人形
ningyō[ɲ̟ĩŋʲɡʲo̞ː]
The English word "doll" is translated into Japanese as 人形 (ningyō).
人形 is a noun used to describe a toy in the form of a human.
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 人形 refers to a doll or figure, it is distinct from ぬいぐるみ, which refers specifically to a stuffed animal or plush toy.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ningyō.
When do people say it?
The term 日本人形 specifically refers to traditional Japanese dolls, such as those used in festivals or for decoration, rather than modern Western-style toys.
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, there is a belief that a 人形 can possess a soul or become a vessel for a spirit, a concept seen in the 'tsukumogami' myths.
- In certain traditional festivals, girls celebrate 'Doll Day' on March 3rd, using 雛人形 or 'Hina dolls' to pray for their daughters' health and happiness.
- In Japanese, the word 人形 can also be read as hitogata, which refers to a human shape or a talismanic paper cutout used in ancient rituals to take on a person's misfortunes.
Examples in context
- あの人形怖い。That doll is scary.This sentence is useful for expressing that a certain 人形 is scary.Tatoeba #6855705 by Sonata, translation #5409036 by giiraffen
- それは日本人形だ。That is a Japanese doll.This sentence is useful for identifying a Japanese doll as a 人形.Tatoeba #467354 by Namikaze, translation #471889 by blay_paul
- この人形は私のです。This doll belongs to me.This sentence is useful for stating that a specific 人形 belongs to you.Tatoeba #220993 by small_snow, translation #58315 by CK
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are looking at a shop window.
- 健太 Kentaあそこに可愛い人形があるよ。asoko ni kawaii ningyō ga aru yo.There is a cute doll over there.
- 陽葵 Himari本当！すごく可愛らしい人形だね。hontō! sugoku kawairashii ningyō da ne.Really! It is a very lovely doll, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、この人形が好き？himari-san wa, kono ningyō ga suki?Himari, do you like this doll?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、大好き！un, daisuki!Yes, I love it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations and entries 人形, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
