet, juicy, and very popular.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially for the citrus fruit.
Historical kana spelling; now obsolete.
A branded variety of shiranui citrus; often used interchangeably in everyday speech, but technically a trademark.
The kanji 不知火 literally mean 'unknown fire,' reflecting the mysterious nature of the sea lights. The reading is a jukujikun, not derived from the individual kanji readings. The citrus fruit was named after the phenomenon, likely due to its bright, flame-like color.