also: おおかめ · おいぬ
The animal Canis lupus. Used in everyday language, folklore, and idioms.
森で狼の遠吠えが聞こえた。
We heard a wolf howling in the distance in the forest.
狼は群れで行動する。
Wolves act in packs.
wolf in sheep's clothing; womanizer
Figurative use: a person who appears gentle but is predatory, especially a seducer or womanizer. Often used in set phrases like 狼の皮をかぶった羊.
彼は優しそうに見えるが、実は狼だ。
He looks gentle, but he's actually a wolf in sheep's clothing.
あの男は狼だから気をつけて。
Be careful of that man; he's a womanizer.
A traveler was attacked by a wolf in the forest.
Watch out—he's a real womanizer.
I spotted a pack of wolves in the mountains.
大神 (おおかみ) means 'great god', while 狼 (おおかみ) means 'wolf' — they share the same reading but have completely unrelated meanings.
dhole; Asiatic wild dog · red wolf
Katakana spelling used in biological contexts or for emphasis.
Kana spelling, common in children's books or when avoiding kanji.
Obsolete kana usage; not used in modern Japanese.
Obsolete kana usage; not used in modern Japanese.