Translation guide
The most common Japanese word for frog is カエル. There are also specific terms for different species and life stages.
カエル
frog
The animal frog in general, any species.
The standard word for frog. Can be written in katakana, hiragana, or kanji (蛙).
池にカエルがいる。
There is a frog in the pond.
カエルの鳴き声が聞こえる。
I can hear frogs croaking.
Kanji form of カエル. Common in written Japanese.
蛙は昆虫を食べる。
Frogs eat insects.
Specifically a toad, often with dry, warty skin.
Toad. Literally 'toad frog'. Used for true toads.
庭に大きなヒキガエルがいた。
There was a big toad in the garden.
Another word for toad, often used in folklore or for the Japanese common toad.
Small frogs that live in trees or on vegetation.
Tree frog, specifically the Japanese tree frog. Common in Japan.
アマガエルが葉っぱの上にいる。
A tree frog is on the leaf.
The larval stage of a frog.
Tadpole. Literally 'ladle', from the shape.
田んぼにオタマジャクシがたくさんいる。
There are many tadpoles in the rice paddy.
The sound a frog makes.
Onomatopoeia for frog croaking. Often used in children's language.
カエルがケロケロ鳴いている。
The frog is croaking 'kerokero'.
Another onomatopoeia for a deeper croak.
Frogs (カエル) are considered lucky because カエル also means 'to return'. You may see frog charms for safe returns or money returning.
ガマガエルは縁起がいいと言われる。
Toads are said to bring good luck.
夜になるとカエルがゲロゲロ鳴き始める。
At night the frogs start croaking 'gerogero'.