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This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

河童

Readings

Kana: かっぱ、かわわっぱ、かあっぱ、かあらんべ
Romaji: kappa, kawawappa, kaappa, kaaranbe
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

noun
1

kappa; mythical water-dwelling creature

2

excellent swimmer

3

cucumber

See also: 胡瓜
4

rolled sushi containing a stick of cucumber

Note: abbreviation
See also: 河童巻き

Kanji

河
Readings: カ、 かわ
Meaning: river
童
Readings: ドウ、 わらべ
Meanings: juvenile, child

Example Sentences

河童(かっぱ)の川流(かわなが)れ。
➥The best swimmers are oftenest drowned.
Full Entry➤
私(わたし)は学校(がっこう)で日本(にっぽん)文学(ぶんがく)の英語訳(えいごやく)、特(とく)に漱石(そうせき)の『吾輩(わがはい)は猫(ねこ)である』や『心(こころ)』、芥川(あくたがわ)の『鼻(はな)』や『河童(かっぱ)』を楽(たの)しく読(よ)んだ。
➥At school I had enjoyed reading Japanese literature in English translation, in particular Soseki's I am a Cat and Kokoro, and Akutagawa's The Nose and Kappa.
Full Entry➤
「陸(りく)に上(あ)がった河童(かっぱ)」とは環境(かんきょう)が変(か)わったために能力(のうりょく)を発揮(はっき)できずにいることのたとえです。
➥"A fish out of water" is a metaphor for being unable to use your talents due to a change of environment.
Full Entry➤
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