Japanese word

わし

Pronunciation

Romajiwashi

Meaning

  • nouneagle

Example

あのわしは高く飛びます。a no wa shi wa taka ku to bi ma su

That eagle flies high.

Illustration for わし (eagle)

More examples

動物園で大きなわしを見ました。dō butsu en de ō ki na wa shi o mi ma shi ta

I saw a large eagle at the zoo.

Core concept

Describes a powerful bird of prey with broad wings that soars high and hunts with keen vision.

Common phrases

  • わしの巣wa shi no su

    eagle's nest

  • わしの羽wa shi no hane

    eagle feather

Definition in Japanese

大きな翼と鋭い爪を持ち、空高く飛んで獲物を捕らえる鳥。ō ki na tsubasa to surudo i tsume o mo chi sora taka ku to n de e mono o to ra e ru tori

Word origin

わし (washi) is an old native Japanese word meaning "eagle," and no certain earlier source or component is known; 鷲 (washi, "eagle") is its standard kanji writing.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese conversation, わし (washi) can also mean "I" in some regional or old-fashioned speech, so context distinguishes it from the bird.

Word lists with this word