Translation guide
The most common Japanese word for frog is カエル. There are also specific terms for different species and life stages.
frog
The animal frog in general, any species.
The standard word for frog. Can be written in katakana, hiragana, or kanji (蛙).
There is a frog in the pond.
I can hear frogs croaking.
Kanji form of カエル. Common in written Japanese.
Frogs eat insects.
Specifically a toad, often with dry, warty skin.
Small frogs that live in trees or on vegetation.
Tree frog, specifically the Japanese tree frog. Common in Japan.
A tree frog is on the leaf.
The larval stage of a frog.
Tadpole. Literally 'ladle', from the shape.
There are many tadpoles in the rice paddy.
The sound a frog makes.
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.
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'.