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

海鼠

Readings

Kana: なまこ、かいそ、こ、ナマコ
Romaji: namako, kaiso, ko, namako
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

sea cucumber (Holothuroidea spp.)

Note: often translated as "sea slug" in anglicized haikus
Note: word usually written using kana alone
See also: 海牛 (reading うみうし)

Kanji

Readings: カイ、 うみ
Meanings: sea, ocean
Readings: ソ、 ショ、 ねずみ、 ねず
Meanings: rat, mouse, dark gray