Translation guide
The English word "chimera" can refer to a mythological creature, a biological organism with genetically distinct cells, or a figurative impossible dream. This guide covers how to express these meanings in Japanese.
Referring to the fire-breathing monster from Greek mythology, part lion, goat, and serpent.
The most common and direct translation, used in mythology, fantasy, and popular culture.
ギリシャ神話では、キマイラはライオンとヤギとヘビの合成獣です。
In Greek mythology, the Chimera is a composite beast of a lion, a goat, and a serpent.
An organism containing cells from two or more different zygotes; a biological chimera.
The standard term in biology and medicine for an organism with genetically distinct cells.
A fanciful idea or hope that is unlikely to be realized; a figment of the imagination.
Both are transliterations of 'chimera'. キマイラ is more common in mythological and fantasy contexts, while キメラ is standard in biology. However, they are often interchangeable.
生物学では「キメラ」を使う。
In biology, 'キメラ' is used.
When 'chimera' means an impossible dream, directly using キマイラ or キメラ can sound unnatural or overly literary. Instead, use words like 絵空事 or 夢物語 for a more natural expression.
それは絵空事だ。
That's a chimera.
An alternative transliteration, often used in biological contexts but also understood for the mythical creature.
そのゲームにはキメラというモンスターが登場する。
A monster called a chimera appears in that game.
その猫はキメラで、左右で毛色が違う。
That cat is a chimera, with different fur colors on its left and right sides.
Less common in scientific contexts but still understood.
キマイラ個体は遺伝子解析で確認された。
The chimera individual was confirmed by genetic analysis.
Literally 'painted sky thing', meaning a pipe dream or unrealistic fantasy. Natural for expressing an impossible dream.
世界平和なんて絵空事だ。
World peace is just a chimera.
A 'dream story', implying an unrealistic or idealistic notion.
そんな計画は夢物語に過ぎない。
Such a plan is nothing but a chimera.
Illusion or fantasy; can be used for a chimera in the sense of a delusion.
彼の成功は幻想だった。
His success was a chimera.
Sometimes used figuratively in literary or technical writing, but less natural in everyday speech.
完全な自由市場はキメラに過ぎない。
A completely free market is nothing but a chimera.