人形
ningyō[ɲ̟ĩŋʲɡʲo̞ː]
The English word 'puppet' is translated into Japanese as 人形 (ningyō). Wiktionary also lists 傀儡 (kugutsu) and パペット (papetto).
Meaning: movable model of a person or animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 人形 | ningyō | [ɲ̟ĩŋʲɡʲo̞ː] (narrow) [çito̞ɡa̠ta̠] (narrow) |
| 傀儡 | kugutsu | [kɯ̟ɡɯ̟t͡sɨ] (narrow) [ka̠iɾa̠i] (narrow) |
| パペット | papetto | |
| 操り人形 | ayatsuri ningyō | [a̠ja̠t͡sɨɾʲi ɲ̟ĩŋʲɡʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 偶人 | gūjin | [ɡɯ̟ːʑĩɴ] (narrow) |
In Japanese, several words can describe a puppet depending on the context. While 人形 is the general word for any 'doll' or 'figure', specific terms are used to clarify whether you are talking about a literal movable puppet or a person being metaphorically controlled.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 操り人形 (ayatsuri ningyō) literally means 'manipulated doll'.
Which one should you use?
While 人形 (ningyō) can mean 'puppet', it is the general word for any 'doll' or 'figure'. The word 傀儡 (kugutsu) is a more literary or formal term often used metaphorically to describe a person being controlled by others. You may also see the katakana loanword パペット (papetto) used.
How do you pronounce it?
ningyō
Did you know?
- The word 傀儡 (kugutsu) may share a common root with the Korean word 꼭두 (kkokdu), which refers to a 'phantom'.
- In traditional Japanese culture, some 人形 were believed to possess a soul or spirit, leading to the custom of ritualistically 'sending off' old dolls rather than throwing them away.
- The term 操り人形 comes from the verb 操る, which is used not only for puppets but also for playing a musical instrument or handling a steering wheel.
Examples in context
- 授業中によく指人形で遊んでたなぁ。During lessons I would often play with a finger puppet.This sentence uses 人形 to describe a finger puppet.Tatoeba #10135917 by small_snow, translation #10260724 by terrywallwork
- 傀儡は操られている事を知らない。A puppet does not know that it is being controlled.This sentence uses 傀儡.Tatoeba #1434229 by marcelostockle, translation #1487438 by marshmallowcat
- このパペットは私の唯一の友達です。This puppet is my only friend.This sentence uses パペット.Tatoeba #2270812 by PsychoBear, translation #2242087 by rockelle
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are looking at a handcrafted puppet in a shop.
- 陽太 Yotaこの人形、すごく精巧にできているね。Kono ningyō, sugoku seikō ni dekite iru ne.This puppet is very intricately made, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。動きも自然そうだよ。Hontō da ne. Ugoki mo shizen sō da yo.You're right. The movement looks natural too.
- 陽太 Yota誰がこの人形を作ったんだろう。Dare ga kono ningyō o tsukutta n darō.I wonder who made this puppet.
- 陽葵 Himariきっと熟練の職人さんだと思うよ。Kitto jukuren no shokunin-san da to omou yo.I bet it was a skilled craftsman.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppet” translations and entries 人形, 傀儡, 操り人形, 偶人, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 傀儡, 操り人形, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
