マスコット
masukotto[ma̠sɨ̥ko̞t̚to̞]
The English word "mascot" is translated into Japanese as マスコット (masukotto).
マスコット is a noun used to describe something that symbolizes a sports team or another group. While マスコット is the general term, a specific type of mascot known as ゆるキャラ refers to a character that is designed to be cute, lovable and have a relaxed appearance.
Meaning: something used to symbolize a sports team or other group (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is masukotto.
Did you know?
- Some ゆるキャラ have become so popular that they have their own official social media accounts and hold press conferences like real politicians.
- In Japan, many ゆるキャラ are actually quite strange or even slightly grotesque rather than traditionally beautiful, as their unique 'weirdness' is what makes them memorable and marketable.
- The term ゆるキャラ is a contraction of the words 'yurui' meaning 'loose' or 'relaxed' and 'kyara' which is a Japanese shortening of the English word 'character'.
Examples in context
- ひこにゃんA cat-like mascot with a samurai helmet, representing Hikone.
- くまモンA black bear mascot representing Kumamoto Prefecture.
- このチームのマスコットはとてもかわいいです。Kono chiimu no masukotto wa totemo kawaii desu.This team's mascot is very cute.
- 新しいマスコットのデザインが決まりました。Atarashii masukotto no dezain ga kimarimashita.The design for the new mascot has been decided.
- 試合会場でマスコットに会いました。Shiai kaijou de masukotto ni aimashita.I met the mascot at the game venue.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a local baseball team.
- 結衣 Yuiあのチームのマスコット、見た？Ano chiimu no masukotto, mita?Have you seen that team's mascot?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、すごく面白いキャラクターだよね。Un, sugoku omoshiroi kyarakutaa da yo ne.Yeah, it's a really funny character.
- 結衣 Yui陽太くんも、あのマスコットが好きかな？Youta-kun mo, ano masukotto ga suki kana?I wonder if you like that mascot too, Youta?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、結構気に入っているよ。Un, kekkou ki ni itte iru yo.Yeah, I quite like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mascot” translations and entries マスコット, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
