Translation guide
A snake that lives in or near water. In Japanese, the most common and general term is ミズヘビ, but specific species may have distinct names.
Referring to any snake that lives in water, without specifying species.
The most common and general term for 'water snake'. It is a compound of 水 (water) and 蛇 (snake).
池でミズヘビを見た。
I saw a water snake in the pond.
A more formal or literary term for water snake, using on'yomi readings. Less common in everyday speech.
Referring to the native Japanese water snake species, often found in rice paddies and streams.
Referring to a water snake in folklore or mythology, often a dragon-like creature.
A water dragon or water serpent in Japanese mythology. Not a real snake, but sometimes translated as 'water snake' in legends.
湖には水龍が住んでいるという伝説がある。
There is a legend that a water dragon lives in the lake.
水蛇は水中で生活する。
Water snakes live in water.
The Japanese water snake (Rhabdophis tigrinus), also known as the tiger keelback. It is venomous but generally not aggressive. Common in rural areas.
田んぼでヤマカガシを見つけた。
I found a Japanese water snake in the rice paddy.
A small, non-venomous water snake (Hebius vibakari) found in Japan. Often called 'hibakari' or 'Japanese water snake'.
ヒバカリは小川に住んでいる。
The hibakari lives in streams.
A mythical water serpent or dragon in Japanese folklore, often associated with rivers and rain. Archaic term.
古い物語に蛟が登場する。
A water serpent appears in the old tale.