Translation guide
The English word "fantasy" covers a range of meanings from imagination and daydreams to a specific literary genre. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
A pleasant or wishful imagining, often while awake.
The most direct and common translation for 'fantasy' as an act of imagining something unrealistic or fanciful. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb.
He was lost in fantasy.
A more literary or dreamy term for 'fantasy' or 'reverie'. Often implies an idle, unrealistic dream.
The loanword from English. Commonly used for the genre (see next meaning), but can also refer to a personal fantasy or daydream, especially in casual speech.
A genre of fiction involving magic, mythical creatures, or imaginary worlds.
An imagined sexual scenario or desire.
The direct translation for 'sexual fantasy'. Clear and neutral.
A false or unrealistic belief, often with a negative connotation.
Implies an illusion or something that is not real. Often used for unrealistic hopes or beliefs.
空想 (くうそう) is a neutral or positive fantasy/imagination. 幻想 (げんそう) is an illusion or unrealistic hope, often with a sense of disillusionment. 妄想 (もうそう) is a delusion or wild fantasy, sometimes pathological or obsessive.
As a child, I played in a fantasy world.
To immerse oneself in a fantasy world.
That's nothing more than a fantasy.
To talk about one's fantasies.
The standard term for the fantasy genre in Japanese. Used for books, movies, games, etc.
I like fantasy novels.
This game is a fantasy RPG.
A more academic or literary term for 'fantasy literature'. Often used in critical contexts.
He is a scholar of fantasy literature.
It's natural to have sexual fantasies.
In context, the loanword can imply a sexual fantasy, especially in casual or intimate conversation.
I want to fulfill his fantasy.
That's just a fantasy.
To harbor a fantasy/illusion.
A stronger word for 'delusion' or 'wild fantasy', often with a pathological or obsessive nuance. Can be used humorously.
That's just your fantasy/delusion.
Success was a fantasy/illusion.
His story is a delusion.