Japanese word

雀

Pronunciation

Romajisuzume

Meaning

  • nounsparrow

Example

屋根に雀が止まっています。ya ne ni suzume ga to ma tte i ma su

A sparrow is perched on the roof.

Illustration for 雀 (sparrow)

More examples

子どもたちが、窓の外を飛ぶ雀を見つけました。ko do mo ta chi ga mado no soto o to bu suzume o mi tsu ke ma shi ta

The children spotted a sparrow flying outside the window.

Core concept

It denotes a small, familiar bird that is often seen near human homes and buildings.

Common phrases

  • 雀の涙suzume no namida

    a tiny amount

  • 雀の群れsuzume no mu re

    a flock of sparrows

  • 雀の声suzume no koe

    sparrow calls

Definition in Japanese

スズメ科の小型の鳥で、人家の屋根や庭など身近な場所に生息するもの。su zu me ka no ko gata no tori de jin ka no ya ne ya niwa na do mi jika na ba sho ni sei soku su ru mo no

Word origin

The Japanese word 雀 (suzume, "sparrow") is a native Japanese word, while its written form uses 雀 (jaku, "sparrow"), a character borrowed from Chinese; the word's earlier history is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • The word sparrow is widely recognized through the character Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, whose surname names the same small bird.

Word lists with this word