Translation guide
A gargoyle is a carved stone grotesque, often on Gothic buildings, that functions as a waterspout. In Japanese, the concept is typically expressed with the loanword ガーゴイル or descriptive terms.
A carved stone figure on a building that channels rainwater away from the walls.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood in architectural and fantasy contexts.
ノートルダム大聖堂にはたくさんのガーゴイルがある。
Notre Dame Cathedral has many gargoyles.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'waterspout in the shape of a monster'. Used when explaining the function.
あの教会の壁には怪物の形をした水落としが付いている。
That church has waterspouts shaped like monsters on its walls.
A generic architectural term for a waterspout or drain opening, not specifically a carved figure. Rarely used for decorative gargoyles.
この建物の樋口はシンプルなデザインだ。
The waterspouts on this building have a simple design.
A carved stone monster or grotesque figure used as decoration, not necessarily a waterspout.
Borrowed from English 'grotesque', used in art and architecture for such decorative figures.
その大聖堂のファサードには多くのグロテスクが飾られている。
The cathedral's facade is adorned with many grotesques.
Means 'monster sculpture'. A straightforward description for non-functional decorative carvings.
屋根の上に怪物の彫刻が並んでいる。
Monster sculptures are lined up on the roof.
A living gargoyle as a creature in fantasy, games, or mythology.
The standard term in fantasy contexts, identical to the architectural term.
そのゲームではガーゴイルが空から襲ってくる。
In that game, gargoyles attack from the sky.
In most contexts, the loanword ガーゴイル is perfectly understood and natural. Use descriptive phrases only when explaining the function or in formal architectural writing.