くちばし
also: はし
Meanings
1
beak; bill
usually written using kana alone
Refers to the hard, projecting mouthpart of a bird. Also used figuratively for beak-like shapes.
The bird caught a fish with its long beak.
The small bird with a yellow beak is cute.
Usage patterns
- 嘴で〈物〉をつつくto peck at something with one's beak
The little bird is pecking at its food with its beak.
- 嘴が黄色いto be inexperienced or young (lit. to have a yellow beak, like a fledgling)
He's still a green newcomer.
Expressions
- 嘴を挟むbutt in; meddle; interfere