sci.lang.japan FAQ / 1. Writing / 1.3. Other questions on writing Search:

1.3.2. How are animal and plant names written in Japanese?

Tree name sign in a park

There are several types of animal and plant names. The usual Japanese name is called the wamei (和名). The wamei was written in kanji, but now the usual convention followed by references is to write it in katakana. The scientific name, that is the Latin name, called the gakumei (学名) of a plant or animal is usually written in Roman letters.

See also 15.3. What noises do animals make?

Web links

  • jeKai's page on animal and plant naming by Brian Chandler adds more to the discussion about the relative frequencies of use of the various writing systems.

    • sci.lang.japan FAQ / 1. Writing / 1.3. Other questions on writing

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