クローン
kurōn[kɯ̟ɾõ̞ːɴ]
The English word clone is translated into Japanese as クローン (kurōn).
クローン is used to refer to a copy of something that already exists. This is a loanword from English written in Katakana.
Meaning: copy of something already existing (noun)
Which one should you use?
複製（ふくせい） is the formal term for clone, which translates to replication or duplication. If you are specifically referring to a replicated human, you can use 複製人間（ふくせいにんげん）.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kurōn
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, particularly in science fiction anime, the term 複製人間 is frequently used to create a sense of mystery or dread regarding artificial humans, sounding more ominous than the scientific クローン.
- In Japanese gaming culture, the term クローン is often used to describe a game that mimics the gameplay style of a successful title, even if the art and story are entirely original.
- Because クローン is written in Katakana, a Japanese reader immediately recognizes it as a modern, westernized concept, whereas using Kanji like 複製 makes the concept feel more ancient or formal.
Examples in context
- 科学者たちは最新の技術を使って生物の複製を研究しています。Scientists are researching the replication of living organisms using the latest technology.
- 最新の映画ではクローンが重要な役割を果たしています。Clones play a crucial role in the latest movie.
- 未来には複製人間が現実になるかもしれません。Replicated humans might become a reality in the future.
- この植物はクローンです。Kono shokubutsu wa kurōn desu.This plant is a clone.
- その細胞はクローンとして作られました。Sono saibō wa kurōn to shite tsukuraremashita.That cell was made as a clone.
- クローン技術の研究が進んでいます。Kurōn gijutsu no kenkyū ga susunde imasu.Research on cloning technology is progressing.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing a science fiction movie.
- 陽太 Yotaこの映画に出てくるクローンはすごいね。Kono eiga ni detekuru kurōn wa sugoi ne.The clones in this movie are amazing, aren't they?
- 結衣 Yui本当に。でも、ちょっと怖いよ。Hontō ni. Demo, chotto kowai yo.Really. But they are a bit scary.
- 陽太 Yotaもしクローンがいたら便利だと思う。Moshi kurōn ga itara benri da to omou.I think it would be convenient if there were clones.
- 結衣 Yui結衣はそんなの欲しくないよ。Yui wa sonna no hoshikunai yo.Yui doesn't want anything like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clone” translations and entries クローン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
