Translation guide
The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a canid native to East Asia, known in Japanese as タヌキ (tanuki). In Japanese folklore, it is a shapeshifting trickster. This guide covers the animal, its cultural significance, and related expressions.
Referring to the actual raccoon dog, a wild canid species.
The standard Japanese word for the raccoon dog. Often written in katakana, but kanji 狸 is also common.
昨日、山でタヌキを見ました。
Yesterday, I saw a raccoon dog in the mountains.
Kanji form of タヌキ. Used in literature and formal contexts.
狸は夜行性の動物です。
Raccoon dogs are nocturnal animals.
The Japanese raccoon dog subspecies (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), native to Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
ホンドタヌキは日本の固有亜種です。
The Japanese raccoon dog is an endemic subspecies of Japan.
Referring to the tanuki as a mythical creature with shapeshifting abilities, often depicted with a big belly and a straw hat.
In folklore, the tanuki is a trickster yōkai known for using leaves to transform. Statues of tanuki are common outside restaurants and bars.
あの居酒屋の前にタヌキの置物がある。
There is a tanuki statue in front of that izakaya.
Literally 'monster tanuki', specifically referring to a tanuki that has gained supernatural powers and can shapeshift.
Using 'tanuki' in proverbs or set phrases.
Pretending to be asleep; playing possum. Literally 'tanuki sleep'.
彼は狸寝入りをして、会話を避けた。
He pretended to be asleep to avoid the conversation.
Counting one's chickens before they hatch. Literally 'counting tanuki skins' (from the practice of selling tanuki pelts before catching them).
まだ合格していないのに、入学祝いの計画を立てるのは狸の皮算用だ。
Planning a celebration for passing the exam before you've even passed is counting your chickens before they hatch.
A sly old man; a crafty old fox. Literally 'tanuki old man'.
Referring to dishes that include 'tanuki' in the name, usually indicating the absence of a key ingredient or a specific topping.
Udon noodles topped with tempura batter bits (tenkasu). The name comes from the idea that 'tanuki' means 'without' (ta-nuki), as it lacks the usual tempura topping.
寒い日にはたぬきうどんが食べたくなる。
On a cold day, I crave tanuki udon.
Soba noodles with tenkasu. Similar to tanuki udon but with soba.
たぬきそばは関東では一般的ですが、関西では違う意味になることがあります。
Tanuki soba is common in Kanto, but in Kansai it can mean something different.
In English, 'raccoon dog' is sometimes confused with raccoons or badgers. In Japanese, タヌキ is distinct from アライグマ (raccoon) and アナグマ (badger). Do not use タヌキ to refer to a raccoon.
Ceramic tanuki statues (often with a straw hat, big belly, and a sake bottle) are common outside restaurants and bars as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. They are called タヌキの置物 (tanuki no okimono).
化け狸は人を化かすと言われている。
Bakedanuki are said to deceive people.
あの狸親父に騙されないように気をつけろ。
Be careful not to be tricked by that sly old man.