also: こうりゅう
unrecognized genius; hidden talent
Metaphorical use: a person of great ability who remains obscure or unappreciated, like a dragon lurking unseen in water. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
The mizuchi is a divine water beast that also appears in the Kojiki.
Legend has it that the mizuchi breathes poisonous breath.
Like a hidden dragon, he possesses a talent unknown to the world.
Though he had the talent of a hidden dragon, he remained unrecognized all his life.
Standard kanji spelling for the mythological creature and the metaphorical sense.
Alternate reading こうりゅう; less common but attested.
Variant using 龍 (traditional dragon character); same reading and meaning.
Variant with 龍 and alternate reading こうりゅう; rare.
Sino-Japanese compound from 蛟 (mythical water dragon) and 竜/龍 (dragon). The exact origin of the mythological creature is uncertain, but it appears in early Japanese texts such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, likely influenced by Chinese dragon lore.