Translation guide
The zodiac sign Aries, often referred to as 'the Ram' in English. In Japanese, the sign is commonly called 牡羊座 (おひつじざ), literally 'the Sheep constellation', but the animal itself is a ram (牡羊). This guide covers how to refer to the zodiac sign and the animal in Japanese.
Referring to the astrological sign Aries, the first sign of the zodiac.
Standard Japanese name for the zodiac sign Aries. Literally '牡羊' (ram) + '座' (constellation). Used in horoscopes and astrology.
Referring to a male sheep, the animal.
彼女は牡羊座です。
She is an Aries.
牡羊座の人は情熱的だと言われている。
People born under the sign of Aries are said to be passionate.
Loanword from English 'Aries'. Common in casual or Western-centric contexts, but 牡羊座 is more standard in Japanese astrology.
アリエスの星座は春の夜空に見える。
The constellation Aries can be seen in the spring night sky.
Literally 'male sheep'. Used when specifically referring to a ram as an animal. Note: 羊 (ひつじ) alone can mean sheep in general, but 牡羊 clarifies the male gender.
牧場に大きな牡羊がいる。
There is a big ram on the farm.
Loanword from English 'ram'. Less common than 牡羊, but may be used in some contexts like pet names or foreign media.
あのラムは角が立派だね。
That ram has impressive horns, doesn't it?