Translation guide
The study of myths or a collection of myths belonging to a particular culture or religion. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 神話 (shinwa), which covers both meanings. For academic study, 神話学 (shinwagaku) is used.
Referring to the body of traditional stories belonging to a culture, religion, or group.
The standard word for 'mythology' as a collection of myths. Used for Greek mythology, Japanese mythology, etc.
ギリシャ神話はとても面白いです。
Greek mythology is very interesting.
日本神話には多くの神々が登場します。
Many gods appear in Japanese mythology.
Referring to the scholarly discipline that studies myths.
Specifically the academic field of mythology. Use this when talking about the study of myths as a subject.
彼は大学で神話学を専攻しています。
He is majoring in mythology at university.
Literally 'myth research'. Can be used to refer to the study of mythology, though 神話学 is more formal for the discipline.
神話研究は比較文化の重要な分野です。
Mythology research is an important field of comparative culture.
Referring to a widely held but false belief or idea, often used figuratively.
Also used metaphorically for a popular but untrue belief, similar to English 'myth'.
それは単なる神話に過ぎません。
That's just a myth.
Refers to a popular belief or common saying, often with the nuance of being unverified or folk wisdom. Closer to 'folklore' or 'old wives' tale'.
神話 (shinwa) is the general term for myths or a body of mythology. 神話学 (shinwagaku) specifically refers to the academic study of mythology. Use 神話学 when talking about the discipline, and 神話 when referring to the stories themselves.
神話は文化によって異なります。
Mythology differs by culture.
神話学は19世紀に発展しました。
Mythology as a field developed in the 19th century.
その俗説は科学的に否定されました。
That popular belief has been scientifically disproven.