ゲッコウガ
Gekkouga
Greninja is translated into Japanese as ゲッコウガ (Gekkouga).
This term refers to the fictional frog-like creature from the Pokémon series.
What does it mean word for word?
The name is a portmanteau of the Japanese words gekko (moonlight or moonlight frog) and kaeru (frog).
How do you pronounce it?
Gekkouga
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, kaeru (frog) is often used as a pun in New Year's charms because it sounds like the word for 'return', symbolizing the safe return of travelers.
- The name ゲッコウガ uses a play on words where gekko refers to both 'moonlight' and a 'gecko' lizard, though the creature is based on a frog.
- While English speakers see 'ninja' in the name, the Japanese name ゲッコウガ focuses on the imagery of the moon and the frog, leaving the 'ninja' aspect to be conveyed through the creature's design.
Examples in context
- ポケモンのグレニンジャがとても強いですね！Greninja, the Pokémon, is very powerful, isn't it?
- ゲッコウガはかっこいいです。Gekkouga wa kakkoii desu.Greninja is cool.
- 私はゲッコウガが大好きです。Watashi wa Gekkouga ga daisuki desu.I love Greninja.
- これはゲッコウガのぬいぐるみです。Kore wa Gekkouga no nuigurumi desu.This is a Greninja plushie.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about their favorite Pokémon.
- 蓮 Ren結衣はどのポケモンが好き？Yui wa dono Pokémon ga suki?Yui, which Pokémon do you like?
- 結衣 Yui私はゲッコウガが一番好き！Watashi wa Gekkōga ga ichiban suki!I like Greninja the most!
- 蓮 Renかっこいいよね。僕も好きだよ。Kakkoii yo ne. Boku mo suki da yo.It's cool, isn't it? I like it too.
- 結衣 Yuiでしょ？とても速いしね。Desho? Totemo hayai shi ne.Right? It's very fast, too.
