shellfish

About this kanji

The kanji 貝 means "shellfish" and is often used in both nouns and compounds. One common word is 貝殻 (かいがら), which means "seashell." Another is 貝塚 (かいづか), referring to a "shell heap" where shells are collected over time, often found in archaeological sites. The kanji can also appear in compound words like 巻き貝 (まきがい), meaning "snail," and 貝貨 (ばいか), which refers to "shell money" used historically as currency. Notably, the kun'yomi reading かい refers specifically to shellfish. You'll find this kanji in various contexts, especially in seafood discussions. It's a practical kanji to know, as it connects to nature and historical practices.

Example sentences

• 貝殻を集めるのが好き。

  I love collecting seashells.

Meanings across languages

English

shellfish

Tiếng Việt

sò, hến

日本語

貝, 貝類

한국어

조개류

中文

贝类

id

makanan laut

th

หอย

es

mariscos

fr

coquillages

de

Schalentiere

pt

moluscos

Common compounds

• 貝殻かいがらseashell, shell
• 貝塚かいづかshell heap, shell mound, kitchen midden
• 宇柳貝ウルグアイUruguay
• 巻き貝まきがいsnail, spiral shell
• 貝貨ばいかshell money
• 貝柱かいばしらadductor muscle, adductor muscle of a bivalve (e.g. scallop, etc.)
• 貝毒かいどくshellfish poison
• 貝類かいるいshellfish