Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'toad' is ヒキガエル, but there are other terms with different nuances, including the mythical giant toad ガマ.
Referring to the amphibian in general or in everyday contexts.
The standard word for 'toad'. It specifically refers to toads as opposed to frogs (カエル).
There was a big toad in the garden.
Another common word for 'toad', often used interchangeably with ヒキガエル. It can also refer specifically to the Japanese common toad.
Toads are active at night.
A shorter, more colloquial term for 'toad'. It can also refer to the mythical giant toad in folklore.
Oh, there's a toad!
Referring to the large, often magical toad in Japanese folklore, such as the one associated with the ninja Jiraiya.
This kanji compound specifically refers to the mythical giant toad. It is often read as ガマ in this context.
Jiraiya uses the magic of the giant toad.
Literally 'giant toad', used to emphasize the size or mythical nature.
The giant toad was as big as a mountain.
When 'toad' appears in set phrases, names, or symbolic contexts.
ヒキガエル is the most standard and scientific term. ガマガエル is also common and slightly more colloquial. ガマ is a shorter, casual form, but it can also refer to the mythical toad. In everyday speech, any of these can be used, but ヒキガエル is the safest choice.
The general word for frog is カエル. Toads are a subset, so if you want to be specific, use ヒキガエル or ガマガエル. Using カエル for a toad is not wrong but less precise.