タヌキ
tanuki
The Japanese word for "tanuki" is タヌキ.
タヌキ refers to the Japanese raccoon dog. It is a term used both for the actual animal and as a central figure in Japanese folklore.
How do you pronounce it?
tanuki
When do people say it?
In Japanese folklore, the tanuki is a shapeshifting trickster often depicted with a large belly and a straw hat.
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, the tanuki is often depicted with an oversized scrotum, which is used as a magical vessel for storing money or as a drum to make noise.
- The term tanuki is also used in certain Japanese culinary contexts to describe a specific type of 'tempura buckwheat noodles' topped with crunchy bits of fried batter.
- Because of their reputation as mischievous shapeshifters, many Japanese restaurants use tanuki figurines outside their doors to bring good luck and prosperity.
Examples in context
- 狸は日本の伝統的な動物です。Tanuki wa Nihon no dentōtekina dōbutsu desu.
- タヌキはとても可愛らしい動物です。Tanuki wa totemo kawairashii doubutsu desu.The tanuki is a very cute animal.
- 森の中でタヌキを見かけました。Mori no naka de tanuki o mikakemashita.I spotted a tanuki in the forest.
- タヌキは日本にたくさんいます。Tanuki wa Nihon ni takusan imasu.There are many tanuki in Japan.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a picture book about animals in a library.
- 陽葵 Himariこの絵の動物はタヌキだよ。Kono e no doubutsu wa tanuki da yo.The animal in this picture is a tanuki.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ、本物みたいに可愛いね。Hontou da, honmono mitai ni kawaii ne.You're right, it's cute just like a real one.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、タヌキは好き？Hiroto-kun, tanuki wa suki?Hiroto, do you like tanuki?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、大好きだよ。Un, daisuki da yo.Yes, I love them.
