一匹狼
ippikiōkami[ip̚ʲpʲikʲi o̞ːka̠mʲi]
The English phrase "lone wolf" is translated into Japanese as 一匹狼 (ippikiōkami).
一匹狼 describes a person who avoids the company of others. It can refer to someone who prefers to work alone or someone who is socially isolated. Depending on the context, the term can be used in a neutral or slightly admiring sense or it can carry a negative connotation.
Meaning: person who avoids the company of others (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 一 (one), 匹 (counter for small/medium animals) and 狼 (wolf), literally meaning "one-animal wolf".
How do you pronounce it?
ippikiōkami
Did you know?
- While 一匹狼 describes a person, it uses the counter 匹 which is strictly for animals. Using this counter for a human is a deliberate linguistic choice to emphasize the wild or primal nature of the individual.
- The archetype of the 一匹狼 is culturally linked to the 'lone samurai' trope in Japanese storytelling. This historical connection frames the person's independence as a sign of moral strength and self-reliance rather than social failure.
- While 'lone wolf' in English often implies a rogue or unpredictable person, in Japanese media, an 一匹狼 is frequently portrayed as a cool, highly competent professional who chooses solitude by choice.
Examples in context
- 彼女は本当に孤高の存在だ。She truly is a lone wolf.
- 彼は一匹狼だ。kare wa ippiki ookami da.He is a lone wolf.
- 一匹狼として生きるのは難しい。ippiki ookami to shite ikiru no wa muzukashii.It is difficult to live as a lone wolf.
- あの人は一匹狼のタイプだ。ano hito wa ippiki ookami no taipu da.That person is the lone wolf type.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mysterious coworker in the office.
- 蓮 Ren佐藤さんは一匹狼みたいだね。satou-san wa ippiki ookami mitai da ne.Sato-san is like a lone wolf, isn't he?
- 美咲 Misaki本当に、いつも一人でいるわ。hontou ni, itsumo hitori de iru wa.Really, he is always alone.
- 蓮 Ren一匹狼だけど、仕事は完璧だよ。ippiki ookami dakedo, shigoto wa kanpeki da yo.He's a lone wolf, but his work is perfect.
- 美咲 Misaki確かに、すごい人ね。tashika ni, sugoi hito ne.That's true, he is an amazing person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lone wolf” translations and entries 一匹狼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
