jade
Refers to the gemstone jade (jadeite or nephrite). Often used in jewelry and decorative objects.
She is wearing a jade ring.
Refers to the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), a small brightly colored bird often found near water. The kanji 翡翠 literally means 'jade' and 'kingfisher', reflecting the bird's jewel-like plumage.
See also: カワセミ
翡翠は東アジアで古くから珍重されてきた。
Jade has been highly valued in East Asia since ancient times.
I spotted a kingfisher by the river.
The kingfisher has beautiful blue feathers.
Standard kanji spelling for both jade and kingfisher.
Katakana spelling, common in mineral/gem contexts and sometimes for the bird.
Hiragana spelling, used when kanji are avoided or for clarity.
The kanji 翡翠 originally referred to the kingfisher bird in Chinese, with 翡 (hi) for the male and 翠 (sui) for the female. The gemstone jade was later associated with the same characters due to its similar vivid green-blue colors. The Japanese reading ひすい is derived from the Chinese pronunciation.