Translation guide
A werewolf is a mythical creature that transforms from human to wolf, often during a full moon. In Japanese, the concept is most commonly expressed with the loanword ウェアウルフ, but there are also native terms and related folklore creatures.
The general concept of a werewolf as known in Western folklore and popular culture.
The most common and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used in movies, games, and literature.
その映画にはウェアウルフが出てくる。
A werewolf appears in that movie.
Literally 'man-wolf'. A native Japanese term often used in fantasy contexts, games, and anime. Can also refer to the social deduction game 'Werewolf'.
人狼ゲームをやろう。
Let's play the Werewolf game.
Literally 'wolf man'. A more descriptive term, sometimes used in older translations or folklore discussions.
満月の夜、狼男が現れる。
On the night of the full moon, the wolf man appears.
From English 'lycanthrope'. A technical or literary term, rarely used in everyday conversation.
彼は自分をライカンスロープだと信じている。
He believes he is a lycanthrope.
A creature from Japanese folklore that shares traits with werewolves, such as transforming into a wolf or having wolf-like features.
A dog spirit in Japanese folklore, sometimes associated with possession and shapeshifting, but not exactly a werewolf. Mentioned for cultural reference.
犬神 is not a direct equivalent of a werewolf; it is a spirit often linked to curses and familiars.
犬神は四国地方の民間信仰に登場する。
Inugami appear in the folk beliefs of the Shikoku region.
ウェアウルフ is the default loanword and understood by most Japanese speakers. 人狼 is common in gaming and fantasy contexts, and also refers to the party game. 狼男 is more literal and less common, but may appear in older media.
人狼ゲームでは、村人の中に人狼が紛れている。
In the Werewolf game, a werewolf is hidden among the villagers.
Japanese folklore has many wolf-like creatures (e.g., 送り狼, 犬神), but they are not shapeshifters in the Western werewolf sense. Use ウェアウルフ or 人狼 for the Western concept.
A wolf yokai that follows travelers at night. It is not a shapeshifter but shares the wolf theme. Sometimes translated as 'werewolf' in older texts.
This is a specific yokai, not a human who transforms into a wolf.
送り狼は夜道を歩く人につきまとう。
The okuri-okami stalks people walking on night roads.