🇯🇵 How to say

“shellfish” in Japanese

貝かい
Illustration of "shellfish" in a Japanese cultural setting
A child collects colorful seashells along the sandy beach, carefully placing them in a small bucket. The sun glistens off the pearly interior of a large scallop shell.

Usage note

貝 refers to both the living shellfish and the empty shell it leaves behind; it's a common word used when beachcombing or talking about seafood.

Examples

  • これはきれいな貝です。

    This is a beautiful shell.

  • 海で貝を拾いました。

    I picked up shells at the beach.

  • 貝が好きです。

    I like shellfish.

Quick check

What does "貝" mean?

  • A. shellfish
  • B. bean
  • C. bird
  • D. phoenix

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