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noun

tengu

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Tengu (noun) means a supernatural creature from Japanese folklore, usually shown as a bird-like or long-nosed figure. Example: “The shrine sold small wooden masks shaped like a tengu.”

noun
1
A supernatural creature from Japanese folklore, usually shown as a bird-like or long-nosed figure.
"The shrine sold small wooden masks shaped like a tengu."

How to use tengu

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mythical Japanese spirit, often pictured with a long nose or beak, associated with mountains and mischief.

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Word forms

Plural
tengus
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The shrine sold small wooden masks shaped like a _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese tengu, written with characters meaning "heavenly dog."

Origin: Japanese

Frequently asked questions

What does “tengu” mean?
The word “tengu” means a supernatural creature from Japanese folklore, usually shown as a bird-like or long-nosed figure. In plain terms, a mythical Japanese spirit, often pictured with a long nose or beak, associated with mountains and mischief.
How do you use “tengu” in a sentence?
Here is “tengu” used in a sentence: “The shrine sold small wooden masks shaped like a tengu.”
What part of speech is “tengu”?
“Tengu” is a noun.
Where does the word “tengu” come from?
The word “tengu” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese tengu, written with characters meaning "heavenly dog.".

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