ユニコーン
yunikōn[jɯ̟ɲ̟ikõ̞ːɴ]
The Japanese word for unicorn is ユニコーン (yunikōn). If unsure, use ユニコーン. Wiktionary also lists 一角獣 (ikkakujū) and 一角馬 (ikkakuba).
Meaning: mythical horselike creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ユニコーン | yunikōn | [jɯ̟ɲ̟ikõ̞ːɴ] (narrow) |
| 一角獣 | ikkakujū | [ik̚ka̠kɯ̟ʑɨː] (narrow) |
| 一角馬 | ikkakuba |
The word refers to the mythical horselike creature.
What does it mean word for word?
The kanji form 一角獣 (ikkakujū) literally means 'one-horn beast', while 一角馬 (ikkakuba) literally means 'one-horn horse'.
Which one should you use?
ユニコーン is the most common way to refer to the mythical creature in modern Japanese, especially in pop culture and fantasy contexts. In contrast, the kanji form 一角獣 sounds more academic, literary or archaic.
How do you pronounce it?
yunikōn
Did you know?
- While ユニコーン describes the Western creature, Japanese folklore features the 麒麟 (kirin), a mythical chimerical beast often translated as 'unicorn' in early English texts.
- The word 一角 meaning 'one horn' is also used to describe the narwhal, which is sometimes called the 'unicorn of the sea' in Japanese.
- The term ユニコーン is frequently used in the Japanese business world to refer to a startup company valued at over one billion dollars, mirroring its English usage.
Examples in context
- 俺様は世にも美しいユニコーン様でござるぞ。I am the most beautiful unicorn in the world.This sentence uses the form ユニコーン to describe an individual claiming to be a beautiful unicorn.Tatoeba #10075647 by Sim5634, translation #10075648 by DJ_Saidez
- イギリス人はライオンと同じくらいユニコーンを愛する。The English love the unicorn as much as they love the lion.This sentence uses the form ユニコーン to express how much people in England love the creature.Tatoeba #229218 by mookeee, translation #66576 by shekitten
- 物語の中で一角獣が優雅に舞い踊る描写があります。The story includes a depiction of a unicorn gracefully dancing.
- 日本のアニメでユニコーンが可愛く描かれています。Unicorns are being depicted as cute in Japanese anime.
- ユニコーンのおもちゃを見つけた！本当に嬉しい！I found a toy unicorn! I'm really happy!
- 絵本の中にユニコーンが描いてあります。Ehon no naka ni yunikoon ga kaite arimasu.A unicorn is drawn in the picture book.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at a fantasy novel in a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaこの物語にはユニコーンが出てくるんだ。Kono monogatari ni wa yunikoon ga detekuru nda.A unicorn appears in this story.
- 美咲 Misaki本当？すごく綺麗な生き物だよね。Hontou? Sugoku kirei na ikimono da yo ne.Really? It's a very beautiful creature, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta美咲、君はこのユニコーンが好き？Misaki, kimi wa kono yunikoon ga suki?Misaki, do you like this unicorn?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、大好き！Un, daisuki!Yes, I love it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unicorn” translations and entries ユニコーン, 一角獣, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
