large deer
General term for any large deer; can refer to moose, elk, or red deer depending on context.
北海道では大鹿がよく見られる。
Large deer are often seen in Hokkaido.
Specifically refers to moose (Alces alces), elk (Cervus canadensis), or red deer (Cervus elaphus). The exact species depends on context; in Japan, it often means Yezo deer or introduced species.
大鹿の角はとても大きい。
The antlers of a moose are very large.
ヘラジカ is the specific term for moose (Alces alces), whereas 大鹿 can be a broader term for large deer.
Standard kanji spelling for large deer species, especially moose/elk.
Rare kanji variant; not commonly used in modern Japanese.
Katakana spelling often used in biological or field-guide contexts.
Compound of 大 (large) and 鹿 (deer). The reading おおじか follows standard kun'yomi compounding.