Translation guide
The English word 'lupine' can refer to a type of flowering plant or mean 'wolf-like'. This guide covers both meanings, focusing on natural Japanese expressions.
Referring to the flowering plant of the genus Lupinus.
The most common and widely understood term for the ornamental lupine flower in Japan. Borrowed from English 'lupinus'.
庭にルピナスが咲いています。
Lupines are blooming in the garden.
Scientific or botanical term for the genus Lupinus. Used in formal or academic contexts.
ルピナス属の植物はマメ科です。
Plants of the genus Lupinus are legumes.
A traditional Japanese name for lupine, literally 'climbing wisteria', referring to the flower's resemblance to wisteria. Less common and may not be understood by all speakers.
ノボリフジは別名ルピナスとも呼ばれます。
Noborifuji is also called lupinus.
Describing something that resembles or is characteristic of a wolf.
The most natural way to say 'wolf-like' in Japanese. Uses the noun 'wolf' (狼) with the adjectival phrase 'のような' (like a).
彼は狼のような目つきをしている。
He has a lupine gaze.
That dog has a lupine appearance.
A more casual equivalent of '狼のような'. 'みたいな' is colloquial for 'like'.
あの犬、狼みたいな顔してるね。
That dog has a lupine face, doesn't it?
A more literary or technical term meaning 'wolf-like' or 'lupine nature'. Rarely used in everyday speech.
その物語には狼性のキャラクターが登場する。
A lupine character appears in that story.