How to say "tiger" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 虎とらnounThe ordinary word for the animal tiger (Panthera tigris). Use this in most contexts — describing the animal, its characteristics, or the tiger in the zodiac. This is the default choice.
- nounA loanword for the same feline, Panthera tigris, but it is less common than 虎. It tends to appear in names, titles, or contexts with a foreign or katakana flavor, so it is seldom the word you want for everyday reference.
Both words denote the big cat Panthera tigris: 虎 is the common everyday word, while 「タイガー」 is the loanword, less common and often felt as more stylistic or foreign-flavored.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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