noun
Japanese bush warbler; Japanese nightingale
A small olive-brown bird known for its distinctive early-spring song. Often associated with the arrival of spring in Japanese culture.
春になると、ウグイスが美しい声で鳴き始める。
When spring comes, the Japanese bush warbler begins to sing with a beautiful voice.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Abbreviation of 鶯茶 (うぐいすちゃ), a traditional color name resembling the bird's plumage. Used mainly in color contexts.
See also: 鶯茶
この着物の色はウグイスと呼ばれる渋い茶色です。
The color of this kimono is a subdued brown called 'uguisu' (greenish brown).
noun, noun, used as a prefix
beautiful voice; woman with a beautiful voice
Metaphorical use comparing a person's singing or speaking voice to the warbler's song. Often used in the phrase 鶯嬢 (うぐいすじょう) for a female announcer or singer with a lovely voice.
彼女は声がきれいで、まるでウグイスのようだ。
Her voice is so beautiful, just like a Japanese bush warbler's.
Variant kanji form; even less common than 鶯.
The word is native Japanese, with the kanji 鶯 being a Chinese character adopted for this bird. The origin of the reading 'uguisu' is uncertain, but it may be onomatopoeic, imitating the bird's call.