You might hear crows cawing as “caw caw” in English.
In Japanese, their cry is written as “Kaa Kaa” (カー・カー)!
It’s a strong, echoing sound — often heard in parks, on power lines, or during dramatic moments in anime.
From eerie scenes to everyday mornings, crows make their presence loud and clear in Japan!
What is “Kaa Kaa”?
“Kaa Kaa” (カー・カー) is the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound a crow makes.
It mimics the deep, hoarse cry of these black-feathered birds — a sound that’s both familiar and unforgettable in Japan’s daily life.
Pronunciation
Kaaa Kaaa
(The vowel is stretched and flat, like a call echoing through the air: カーー カーー)
Categories
Animals / Sound
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: A crow in the morning sky
Perched on a quiet lamppost,
the black crow tilted its head
and cried out to the sleepy town below —
Kaa kaa!
A regular morning guest.
Example 2: A Little Crow Star on Stage
A young boy stands proudly in front of his classmates, arms outstretched like wings.
He’s in full crow mode, shouting “Kaa! Kaa!” with all his might during the school play.
His classmates giggle, and the audience loves it — it’s his big moment, and he’s flying high!
The joy of onomatopoeia in action — straight from the heart of a child.
How Do You Say It？
It’s sharp, bold, and hoarse — like a dramatic entrance:
Kaa kaa!
Try shouting it out while flapping your imaginary wings!
Let’s Compare!
Different countries hear crow cries differently.
Here’s how they sound around the world:
English: Caw caw!
Spanish: Cruaaac‑cruaaac / Croac‑croac
But in Japan, it’s all about that drawn-out, echoing Kaa kaa — sometimes a little spooky, sometimes totally comical.
Why Do Crow Sounds Differ by Language?
Crows cry the same worldwide — but languages shape how we hear them.
In Japanese, “Kaa kaa” uses clear, repeated syllables with long vowels.
It fits perfectly with the dramatic or everyday roles crows often play in Japanese media.
Whether they’re swooping down in a samurai film or stealing snacks in a schoolyard, their cry always stands out.
What Does “Kaa Kaa” Look Like?
In manga and storybooks, it is often written with jagged or bold font — to match the harshness and volume of the sound.
You can almost hear the echo just by reading it!
Watch & Feel the “Kaa Kaa” World!
Crows, Here and There!
Kaa kaa!
Sometimes eerie, sometimes charming — they’re one of Japan’s most iconic birds.
Whether in cities or mountains, their cry carries far.
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