Translation guide
A historical covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan, often romanticized in popular culture. The word is now widely used in English to refer to such figures or metaphorically to someone stealthy or skilled.
Referring to the historical covert agents of feudal Japan.
The standard Japanese word for a ninja, referring to the historical figure.
忍者は戦国時代に活躍した。
Ninja were active during the Warring States period.
An older or more traditional term for ninja, often used in historical contexts.
忍びの術を学ぶ。
Learn the art of the ninja.
Referring to ninja as depicted in movies, anime, comics, etc., often with supernatural abilities.
Also used for fictional ninja in popular culture.
そのアニメの主人公は忍者だ。
The main character of that anime is a ninja.
Katakana spelling, often used in titles or to emphasize a stylized, modern, or foreign-influenced depiction.
Describing someone who moves stealthily or is exceptionally skilled, like a 'ninja' in English slang.
While understood, Japanese speakers might not use 'ninja' as freely as English speakers for metaphorical stealth or skill. It can be used humorously or in specific contexts.
彼はコンピューターの忍者だ。
He's a computer ninja.
Literally 'like a ninja', used to describe stealthy movement.
彼は忍者のように静かに歩いた。
He walked quietly like a ninja.
In English, 'ninja' is often used metaphorically (e.g., 'coding ninja'). In Japanese, this usage is less common and may sound playful or forced. For natural Japanese, consider alternatives like 達人 (たつじん, expert) or 名人 (めいじん, master) depending on context.
There is a novel called Ninja Slayer.