Learn Japanese Animal Names and Phrases

This page should act as a good reference for those who are looking for a place to build on their basic Japanese vocabulary - especially when it comes to learning about Japanese animal words and phrases. The page includes some basic animal words, the names of several animals translated from various forms of Japanese writing: Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

Below the list of Japanese animal translations you'll find a section that gives a brief look at some animals seen in Japanese folklore. These include the Japanese Fox, Japanese Raccoon Dog, and Japanese River Otter.

Japanese to English Animal Words and Phrases:

Whether you are learning about Japanese animal words in Japan, taking an online Japanese class, or plan to enrol yourself in Japanese language immersion school, our Japanese to English dictionary is always being updated with new Japanese animal words which makes it an excellent supplement for those trying to learn how to speak Japanese.

View this list of Japanese animal words with translations from: Japanese to English or English to Japanese

Words in bold added during the last update.

General Animal Words in Japanese:

Names of the Animals in Japanese:

Japanese Sentences with Animal References:

Animals in Japanese Folklore:

There are many animals which make an appearance in Japanese folklore. Here is a selection of such animals and a short description of each to help you learn a bit more about them.

Japanese Fox - Kitsune

Kitsune in Japanese folklore are long-lived foxes who at a certain age and level of wisdom gain magical powers like shapeshifting that continue to grow as they age. Kitsune can have as many as nine tails, with higher tail numbers signifying older, more powerful beings. Kitsune are split into two categories - zenko (aka good foxes) are benevolent beings, while yako (aka field foxes) are mischievous and sometimes malicious.

Japanese Raccoon Dog - Tanuki

In Japanese folklore, Tanuki are considered masters of disguise because they can shapeshift into just about anything, including humans - which by some accounts, they can even possess. They are generally mischievous, happy creatures, but can also be absent-minded. In some cases, a Tanuki may choose to live as a transformed human for long periods of time without being spotted.

Japanese River Otter - Kawauso

Kawauso in Japanese folklore are Japanese river otters who are believed to develop magical powers in their old age. As their magical powers mature, they are thought to possess the ability to switch between their otter and human forms, and can accurately mimic human sounds when playing tricks on them. Sometimes Kawauso will transform into beautiful young women to trick expectant young men.

*List of Japanese animal names updated: December 21, 2024.

Next Up

Colors: Learn how to say color words in Japanese.

Perhaps you want to learn animal words in these other languages?

French, German, Hawaiian, Japanese, Malay, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.

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