How to say "kappa" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

かっぱCommon
nounThe common word for the mythical water-dwelling creature of Japanese folklore. When 'kappa' refers to the creature rather than the Greek letter, this is the word to reach for.
私は学校がっこうで日本にっぽん文学ぶんがくの英語えいご訳やく、特とくに漱石そうせきの『吾輩わがはいは猫ねこである』や『心こころ』、芥川あくたがわの『鼻はな』や『河童かっぱ』を楽たのしく読よんだ。↗
At school I had enjoyed reading Japanese literature in English translation, in particular Soseki's I am a Cat and Kokoro, and Akutagawa's The Nose and Kappa.
河太郎かわたろう
nounA less common name for the same mythical water creature; it is understandable but not usually the first choice, and かっぱ is the word learners should normally use.
Κカッパ
nounThe Greek letter kappa, read カッパ; use this only when 'kappa' refers to the letter of the Greek alphabet, not to the mythical water creature.
河伯かはく
nounA less common name for the mythical water-dwelling creature; it is seldom the word you want, and かっぱ is the natural choice in ordinary contexts.

For the mythical water-dwelling creature, 「かっぱ」 is the common choice, with 河太郎 and 河伯 as less common alternatives; Κ（カッパ） is the Greek letter kappa.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

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