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.
The civet cat is a nocturnal animal.
Specifically the masked palm civet, a common species in Japan. Often written in katakana.
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.
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.
Coffee beans are collected from civet droppings.
The Indonesian term for civet coffee, often used in Japanese as-is.
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.
Kopi luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world.