アンデッド
andeddo
The Japanese word for undead is アンデッド (andeddo).
アンデッド is an adjective used to describe beings that are animate though non-living. It is an informal term borrowed directly from the English word 'undead'.
Meaning: being animate, though non-living (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
andeddo
Did you know?
- Japanese has a unique term 不死 meaning 'immortal' or 'undying', which is used for legendary beings who cannot die, rather than those who have already died and returned.
- Because アンデッド is a katakana loanword, it carries a very specific 'Western fantasy' aesthetic that feels distinctly foreign compared to native Japanese supernatural terms.
- While アンデッド is used in modern gaming and fantasy, many Japanese people might actually associate the concept more with the word 幽霊 (ghost) or 死霊 (undead spirit) depending on the context.
Examples in context
- あの映画にはアンデッドが登場する。Ano eiga ni wa andeddo ga toujou suru.Undead appear in that movie.
- アンデッドの群れに囲まれた。Andeddo no mure ni kakomareta.I was surrounded by a swarm of undead.
- このゲームの敵はアンデッドだ。Kono geemu no teki wa andeddo da.The enemies in this game are undead.
Example conversation
Two friends are playing a fantasy video game together.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、あそこにアンデッドがいるよ。Yui, asoko ni andeddo ga iru yo.Yui, there is an undead over there.
- 結衣 Yui本当だ！すごく強そうね。Hontō da! Sugoku tsuyosō ne.You're right! It looks really strong.
- 大翔 Hiroto僕が攻撃するから、援護して。Boku ga kōgeki suru kara, engō shite.I'll attack, so please provide backup.
- 結衣 Yui分かった、大翔をサポートするね。Wakatta, Daishō o sapōto suru ne.Got it, I'll support you, Daishō.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry アンデッド, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
