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.
彼は空想にふけっていた。
He was lost in fantasy.
空想の世界に浸る。
To immerse oneself in a fantasy world.
A more literary or dreamy term for 'fantasy' or 'reverie'. Often implies an idle, unrealistic dream.
それは単なる夢想に過ぎない。
That's nothing more than a fantasy.
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.
自分のファンタジーを語る。
To talk about one's fantasies.
A genre of fiction involving magic, mythical creatures, or imaginary worlds.
The standard term for the fantasy genre in Japanese. Used for books, movies, games, etc.
ファンタジー小説が好きです。
I like fantasy novels.
このゲームはファンタジーRPGだ。
This game is a fantasy RPG.
A more academic or literary term for 'fantasy literature'. Often used in critical contexts.
彼は幻想文学の研究者だ。
He is a scholar of fantasy literature.
An imagined sexual scenario or desire.
The direct translation for 'sexual fantasy'. Clear and neutral.
性的空想を持つのは自然なことだ。
It's natural to have sexual fantasies.
In context, the loanword can imply a sexual fantasy, especially in casual or intimate conversation.
彼のファンタジーを叶えたい。
I want to fulfill his fantasy.
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.
それは幻想に過ぎない。
That's just a fantasy.
幻想を抱く。
To harbor a fantasy/illusion.
A stronger word for 'delusion' or 'wild fantasy', often with a pathological or obsessive nuance. Can be used humorously.
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.
子供の頃は空想の世界で遊んだ。
As a child, I played in a fantasy world.
成功は幻想だった。
Success was a fantasy/illusion.
彼の話は妄想だ。
His story is a delusion.
それは君の妄想だよ。
That's just your fantasy/delusion.