Translation guide
A small carnivorous mammal, Mustela erminea, also known as an ermine or stoat. In Japanese, the animal is most commonly referred to as オコジョ, but other terms exist depending on context, region, or fur trade usage.
Referring to the short-tailed weasel as an animal in everyday conversation or nature contexts.
The most common and widely understood term for the short-tailed weasel (stoat/ermine) in modern Japanese. Used in zoos, nature documentaries, and general conversation.
オコジョは小さくてかわいい動物です。
The short-tailed weasel is a small and cute animal.
山でオコジョを見かけました。
I spotted a short-tailed weasel in the mountains.
Specifically refers to the Hokkaido subspecies of the short-tailed weasel. Used when emphasizing the regional variant.
エゾオコジョは北海道に生息しています。
The Hokkaido stoat lives in Hokkaido.
Literally 'mountain weasel', an older or less specific term that can refer to various weasels, including the short-tailed weasel. Not commonly used in modern standard Japanese; may appear in literature or regional dialects.
昔話にヤマイタチが出てくる。
A mountain weasel appears in the old tale.
Referring specifically to the short-tailed weasel when it has turned white in winter, or to its fur.
Literally 'white marten', but commonly used for the ermine (white winter coat of the stoat). Often used in fur contexts or when emphasizing the white coloration.
シロテンの毛皮は高級品です。
Ermine fur is a luxury item.
Loanword from English 'ermine', used in fashion or fur trade contexts. Less common than シロテン.
このコートはアーミンの毛皮でできています。
This coat is made of ermine fur.
オコジョ can also refer to the animal in its white winter phase, though it does not distinguish between brown and white coats. Context usually clarifies.
Referring to the fur of the short-tailed weasel, especially the white winter fur used in clothing or heraldry.
The standard term for ermine fur. 毛皮 means 'fur' or 'pelt'.
王様のマントにはシロテンの毛皮が使われている。
The king's robe is trimmed with ermine fur.
Alternative using the loanword アーミン. Less common but understood in fashion contexts.
アーミンの毛皮は柔らかい。
Ermine fur is soft.
オコジョ specifically refers to the stoat/ermine (short-tailed weasel). イタチ is the general term for weasels (including the Siberian weasel, etc.). テン is a marten, a related but different animal. Be careful not to confuse them.
イタチは日本全国にいますが、オコジョは主に北海道と本州の高山にいます。
Weasels are found all over Japan, but stoats are mainly in Hokkaido and the alpine regions of Honshu.
The direct translation '短尾イタチ' (たんびいたち) is not a standard Japanese term and will not be understood. Always use オコジョ or context-appropriate alternatives.
In winter, the short-tailed weasel turns white.