Translation guide
The word 'orca' refers to the marine mammal also known as the killer whale. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the loanword オルカ or the native term シャチ.
Referring to the marine mammal Orcinus orca.
The most common and standard Japanese word for orca/killer whale. Used in everyday conversation, news, and scientific contexts.
水族館でシャチのショーを見ました。
I saw an orca show at the aquarium.
Loanword from English, often used in brand names, aquarium names, or when emphasizing the English term. Less common in daily speech than シャチ.
オルカという名前のカフェに行きました。
I went to a cafe called Orca.
Kanji form of シャチ. Rarely used in modern writing; mostly seen in literary or historical contexts.
古い文献に鯱の記述がある。
There is a description of orcas in an old document.