Japanese word

金魚

Pronunciation

Romajikingyo

Meaning

  • noungoldfish

Example

家で金魚を飼っています。ie de kin gyo o ka tte i ma su

I keep goldfish at home.

Illustration for 金魚 (goldfish)

More examples

毎朝、金魚に餌をやっています。mai asa kin gyo ni esa o ya tte i ma su

I feed the goldfish every morning.

Core concept

Refers to a small freshwater fish whose vivid color makes it a familiar ornamental animal in homes and ponds.

Common phrases

  • 金魚を飼うkin gyo o ka u

    keep goldfish

  • 金魚の餌kin gyo no esa

    goldfish food

Definition in Japanese

フナ類を改良した、赤や金色などの体色を持つ観賞用の淡水魚。fu na rui o kai ryō shi ta aka ya kin iro na do no tai shoku o mo tsu kan shō yō no tan sui gyo

Word origin

The compound 金魚 (kingyo) joins 金 (kin, "gold") and 魚 (gyo, "fish"), describing a fish associated with a golden color.

Usage tips

  • The phrase goldfish memory describes forgetfulness in English, but goldfish are capable of learning and retaining simple routines.

Word lists with this word