Translation guide
The English word "myth" can refer to a traditional story, a widely held but false belief, or a fictional thing. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, typically involving supernatural beings or events.
The most common and direct translation for "myth" as a traditional story. Refers to myths of gods, creation, etc.
Greek myths contain many stories of heroes.
Often translated as "legend," but can overlap with "myth" when referring to traditional stories passed down through generations, especially those with a possible historical basis.
This village has an old myth/legend.
Folk tale or old story. More general and often used for children's stories, but can be used for myths in a broad sense.
Japanese myths/folk tales often contain moral lessons.
Literally "mythological story." More specific and less common; used in academic or literary contexts.
He studies ancient mythological stories.
A commonly believed but false idea or misconception.
Also used metaphorically for a false belief, similar to English. Often used in phrases like ～という神話 (the myth that...).
The idea that women are bad drivers is just a myth.
Superstition or unfounded belief. Often used for traditional or irrational beliefs, but can overlap with "myth" in the sense of a false notion.
Misunderstanding or misconception. More general, but can be used when "myth" means a widely held incorrect belief.
Popular belief or common saying, often unfounded. Used in formal or critical contexts.
Something that does not exist or is not true; a fabrication.
Made-up story, fabrication. Used when "myth" implies something invented or not real.
His success story is mostly a myth.
Fiction, fabrication. More formal and often used in literary or philosophical contexts.
Illusion, fantasy. Emphasizes the unreality or deceptive nature of the myth.
Can also be used in this sense, but less common than for traditional stories or false beliefs.
神話 (shinwa) specifically refers to myths involving gods and creation. 伝説 (densetsu) often implies a legend with some historical basis, while 昔話 (mukashibanashi) is a general folk tale, often for children. For the metaphorical sense of "false belief," 神話 is the most direct equivalent.
When "myth" means a false belief, directly translating as 神話 may not always be natural. Consider 迷信 (superstition) or 誤解 (misconception) depending on context.
Greek mythology is full of interesting myths.
The myth of the self-made man is pervasive.
黒猫が不吉をもたらすというのは迷信だ。
It's a myth/superstition that black cats bring bad luck.
That's a common myth/misconception.
その俗説は科学的に否定された。
That myth/popular belief has been scientifically disproven.
A perfectly equal society is just a myth.
永遠の幸福というのは幻想だ。
Eternal happiness is a myth.
His abilities are shrouded in myth.