ナマケモノ
namakemono
The Japanese word for the mammal sloth is ナマケモノ (namakemono).
ナマケモノ is used to refer to the sloth animal.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of namake, meaning laziness and mono, meaning thing or creature, so it literally means 'lazy creature'.
How do you pronounce it?
namakemono
Did you know?
- While 'sloth' in English is often a synonym for the deadly sin, the Japanese term focuses entirely on the physical state of lethargy rather than moral transgression.
- Because the word contains mono, meaning 'thing' or 'creature', calling a person a namakemono sounds more like you are categorizing them as a literal object or an animal.
- While ナマケモノ refers to the animal, the word namakeru is a common verb used to describe a student skipping class or an employee avoiding work.
Examples in context
- ナマケモノは動くのがとても遅いです。Namakemono wa ugoku no ga totemo osoi desu.Sloths are very slow moving.
- 動物園でナマケモノを見ました。Doubutsuen de namakemono o mimashita.I saw a sloth at the zoo.
- あのナマケモノは木にぶら下がっています。Ano namakemono wa ki ni burasagatte imasu.That sloth is hanging from a tree.
Example conversation
Two siblings are looking at a picture book about animals.
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵：このナマケモノ、すごく可愛いね！Kono namakemono, sugoku kawaii ne!This sloth is so cute!
- 陽太 Yota陽太：本当だ。動きもゆっくりだね。Hontou da. Ugoki mo yukkuri da ne.You're right. Its movements are slow too.
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵：ずっと寝ているみたい。Zutto nete iru mitai.It looks like it's sleeping all the time.
- 陽太 Yota陽太：ナマケモノはのんびりしているね。Namakemono wa nonbiri shite iru ne.Sloths are very laid back.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ナマケモノ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
