影狼
kage ōkami
The English phrase "shadow wolf" is translated into Japanese as 影狼 (kage ōkami).
影狼 refers to a mythical or fictional wolf creature that is associated with shadows.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a compound of 影 (kage), meaning shadow and 狼 (ōkami), meaning wolf.
How do you pronounce it?
kage ōkami
Did you know?
- While 狼 (ōkami) is the standard word for wolf, the term 大神 (ookami) is often used in folklore to refer to wolves as 'great gods'.
- The kanji for 'shadow', 影, is also used in the word 影武者 (kagemusha), which refers to a 'shadow warrior' or a political decoy used to protect a lord.
- In traditional Japanese art, a 'shadow' 影 (kage) does not always mean a dark area on the ground. It can refer to a reflection in water or a ghostly projection of a person.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing a fantasy game.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、この影狼はどうやって倒すの？Misaki, kono kagerō wa dō yatte taosu no?Misaki, how do you defeat this shadow wolf?
- 美咲 Misaki光の魔法を使うといいよ。Hikari no mahō o tsukau to ii yo.You should use light magic.
- 蓮 Renなるほど、やってみるよ。Naruhodo, yatte miru yo.I see, I'll give it a try.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮、頑張ってね！Ren, ganbatte ne!Good luck, Ren!
