Translation guide
A small, nocturnal mammal known for producing musk used in perfumes. In Japanese, the term usually refers to the masked palm civet or similar species.
Referring to the animal itself, in general or scientific contexts.
Literally 'musk cat', the standard Japanese word for civet. Used in zoological contexts.
麝香猫は夜行性の動物です。
The civet cat is a nocturnal animal.
Specifically the masked palm civet, a common species in Japan. Often written in katakana.
ハクビシンが屋根裏に住み着いた。
A masked palm civet has taken up residence in the attic.
Literary or old-fashioned term for civet, meaning 'spirit cat'. Rarely used in modern Japanese.
霊猫の香りは高級香水に使われる。
The scent of the civet is used in high-end perfumes.
Referring to the animal in the context of kopi luwak (civet coffee).
Katakana version of 麝香猫, commonly used in food/beverage contexts like civet coffee.
ジャコウネコの糞からコーヒー豆が取られる。
Coffee beans are collected from civet droppings.
The Indonesian term for civet coffee, often used in Japanese as-is.
コピ・ルアクは世界で最も高価なコーヒーの一つです。
Kopi luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
In everyday contexts, ジャコウネコ (katakana) is often used instead of 麝香猫 (kanji) because the kanji are complex. For the masked palm civet, ハクビシン is the most common term.