Translation guide
The animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 動物相 (dōbutsusō), but in everyday contexts, simpler terms like 動物 (dōbutsu) or 生き物 (ikimono) are often used. The choice depends on formality and specificity.
Referring to the animal life characteristic of a specific area or ecosystem, often in scientific or descriptive contexts.
The direct translation of 'fauna' in biological and ecological contexts. Used in academic, scientific, or formal writing.
この島の動物相は独特だ。
The fauna of this island is unique.
オーストラリアの動物相には有袋類が多い。
The fauna of Australia includes many marsupials.
General word for 'animals'. In everyday conversation, it's often sufficient to convey the idea of fauna without the technical nuance.
この森にはいろいろな動物がいる。
This forest has a variety of fauna (animals).
Means 'living things', often used in a broader sense including plants, but in context can refer to animal life. More casual and child-friendly.
海にはたくさんの生き物がすんでいる。
Many creatures (fauna) live in the sea.
When explicitly contrasting animal life with plant life, often in the phrase 'flora and fauna'.
A compound meaning 'animals and plants', equivalent to 'flora and fauna'. Commonly used in environmental and educational contexts.
この地域の動植物を調査する。
We survey the flora and fauna of this region.
Explicitly 'fauna and flora' using the technical terms. More formal and precise.
その国立公園の動物相と植物相は保護されている。
The fauna and flora of the national park are protected.
Describing the animal life of a particular environment like oceans, forests, or deserts.
Simply 'animals of [place]'. Natural and widely understood.
砂漠の動物は暑さに強い。
Desert fauna are resistant to heat.
深海の動物には不思議な形のものが多い。
Deep-sea fauna often have strange shapes.
More technical version using 動物相. Suitable for reports or academic writing.
熱帯雨林の動物相は多様性に富んでいる。
The fauna of tropical rainforests is rich in diversity.
動物相 (dōbutsusō) is the precise scientific term for 'fauna', while 動物 (dōbutsu) simply means 'animals'. In casual conversation, 動物 is usually sufficient. Use 動物相 when you need to emphasize the ecological or biological concept of a region's animal life.
この地域の動物相を研究しています。
I'm researching the fauna of this region.
この地域の動物を研究しています。
I'm researching the animals of this region.
生き物 (ikimono) can be used to refer to fauna in a broader, more inclusive sense, especially when talking about living creatures in general. It's less formal and often used in educational materials for children or in nature documentaries.
この池にはどんな生き物がいるかな？
I wonder what kind of fauna (creatures) live in this pond?