Translation guide
The English word 'beast' can refer to a large or dangerous animal, a cruel person, or be used figuratively. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Referring to a wild, large, or dangerous animal, often in a literary or dramatic context.
The most direct translation for 'beast' as a wild animal. Often used in fantasy or dramatic contexts.
A fearsome beast lives deep in the forest.
A general term for beast or animal, often with a wild connotation. Can be used in compounds.
He fought like a beast.
Specifically a fierce or predatory beast, like a lion or tiger. Used in contexts like 'wild beast' exhibits.
Beware of wild beasts.
Describing a person who is cruel, violent, or lacking in humanity.
Literally 'not a person', a strong insult meaning a brute or monster. Very common in speech and fiction.
He's a beast for doing something like that.
Literally 'demon' or 'ogre', used figuratively for a heartless or cruel person.
Literally 'beast' or 'brute', used as an insult. Also a common expletive. Strong and vulgar.
Referring to a challenging task, situation, or thing, often with a sense of it being monstrous or overwhelming.
Referring to a creature from myth or fantasy, often large and frightening.
Directly translating 'beast' as 野獣 for a cruel person sounds unnatural. Use 人でなし or 鬼 instead.
He is a beast.
I can't stand that beast of a boss.
この畜生め！
You beast!
This exam is a real beast.
I accepted a quest to defeat a beast.