tortoise, turtle
On'yomi (音読み)
- キ
- キュウ
- キン
Kun'yomi (訓読み)
- かめ
About this kanji
The kanji 「亀」 primarily means "tortoise" or "turtle." It can be used both as a noun, referring specifically to these reptiles, and in compound words. For example, 亀裂 (きれつ) means "crack," while 亀甲 (きっこう) refers to "tortoiseshell." Another compound, 亀頭 (きとう), is a term used for the glans, especially in anatomical contexts. Additionally, 石亀 (いしがめ) denotes a specific type of turtle. Note that while 「亀」 often represents slower-moving creatures, it can also symbolize longevity and resilience in Japanese culture.
Example sentences
亀は長生きの象徴だ。
The turtle is a symbol of longevity.
Meanings across languages
- English
- tortoise, turtle
- Tiếng Việt
- rùa
- 日本語
- 亀
- 한국어
- 거북
- 中文
- 龟
- id
- kura-kura
- th
- เต่า
- es
- tortuga
- fr
- tortue
- de
- Schildkröte
- pt
- tartaruga
Common compounds
- 亀裂きれつcrack, crevice, fissure
- 亀甲きっこうtortoiseshell, tortoise shell, tortoiseshell pattern
- 亀鑑きかんpattern, example, model
- 亀頭きとうglans (esp. glans penis)
- 石亀いしがめany turtle of the genus Mauremys (esp. the Japanese pond turtle, Mauremys japonica)
- 盲亀もうきblind turtle
- 亀卜きぼくtortoise-shell divination (in ancient China and Japan)
- 銭亀ぜにがめbaby spotted turtle, immature Japanese pond turtle, young Japanese terrapin
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