黒龍
kokuryū
The English phrase "black dragon" is translated into Japanese as 黒龍 (kokuryū).
This phrase refers to a mythical creature characterized by having black scales.
Which one should you use?
The kanji 龍 (ryū) used in 黒龍 is a more formal or archaic way to write the word dragon compared to the common kanji 竜 (ryū). Additionally, while 黒龍 is a formal term, the phrase 黒いドラゴン is the version used in casual conversations, manga, anime and everyday language.
How do you pronounce it?
kokuryū
Did you know?
- While dragons in Western mythology are often feared monsters, a dragon in Japanese culture, such as a 黒龍, is frequently viewed as a benevolent deity or a symbol of water and rain. Because of this, the term can evoke a sense of awe and respect rather than terror.
- In Japanese folklore, dragons are often depicted as serpentine creatures without wings, unlike the winged dragons common in Western fantasy.
- While 龍 is the formal kanji, the simplified 竜 is used for the 'dragon' zodiac sign in the Japanese calendar.
Examples in context
- 伝説の黒龍は山岳地帯に生息しています。The legendary black dragon inhabits mountainous regions.
- 黒龍の鱗は非常に堅固で美しいです。The scales of a black dragon are incredibly strong and beautiful.
- 黒龍の伝説は古代の戦いに関連しています。The legend of the black dragon is connected to ancient battles.
- 最近、黒竜というモンスターが出現したそうですよ。I heard that a monster called a black dragon recently appeared.
- そのアニメでは黒いドラゴンが主人公の相棒です。In that anime, a black dragon is the protagonist's sidekick.
- 黒竜の力は伝説的で、敵に対して強力な攻撃を繰り出します。The power of the black dragon is legendary, and it delivers powerful attacks against its enemies.
- 伝説には黒龍が登場します。Densetsu ni wa kokuryū ga tōjō shimasu.A black dragon appears in the legend.
- 黒龍の絵を描きました。Kokuryū no e o kakimashita.I drew a picture of a black dragon.
- 黒龍はとても強そうです。Kokuryū wa totemo tsuyosō desu.The black dragon looks very strong.
Example conversation
Two siblings are looking at a picture book about monsters.
- 陽葵 Himariこの黒龍、かっこいいよ！Kono kokuryū, kakkoii yo!This black dragon is cool!
- 陽太 Yota本当だ、陽葵。強そうだね。Hontō da, Himari. Tsuyosō da ne.You're right, Himari. It looks strong.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君は、どの龍が好き？Yōta-kun wa, dono ryū ga suki?Yōta, which dragon do you like?
- 陽太 Yota僕は、この黒龍が好きだよ。Boku wa, kono kokuryū ga suki da yo.I like this black dragon.
