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).
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.
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.
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'.
The hibakari lives in streams.
There is a legend that a water dragon lives in the lake.
A mythical water serpent or dragon in Japanese folklore, often associated with rivers and rain. Archaic term.
A water serpent appears in the old tale.