カモメ
Meanings
1
common gull; mew gull
usually written using kana alone
Specifically refers to the common gull (Larus canus). In everyday Japanese, カモメ often covers seagulls in general, but this sense is the precise ornithological meaning.
The common gull is a medium-sized gull.
2
seagull; gull
usually written using kana alone
General term for seagulls and gulls (family Laridae). This is the most common everyday meaning.
Seagulls are crying at the beach.
A seagull is flying over the waves.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉にカモメが群れるgulls flock/gather at a place
Gulls are gathering in flocks at the harbor.
- カモメに餌をやるto feed the gulls
The tourists were feeding the seagulls.
- カモメが鳴くgulls cry/call
Seagulls are calling in the distance.