Translation guide
NPC (Non-Player Character) in video games and gaming contexts. In Japanese, the English acronym 'NPC' is widely used, but there are also native terms.
Referring to a character controlled by the computer in a video game.
The English acronym 'NPC' is very common in Japanese gaming communities and is understood by most gamers. Pronounced as エヌピーシー.
You can accept quests from this NPC.
Describing a real person who seems to act without independent thought, like a video game NPC. This is internet slang.
The English acronym is also used in Japanese internet slang to describe someone who seems to lack free will or original thought. Often used in a derogatory or humorous way.
This usage is informal and can be offensive. It is mainly found in online communities.
In Japanese, NPC is pronounced as individual letters: エヌ (N), ピー (P), シー (C). It is not read as a word.
While ノンプレイヤーキャラクター is technically correct, using it in casual conversation with gamers might sound overly formal or stiff. Stick with 'NPC' for natural speech.
The direct translation of 'Non-Player Character'. Used in more formal or technical contexts, such as game design documents.
We improved the AI of non-player characters.
A shortened, casual version of ノンプレイヤーキャラクター. Sometimes used in informal discussions among developers or hardcore gamers.
That NPC's movement is weird.
He only says the same things, just like an NPC.
Originally from 'mob character' (background character), モブ can also imply a person who is unremarkable or lacks individuality, similar to the NPC metaphor.
That person is totally an NPC.