Translation guide
A dog bred or trained to assist in hunting. In Japanese, the most common term is 猟犬 (りょうけん), but specific types like 狩猟犬 (しゅりょうけん) or breed names may be used depending on context.
Referring to any dog used for hunting, as a general category.
The standard, neutral term for a hunting dog. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
He keeps a hunting dog.
Training a hunting dog takes time.
A slightly more formal or technical term, often used in written contexts or when emphasizing the hunting aspect.
There are many breeds of hunting dogs.
Referring to a particular breed or type of hunting dog, such as a hound or retriever.
Still the most common way to refer to a hunting dog, even when the breed is known. Often combined with the breed name.
That hunting dog is a beagle.
Can be used similarly, but 猟犬 is more common in everyday speech.
In many cases, Japanese speakers simply use the breed name (e.g., ビーグル, ラブラドール) when the context makes it clear it's a hunting dog.
His beagle is an excellent hunting dog.
Using 'hunting dog' metaphorically, e.g., for a person who aggressively pursues something.
Can be used metaphorically, similar to English, to describe a person who is relentless in pursuit of a goal.
He's a hunting dog when it comes to work.
Literally 'pursuer', this can be used in a metaphorical sense but is less common and more formal.
Both mean 'hunting dog', but 猟犬 (りょうけん) is more common in everyday language. 狩猟犬 (しゅりょうけん) is slightly more formal and often appears in written materials or technical contexts. In most situations, 猟犬 is the safer choice.
If the breed is known, Japanese speakers often just use the breed name (e.g., ビーグル, ラブラドール・レトリバー) and may add 猟犬 if clarification is needed. For example, '彼はラブラドールを猟犬として訓練している' (He trains Labradors as hunting dogs).
狩猟犬としてポインターを飼っている。
I keep a pointer as a hunting dog.
彼は真実を追う追跡者だ。
He is a hunting dog for the truth.