Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Get the Kotomora apps for iOS and Android.

Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides About Support Privacy

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

タツノオトシゴ (tatsunootoshigo) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

タツノオトシゴ

also: たつのおとしご

タ

ツ

ノ

オ

ト

シ

ゴ

Freq.FrequencyTop 100,000

Meanings

1

usually written using kana alone

Refers to the marine fish of the genus Hippocampus. The name literally means 'dragon's fallen child', reflecting its mythical appearance.

水すい族ぞく館かんでタツノオトシゴを見みた。

I saw a seahorse at the aquarium.

タツノオトシゴはオスが子こ育そだてをする。

Male seahorses raise the young.

Kanji

竜dragon, imperial
落fall, drop, come down
子child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM
龍dragon, imperial

Written forms

タツノオトシゴUsage95%
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling is the most common and recommended form; the word is usually written in kana.
竜たつの落おとし子ごUsage5%
Kanji spelling using 竜; rarely used in practice.
たつのおとしご
Hiragana spelling, also common and acceptable.
龍たつの落おとし子ご
out-dated kanji form
Kanji spelling using the older 龍; contains outdated kanji usage.

Etymology

Compound of 竜 (tatsu, 'dragon') + の (no, possessive particle) + 落とし子 (otoshigo, 'fallen child; illegitimate child'), literally 'dragon's fallen child'. The name likely comes from the seahorse's resemblance to a mythical dragon.