Translation guide
The mythological hero Hercules is referred to in Japanese primarily by his Greek name 'Herakles' or the Roman-derived 'Hercules'. In everyday contexts, he is known through pop culture, idioms, and the constellation.
Referring to the character Hercules/Heracles from Greek/Roman mythology
The most common Japanese name for the hero, derived from the Greek 'Herakles'. Used in mythology, movies, and games.
ヘラクレスはギリシャ神話の英雄です。
Hercules is a hero of Greek mythology.
Less common variant, closer to the Latin 'Hercules'. Sometimes used in academic or older texts.
ヘルクレスの柱
Pillars of Hercules
Referring to the constellation named after the hero
Standard astronomical term for the constellation Hercules.
ヘルクレス座は夏の星座です。
Hercules is a summer constellation.
Describing someone as being as strong as Hercules
Pattern meaning 'superhuman strength like ~'. Often used with ヘラクレス.
彼はヘラクレスのような怪力の持ち主だ。
He has the strength of Hercules.
A four-character compound meaning 'peerless superhuman strength', sometimes associated with Hercules-like figures.
彼の怪力無双ぶりはヘラクレスを彷彿とさせる。
His peerless strength is reminiscent of Hercules.
Referring to the Disney movie 'Hercules' or similar modern adaptations
The Disney movie is titled 'ヘラクレス' in Japan. Use this for the film or its character.
ディズニーの『ヘラクレス』を見ましたか？
Have you seen Disney's 'Hercules'?
For the mythological hero, ヘラクレス is the default in modern Japanese. ヘルクレス is mainly used in the constellation name or in some academic contexts.