Translation guide
The mythical creature with a single horn. In Japanese, the English loanword ユニコーン is most common, but the traditional term 一角獣 also exists.
Referring to the legendary horse-like animal with one horn.
The most common and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used in everyday conversation, fantasy, and pop culture.
A mythical hooved chimerical creature from East Asian folklore, sometimes translated as 'unicorn' but distinct. Not a direct equivalent; use only when referring to the East Asian creature.
麒麟 is not a Western unicorn. It has a different appearance and symbolism. Avoid using it for the typical unicorn.
A startup company valued at over $1 billion.
娘はユニコーンのぬいぐるみが大好きです。
My daughter loves unicorn plushies.
A unicorn appears in that movie.
The traditional Japanese/Chinese term, literally 'one-horned beast'. More formal or literary; often used in mythology or fantasy contexts.
Unicorns often appear in medieval legends.
麒麟は平和の象徴とされる。
The qilin is considered a symbol of peace.
The standard term for a unicorn startup. Often shortened to just ユニコーン in context.
That company grew into a unicorn startup.