Translation guide
The English word 'undead' refers to beings that are deceased but behave as if alive, such as zombies, vampires, and ghosts. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; instead, different terms are used depending on the type of undead creature. This guide covers common Japanese expressions for various undead beings and related concepts.
Referring to undead creatures in a broad sense, especially in fantasy or horror contexts.
A loanword from English, commonly used in games, anime, and fantasy settings to refer to undead creatures collectively.
There are many undead in this dungeon.
Literally 'immortal person', used in fantasy literature and games for undead or immortal beings. More formal or literary than アンデッド.
An army of the undead attacked the castle.
Specifically referring to a reanimated corpse, often mindless and hungry for flesh.
Referring to the spirit of a dead person that appears to the living.
The standard word for ghost, often depicted as a vengeful or sorrowful spirit in white clothing.
They say a ghost appears in this room.
A more formal or literary term for ghost, often implying a spirit of the dead that has not found peace.
Referring to a blood-sucking undead creature, often aristocratic and immortal.
Referring to an animated skeleton, often as a fantasy enemy.
Describing something as being undead, or the state of being undead.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all types of undead creatures exactly like the English word. Use specific terms like ゾンビ, 幽霊, or 吸血鬼 depending on the creature. In fantasy contexts, アンデッド is a safe general term.
A literary or archaic term meaning 'living corpse'. Rarely used in modern conversation, but appears in older texts or poetic contexts.
He is like a living corpse.
亡霊が城をさまよっている。
A ghost is wandering the castle.
I'm playing a game called Vampire Hunter.