寓話
gūwa[ɡɯ̟ːβ̞a̠]
The English phrase 'parable' translates to Japanese as 寓話 (gūwa). Wiktionary also lists 譬え話 (tatoebanashi) and 比喩 (hiyu).
Meaning: short story illustrating a lesson (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 寓話 | gūwa | [ɡɯ̟ːβ̞a̠] (narrow) |
| 譬え話 | tatoebanashi | [ta̠to̞e̞ba̠na̠ɕi] (narrow) |
| 比喩 | hiyu | [çijɯ̟] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the term for a parable can vary depending on whether you are referring to a literary allegory, a story used for comparison or the linguistic device of a metaphor.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 寓話 is composed of the characters for 'allegory/fable' (寓) and 'story' (話). The word 譬え話 combines the verb stem for 'to compare/liken' (譬え) and 'story' (話).
Which one should you use?
寓話 is used for a parable, often specifically for fables or allegories. In contrast, 比喩 refers to the linguistic device of metaphor or figurative language itself rather than a narrative story. Finally, 譬え話 literally means a 'comparison story'.
How do you pronounce it?
gūwa
Did you know?
- The character 寓 in 寓話 carries the nuance of 'dwelling' or 'lodging', suggesting that the moral lesson is 'lodged' or hidden within the story.
- The word 比喩 covers both 'metaphor' and 'simile', meaning Japanese does not have two distinct common words to separate these figures of speech.
- In the word 譬え話 (tatoebanashi), the second word undergoes a phonetic shift called rendaku, turning 'hanashi' into 'banashi'.
Examples in context
- あの先生はたとえ話を使って、難しいコンセプトを教えてくれます。That teacher uses parables to teach complex concepts.
- あの映画は子供たちに寓話を通じて人生の重要な価値を教えています。That movie teaches children important life values through its parables.
- この寓話はとても有名です。Kono guuwa wa totemo yuumei desu.This parable is very famous.
- 子供向けの寓話が読みたかった。Kodomomuke no guuwa ga yomitakatta.I wanted to read a parable for children.
- その寓話には深い教訓があります。Sono guuwa ni wa fukai kyoukun ga arimasu.There is a deep lesson in that parable.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing a book in a library.
- 結衣 Yuiこの本の寓話は面白いね。kono hon no gūwa wa omoshiroi ne.The parables in this book are interesting, aren't they?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、考えさせられる話が多いよ。un, kangaesaserareru hanashi ga ōi yo.Yeah, there are many stories that make you think.
- 結衣 Yui結衣もこの寓話が好きだよ。Yui mo kono gūwa ga suki da yo.Yui likes this parable too.
- 陽太 Yota陽太にもおすすめの寓話を教えて。Yōta ni mo osusume no gūwa o oshiete.Tell Yota some recommended parables as well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “parable” translations and entries 寓話, 譬え話, 比喩, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 寓話, 譬え話, CC BY-SA 4.0.
