Translation guide
A narrative focused on solving a crime or mystery, often featuring a detective. In Japanese, this can be expressed through specific genre terms or descriptive phrases.
To refer to a story in any medium (novel, film, TV, etc.) where a detective solves a crime.
The most direct and common term for 'detective story' as a literary genre. Literally 'detective novel', but used broadly for stories.
I love detective stories.
Borrowed from English 'mystery'. Very common in modern Japanese to refer to mystery/detective stories across media. Slightly broader than 探偵小説.
To specify a gritty, realistic detective story often with a tough private eye.
To refer to a detective story set in a historical period, often featuring a samurai-era detective.
To talk about a detective story in film, TV, or games.
Combine 探偵 (detective) with a media word like ドラマ (drama), 映画 (movie), ゲーム (game).
探偵小説 (tantei shōsetsu) specifically involves a detective. 推理小説 (suiri shōsetsu) emphasizes logical deduction and may not have a detective. ミステリー (misuterī) is the broadest, covering any mystery story. In casual conversation, ミステリー is very common.
She writes detective stories.
I couldn't figure out the culprit until the end of this detective story.
Recent mystery stories are all interesting.
Literally 'deduction novel'. Emphasizes logical reasoning. Often used interchangeably with 探偵小説, but can include stories without a professional detective.
Reading detective stories is my hobby.
Directly borrowed from English 'hard-boiled'. Used as a genre label for tough, cynical detective fiction.
I like hard-boiled detective stories.
A genre of historical detective stories set in the Edo period, featuring detectives (岡っ引き) solving crimes. Very specific to Japanese culture.
Torimonochō are detective stories from the Edo period.
I look forward to this detective drama every week.
Would you like to go see a detective movie?
Use ミステリー (mystery) with a media word for a broader mystery genre.
I like mystery movies.
A detective story is a story where a detective solves a case.
A deduction novel focuses on puzzle-solving.
I'm reading a detective story set in Kyoto.