Japanese word

クワガタ

Pronunciation

Romajikuwagata

Meaning

  • nounstag beetle

Example

公園でクワガタを見ました。kō en de ku wa ga ta o mi ma shi ta

I saw a stag beetle at the park.

Illustration for クワガタ (stag beetle)

More examples

夏休みにクワガタを飼って、毎日えさをあげました。natsu yasu mi ni ku wa ga ta o ka tte mai nichi e sa o a ge ma shi ta

I kept a stag beetle during summer vacation and fed it every day.

Core concept

It describes a beetle marked by the antler-like mandibles of its male.

Common phrases

  • クワガタを飼うku wa ga ta o ka u

    keep a stag beetle

  • クワガタを捕まえるku wa ga ta o tsuka ma e ru

    catch a stag beetle

  • クワガタの角ku wa ga ta no kado

    stag beetle horns

Definition in Japanese

雄の大あごが鹿の角のように見える甲虫。osu no ō a go ga shika no tsuno no yō ni mi e ru kabutomushi

Word origin

The name comes from 鍬形 (kuwagata, "a mattock-shaped helmet ornament"), a term for the shape of the mandibles in 鍬形虫 (kuwagatamushi), the full Japanese name.

Usage tips

  • Male stag beetles use their large mandibles to grapple with one another, which helps explain both their common English name and their striking appearance.

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