How Do You Spell HIGURASHI?

Pronunciation: [hˌɪɡjʊɹˈaʃi] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "higurashi" may seem a bit daunting at first, but with the help of IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes much easier to understand. The word is pronounced as /hiɡuɾaʃi/, with the stress on the second syllable, and consists of five distinct sounds or phonemes: /h/, /i/, /ɡ/, /u/, and /ɾaʃi/. While the spelling may not follow common English phonetic rules, understanding the IPA transcription allows for accurate pronunciation of this Japanese word referring to a type of cicada known for its distinctive sound.

HIGURASHI Meaning and Definition

1. Higurashi is a Japanese term that refers to a specific species of cicada known as "Tanna japonensis." These cicadas are commonly found throughout Japan and are known for their distinctive sound formed by the repetition of their high-pitched buzzing noise. The term "higurashi" translates to "evening cicada" in English, as their calls are often heard during the late afternoon and early evening hours.

   Higurashi cicadas play a significant role in Japanese culture and are symbolic of the changing seasons. Their arrival is associated with the arrival of summer and is often portrayed in poetry, literature, and artwork as a representation of this season's beauty and vitality. The sound of higurashi chirping is considered a pleasant and nostalgic reminder of the warm summer days.

   In addition to their symbolism, higurashi cicadas also serve as an indicator of weather conditions and temperature changes. The timing of their calls can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and daylight hours. By listening to the call patterns of these cicadas, it is possible to gather information about the season and weather conditions.

   Overall, higurashi refers to the species of cicada commonly found in Japan, known for its high-pitched buzzing sound and association with summer. It represents the changing of seasons, serves as a symbol of summer, and has cultural significance in Japanese arts and literature.

Etymology of HIGURASHI

The word "higurashi" is a Japanese term that comprises two kanji characters: 暮れ (kure) meaning "dusk" or "evening" and 蝉 (semi) meaning "cicada". The term is used to refer to a particular species of cicada found in Japan, which is known for its distinctive shrill and buzzing sound that typically begins in the late afternoon and continues into the evening.

Etymologically, "higurashi" can be broken down as follows:

- 暮れ (kure) is derived from the verb "kureru", which means "to get dark" or "to become evening".

- 蝉 (semi) refers to the cicada insect, known for its characteristic sound.