Translation guide
The English word 'cannibals' refers to people who eat human flesh. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns and descriptive phrases, with distinctions between literal cannibalism, metaphorical usage, and historical or cultural contexts.
To refer to individuals or groups that practice cannibalism, either in a literal, historical, or fictional sense.
To describe people or entities that ruthlessly consume or destroy their own kind, often in business, politics, or social contexts.
Literally 'people who engage in mutual eating'. The verb 共食いする means 'to cannibalize' in a figurative sense, such as competing destructively within the same group. This phrase describes a person who does that.
あの業界では共食いする人が多い。
In that industry, there are many cannibals (people who undercut each other).
When using 'cannibal' metaphorically (e.g., in business), do not directly translate with 人食い人種. Instead, use phrases like 共食いする or 身内を食い物にする to convey the idea of destructive internal competition.
Literally 'man-eating race/tribe'. This is the most direct and common term for cannibals, often used in historical or anthropological contexts. It can sound dated or sensational, so use with care.
その島には人食い人種が住んでいたという噂がある。
There is a rumor that cannibals lived on that island.
Loanword from English 'cannibal'. Used in modern contexts, especially in movies, games, or fiction. Less formal than 人食い人種.
そのホラー映画にはカニバルが登場する。
Cannibals appear in that horror movie.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who eats human flesh'. Clear and unambiguous, suitable for explanations or when you want to avoid the sensational tone of 人食い人種.
彼は人肉を食べる人だという疑いをかけられた。
He was suspected of being a cannibal.
A more formal or literary term for 'cannibal'. Rarely used in everyday speech; may appear in academic or historical texts.
その部族は食人者の風習を持っていた。
That tribe had the custom of cannibals.
Means 'a person who exploits their own people/family'. Stronger negative connotation, implying betrayal and exploitation.
彼は身内を食い物にする人だ。
He is a cannibal who preys on his own kind.