Translation guide
The animal 'wild boar' is commonly referred to as イノシシ in Japanese. There is also a less common term イノシシの肉 for the meat, and a rare literary term ヤマクジラ. The word イノシシ is the standard, everyday term.
Referring to the wild boar as an animal, in general contexts.
The standard word for wild boar. Used in everyday conversation, news, and literature.
I saw a wild boar in the mountains.
Wild boars are nocturnal.
The kanji form of イノシシ. Often used in written contexts, signs, or formal documents. The reading is the same.
Beware of wild boars
Referring to wild boar meat as food.
Literally 'wild boar meat'. This is the most straightforward way to refer to the meat.
Wild boar meat is popular in game cuisine.
A literary or euphemistic term for wild boar meat, literally 'mountain whale'. Historically used to circumvent dietary restrictions. Rare in modern usage.
There is a culture of eating wild boar meat (lit. mountain whale).