熊（くま、kuma）
- bear

The Japanese word 熊 (くま) primarily means "bear." It refers to the large, furry mammals belonging to the Ursidae family. The word can also be used metaphorically or in specific contexts.

⚫︎その山には熊が出没する。 Translation: Bears appear in that mountain. ⚫︎熊のぬいぐるみは子供に人気がある。 Translation: Bear stuffed animals are popular with children.

This word is used to describe the animal 熊. You would use it in conversation when talking about bears, their behavior, or anything related to them.

⚫︎The word is typically written as 熊 using the kanji. ⚫︎It can also be written in hiragana as くま. ⚫︎There is no okurigana variation in standard usage.

There aren't many direct synonyms for 熊, as it is a specific animal. However, depending on context, you might use: ⚫︎獣（けもの） - animal (general)

There is no specific antonym for the word 熊 itself. It depends on the context of the sentence.

森で大きな熊に遭遇した。 ・Translation: I encountered a big bear in the forest. ・Explanation: This sentence describes a direct encounter with a 熊.

The etymology of 熊 isn't definitively known.