Translation and Meaning of: 小鳥 - kotori

The Japanese word 小鳥[ことり] is a lovely term frequently used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and use can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore from the composition of the kanjis to the cultural context in which this word appears, including tips for memorization and practical examples.

小鳥 [ことり] is one of those words that carries a special charm, often associated with images of small and delicate birds. Whether in everyday conversations or in works of art, it brings a sense of lightness and beauty. Here, you will discover how this word is perceived by the Japanese and how it can be used naturally.

Meaning and composition of 小鳥 [ことり]

The word 小鳥 [ことり] is made up of two kanji: 小 (small) and 鳥 (bird). Together, they literally mean "small bird" or "little bird." This combination is simple yet effective, conveying exactly the idea of small-sized birds, like sparrows or canaries.

It's worth noting that ことり can also be written solely in hiragana, especially in more informal contexts or when the writer wants to give a softer tone to the text. The reading ことり is the most common, but in some rare cases, such as in proper names or ancient literature, it may appear as しょうちょう, although this form is rarely used today.

Everyday use and cultural context

In Japan, 小鳥[ことり] is a word that evokes feelings of tenderness and delicacy. It frequently appears in children's songs, poems, and even in the names of anime characters. For example, the character Kotori Minami from the series "Love Live!" has a name that reflects her sweet and cheerful personality, much like the image of a little bird.

Additionally, 小鳥 is common in expressions that describe nature or picturesque situations. Phrases like "小鳥のさえずりが聞こえる" (you can hear the chirping of the little birds) are used to create tranquil and bucolic atmospheres. This word can also be found in pet stores or parks, where people observe birds.

Tips for memorizing 小鳥[ことり]

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanjis with a mental image. Visualizing a "small bird" (小 + 鳥) helps to reinforce the meaning. Another tip is to listen to songs or watch shows where the word appears, such as in anime openings or children's programs.

Furthermore, practicing the writing of kanjis can strengthen memorization. Repeating 小 (small) and 鳥 (bird) a few times while thinking about the concept of "little bird" makes learning more natural. If you like flashcards, incorporating ことり into your daily studies is a great idea.

Curiosities about the word 小鳥 [ことり]

An interesting curiosity is that in Japan, birds are often symbols of freedom and joy. They appear in artworks, such as paintings and haikus, representing the simple beauty of life. This positive association makes the word 小鳥 carry a poetic and inspiring connotation.

Another interesting fact is that, in some regional dialects, such as Okinawan, the pronunciation may vary slightly, but the meaning remains the same. Despite these variations, ことり is widely understood throughout the country, demonstrating its importance in the Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 雀 (Suzume) - Small bird, usually referring to a sparrow.
• ことり (Kotori) - Little bird, often used affectionately.
• 鳥 (Tori) - Generic term for "bird".
• バード (Bādo) - The English term "bird" is often used in modern or informal contexts to refer to a girl or a woman, especially in British slang.

小鳥

Romaji: kotori
Kana: ことり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: little bird

Meaning in English: small bird

Definition: A bird cries while flying in the sky.

Example Sentences - (小鳥) kotori

See below some example sentences:

小鳥が鳴く。

Kotori ga naku

The birds sing.

A bird shouting.

• 小鳥 - means "small bird" in Japanese.
• が - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 鳴く - Japanese verb that means "to sing" or "to chirp".

梢には小鳥が止まっている。

Kozue ni wa kotori ga tomatte iru

A bird is stopped in the tree.

• 梢 (kogoroshi) - top of the trees
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the location of the subject
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 小鳥 (kotori) - small birds
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 止まっている (tomatteiru) - stopped, perched