Japanese dictionary
How to say "animal" in Japanese
動物どうぶつ · dōbutsu
"Animal" in Japanese is 動物 (dōbutsu), literally "moving thing." A zoo is 動物園 (dōbutsuen).
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Ways to say "animal" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 動物どうぶつ · dōbutsu | Animal. The standard word. |
| 生き物いきもの · ikimono | Living thing; creature. |
| ペットぺっと · petto | Pet. |
How to use it
動物 appears in many words: 動物園 (zoo), 動物病院 (animal hospital, vet).
生き物 (ikimono) is broader and includes insects and fish. Children's books and aquariums use it often.
Example sentences
- 好きな動物は何ですか。Suki na dōbutsu wa nan desu ka.What's your favorite animal?
- 週末に子どもと動物園に行きました。Shūmatsu ni kodomo to dōbutsuen ni ikimashita.I went to the zoo with my kids on the weekend.
- このマンションは動物を飼ってもいいですか。Kono manshon wa dōbutsu o katte mo ii desu ka.Are pets allowed in this apartment building?
- 犬を動物病院に連れて行きました。Inu o dōbutsu byōin ni tsurete ikimashita.I took my dog to the vet.
- この島にはめずらしい生き物がいます。Kono shima ni wa mezurashii ikimono ga imasu.This island has rare creatures.
- ペットを飼っていますか。Petto o katte imasu ka.Do you have any pets?
Kanji in this word
Questions
How do you say "zoo" in Japanese?
A zoo is 動物園 (dōbutsuen), literally "animal garden." Ueno Zoo in Tokyo is 上野動物園 (Ueno Dōbutsuen).
What is a 動物病院?
動物病院 (dōbutsu byōin) is an animal hospital, the usual word for a veterinary clinic in Japan.
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