Translation guide
The animal 'crocodile' is most commonly ワニ in Japanese. This entry covers the animal, its use in food, and figurative expressions.
Referring to the reptile crocodile (or alligator, as Japanese often uses the same word).
General term for crocodilians, including alligators. Used in everyday conversation.
あの川にはワニがいる。
There are crocodiles in that river.
Kanji form of ワニ. Less common in modern writing, but may appear in literature or formal contexts.
They make bags from crocodile skin.
Referring to crocodile as food, e.g., in a restaurant or recipe.
Expressing false or insincere tears/sorrow.
Literally 'fake crying'. The most natural way to express 'crocodile tears' in Japanese.
Her tears were crocodile tears.
Literally 'empty tears'. A more literary term for insincere tears.
Literally 'false tears'. Understandable but less idiomatic than 嘘泣き.
Those are nothing but crocodile tears.
While クロコダイル (katakana for 'crocodile') exists, it is mainly used in brand names or fashion (e.g., Crocodile brand). For the animal, always use ワニ.
This restaurant is famous for its fried crocodile.
彼は空涙を流した。
He shed crocodile tears.