The word 'kamo' refers to a wild duck, commonly found in Japanese waterways and also used as a culinary term.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A common water bird with webbed feet.
- Often seen in ponds and rivers.
- Also refers to duck meat in cuisine.
概要
カモ（鴨）は、鳥類の中でも特に人々に馴染み深い水鳥です。体型は丸みを帯びており、水かきのある足が特徴です。日本には「マガモ」や「カルガモ」など、多くの種類が渡り鳥として飛来します。2) 使用パターン: 日常会話では、公園の池などで見かける鳥を指す際に使われます。また、料理の材料として「鴨肉」を指す際にも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈: 公園でのバードウォッチング、自然観察、あるいは和食（鴨鍋や鴨南蛮）の文脈で頻繁に登場します。4) 類語との比較: 「アヒル」はカモを家禽化したもので、見た目は似ていますが、野生か飼育かという点で異なります。「オシドリ」はカモ科の鳥の一種ですが、特に夫婦仲が良いことの象徴として別格に扱われることが多いです。
Examples
公園の池にカモがいます。
everydayThere is a duck in the park pond.
今日のランチは鴨南蛮です。
formalToday's lunch is duck soba noodles.
カモの親子が歩いています。
informalA family of ducks is walking.
渡り鳥であるカモの生態を研究する。
academicStudying the ecology of migratory ducks.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
鴨の親子
duck family
鴨料理
duck cuisine
Often Confused With
This is a grammar particle used to express possibility, not the animal. It is a shortened form of 'kamoshirenai'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The noun 'kamo' is used neutrally to describe the bird. It is also common in culinary contexts. Note that it is a homonym for the grammatical contraction of 'kamoshirenai', so context is vital.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse the animal 'kamo' with the grammar particle 'kamo' (maybe). Always check if the sentence refers to a living thing or a possibility. Using the kanji 鴨 helps clarify the meaning.
Tips
Recognize the kanji 鴨
The kanji 鴨 is often used on restaurant menus. Remembering this symbol helps you identify duck dishes.
Don't confuse with 'kamo' suffix
Be careful not to confuse the noun 'kamo' (duck) with the 'kamo' which is a contraction of 'kamoshirenai' (might/may).
Ducks in Japanese culture
Ducks are beloved in Japan, appearing in folk tales and seasonal poetry. They symbolize the change of seasons.
Word Origin
The word comes from the sound the bird makes. It is an ancient Japanese word that has been used since the Nara period.
Cultural Context
Ducks are frequently depicted in Japanese art and literature. They are considered a sign of peaceful nature and seasonal transition.
Memory Tip
Imagine a duck floating in a pond saying 'Ka-mo!'. The sound is distinct and easy to link to the bird.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「かも」は野生の鳥ですが、「アヒル」はカモを家畜化して品種改良したものです。アヒルは野生のカモよりも体が大きく、飛ぶ力が弱いです。
はい、鴨肉として非常に人気があります。特に鴨鍋や鴨南蛮そばといった料理で、独特の風味と旨味が楽しまれています。
日本で一年中見られる代表的なカモの一種です。都会の池でもよく繁殖しており、親子で歩く姿がニュースになることもあります。
漢字では「鴨」と書きます。この漢字は、鳥の形と甲羅の形から成り立っていると言われています。
Test Yourself
池で___が泳いでいます。
池で泳ぐ鳥として最も適切なのは「かも」です。
Score: /1
Summary
The word 'kamo' refers to a wild duck, commonly found in Japanese waterways and also used as a culinary term.
- A common water bird with webbed feet.
- Often seen in ponds and rivers.
- Also refers to duck meat in cuisine.
Recognize the kanji 鴨
The kanji 鴨 is often used on restaurant menus. Remembering this symbol helps you identify duck dishes.
Don't confuse with 'kamo' suffix
Be careful not to confuse the noun 'kamo' (duck) with the 'kamo' which is a contraction of 'kamoshirenai' (might/may).
Ducks in Japanese culture
Ducks are beloved in Japan, appearing in folk tales and seasonal poetry. They symbolize the change of seasons.
Examples
4 of 4公園の池にカモがいます。
There is a duck in the park pond.
今日のランチは鴨南蛮です。
Today's lunch is duck soba noodles.
カモの親子が歩いています。
A family of ducks is walking.
渡り鳥であるカモの生態を研究する。
Studying the ecology of migratory ducks.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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