Translation guide
A carnivore is an animal that eats meat. In Japanese, the most common word is 肉食動物 (nikushoku doubutsu), but there are also scientific terms and figurative expressions.
Referring to an animal whose diet consists mainly or entirely of meat, such as lions, tigers, or wolves.
The standard, everyday term for a carnivorous animal. Used in general conversation, education, and media.
Lions are carnivores.
Carnivores eat other animals.
Literally 'meat-eating beast'. Often used for larger, predatory mammals. Slightly more literary or formal than 肉食動物.
Tigers are typical carnivores.
A less common synonym for 肉食動物. The character order is reversed, but the meaning is the same. Rarely used in modern Japanese.
To study the ecology of carnivores.
Referring to the mammalian order Carnivora, which includes dogs, cats, bears, seals, etc. Not all members are obligate meat-eaters.
Describing a person who enjoys eating meat, often with a connotation of enthusiasm or preference. Can be used humorously or in dietary contexts.
Literally 'meat-eating type'. Originally a slang term for a person who actively pursues romantic or sexual relationships, but also used to describe someone who loves eating meat. Context-dependent.
This word is strongly associated with the personality type '肉食系女子/男子' (aggressive in love). When referring to diet, it's better to use a phrase like 肉好き.
He's totally a carnivore; he doesn't eat many vegetables.
Means 'meat lover'. A straightforward way to say someone likes eating meat, without the romantic connotations of 肉食系.
Referring to plants that trap and digest insects or other small animals.
肉食動物 is the general term for any carnivorous animal, including birds and fish. 肉食獣 specifically refers to carnivorous mammals, especially large predators. In everyday speech, 肉食動物 is sufficient.
Eagles are carnivores, but they are not carnivorous beasts.
Calling someone a 肉食動物 sounds like you are calling them an animal. Use 肉食系 or 肉好き instead when referring to a person's diet or personality.
I'm a carnivore; I eat meat dishes every day.
Many carnivorous plants inhabit wetlands.