also: こうりゅう
noun
mizuchi; mythical water dragon
A legendary Japanese water deity or dragon-like beast, often depicted with four legs, horns, and poisonous breath. Appears in classical mythology and folklore.
See also: 蛟 (みずち)
蛟竜は古事記にも登場する水の神獣だ。
The mizuchi is a divine water beast that also appears in the Kojiki.
伝説では、
noun
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.
彼は蛟竜の如く、世に知られぬ才能を秘めている。
Like a hidden dragon, he possesses a talent unknown to the world.
蛟竜の才を持ちながら、彼は一生不遇だった
Legend has it that the mizuchi breathes poisonous breath.
Though he had the talent of a hidden dragon, he remained unrecognized all his life.
Variant using 龍 (traditional dragon character); same reading and meaning.
Variant with 龍 and alternate reading こうりゅう; rare.
みずち is the native Japanese reading for the same mythological creature, often used in older texts. 蛟竜 (こうりょう) is the Sino-Japanese compound, more common in literary and metaphorical contexts.
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.