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.
In Greek mythology, the Chimera is a composite beast of a lion, a goat, and a serpent.
An alternative transliteration, often used in biological contexts but also understood for the mythical creature.
A monster called a chimera appears in that game.
An organism containing cells from two or more different zygotes; a biological chimera.
A fanciful idea or hope that is unlikely to be realized; a figment of the imagination.
Literally 'painted sky thing', meaning a pipe dream or unrealistic fantasy. Natural for expressing an impossible dream.
World peace is just a chimera.
Illusion or fantasy; can be used for a chimera in the sense of a delusion.
Sometimes used figuratively in literary or technical writing, but less natural in everyday speech.
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.
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.
That's a chimera.
The chimera individual was confirmed by genetic analysis.
A 'dream story', implying an unrealistic or idealistic notion.
Such a plan is nothing but a chimera.
彼の成功は幻想だった。
His success was a chimera.
A completely free market is nothing but a chimera.