Translation guide
The English word 'mole' has several distinct meanings: a small burrowing animal, a spy within an organization, a skin growth, a unit in chemistry, a breakwater structure, and a type of sauce. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A small, dark, burrowing mammal with tiny eyes and strong forelimbs.
The standard word for the animal 'mole'. Can be written in katakana or hiragana.
There are many mole holes in the garden.
Kanji form of モグラ, used in literary or scientific contexts. Rare in everyday writing.
Moles live underground.
A person who works within an organization and secretly passes information to a rival.
The most common word for a spy or secret agent, including a mole within an organization.
He was a spy who infiltrated the enemy organization.
Specifically means an informant or mole who leaks information from inside. More formal than スパイ.
The police got information from a mole.
Means 'double agent'. Use when the mole is pretending to work for one side while actually working for the other.
A small, often dark, raised spot on the skin.
A unit of measurement for amount of substance (6.022×10²³ particles).
The standard term for the chemistry unit 'mole'. Used in scientific contexts.
One mole of water molecules is about 18 grams.
A large stone or concrete structure built to protect a harbor from waves.
A Mexican sauce made with chili peppers and chocolate.
The Japanese loanword for the Mexican sauce 'mole'. Often used in the context of Mexican cuisine.
Mexican mole sauce uses chocolate.
Although both are 'mole' in English, モグラ is the animal and ほくろ is the skin mark. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
There is a mole (animal) on my face. (incorrect)
He worked as a double agent for many years.
I had surgery to remove a mole.
The mole reduces the force of the waves.