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.
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...).
Something that does not exist or is not true; a fabrication.
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.
ギリシャ神話には面白い神話がたくさんある。
Greek mythology is full of interesting myths.
ギリシャ神話は多くの英雄の物語を含んでいる。
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.
この村には古い伝説が残っている。
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.
日本の昔話には教訓が含まれていることが多い。
Japanese myths/folk tales often contain moral lessons.
Literally "mythological story." More specific and less common; used in academic or literary contexts.
彼は古代の神話物語を研究している。
He studies ancient mythological stories.
「女性は運転が下手だ」というのは神話にすぎない。
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.
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.
Misunderstanding or misconception. More general, but can be used when "myth" means a widely held incorrect belief.
それはよくある誤解です。
That's a common myth/misconception.
Popular belief or common saying, often unfounded. Used in formal or critical contexts.
その俗説は科学的に否定された。
That myth/popular belief has been scientifically disproven.
Made-up story, fabrication. Used when "myth" implies something invented or not real.
彼の成功物語はほとんど作り話だ。
His success story is mostly a myth.
Fiction, fabrication. More formal and often used in literary or philosophical contexts.
完全な平等社会は虚構にすぎない。
A perfectly equal society is just a myth.
Illusion, fantasy. Emphasizes the unreality or deceptive nature of the myth.
永遠の幸福というのは幻想だ。
Eternal happiness is a myth.
Can also be used in this sense, but less common than for traditional stories or false beliefs.
彼の能力は神話に包まれている。
His abilities are shrouded in myth.
The myth of the self-made man is pervasive.