タヌキ
tanuki
The English phrase "raccoon dog" is タヌキ (tanuki) in Japanese.
タヌキ refers to the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes). It is most commonly written using the katakana script, which is the standard way to write biological names in Japanese.
Meaning: Nyctereutes (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
tanuki
When do people say it?
In Japanese folklore, the tanuki is a mythical creature known for being a shapeshifter and a symbol of good luck and prosperity. While the katakana タヌキ is standard for the animal, you will often see the word written with the kanji 狸 in traditional art and folklore contexts.
Did you know?
- In many Japanese shops and restaurants, you will see ceramic statues of タヌキ with large testicles, which are symbols of wealth and financial prosperity.
- The word タヌキ is also used in a completely different context to describe a type of 'single-walled' or 'unlined' metal kettle used in cooking.
- In Japanese culture, the タヌキ is often portrayed as a mischievous trickster, contrasting with the more mystical and refined image of the キツネ or fox.
Examples in context
- Tanuki wa yūrei no yō ni ningen o damasu koto ga dekimasu. (狸は幽霊のように人間を騙すことができます。)Raccoon dogs can deceive humans like ghosts.
- タヌキはとてもかわいいです。Tanuki wa totemo kawaii desu.Raccoon dogs are very cute.
- 森の中でタヌキを見ました。Mori no naka de tanuki o mimashita.I saw a raccoon dog in the forest.
- あの絵にはタヌキが描かれています。Ano e ni wa tanuki ga kakarete imasu.A raccoon dog is painted in that picture.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are looking at a nature picture book.
- 美咲 Misakiこのタヌキ、すごくかわいいね！Kono tanuki, sugoku kawaii ne!This raccoon dog is so cute!
- 蓮 Ren本当だね。目が丸いよ。Hontou da ne. Me ga marui yo.You're right. Its eyes are round.
- 美咲 Misaki本物のタヌキを見たことある？Honmono no tanuki o mita koto aru?Have you ever seen a real raccoon dog?
- 蓮 Renいや、一度も見たことがないよ。Iya, ichido mo mita koto ga nai yo.No, I have never seen one.
