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 short-tailed weasel is a small and cute animal.
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.
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.
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.
Ermine fur is a luxury item.
Loanword from English 'ermine', used in fashion or fur trade contexts. Less common than シロテン.
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.
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.
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.
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.
冬になるとオコジョは白くなります。
In winter, the short-tailed weasel turns white.