Word in Japanese/nature
Wolf in Japanese
Wolf translates as 狼 (ookami). Below is a full breakdown with stroke counts, alternate writings, an example sentence, and tattoo design notes.
What it means
狼 (ookami, おおかみ) means wolf.
| Kanji | Meaning | Strokes | On'yomi | Kun'yomi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 狼 | wolf | 10 | rou | ookami |
Compounds and related words
Common Japanese vocabulary built around this kanji.
| Word | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 狼狽 | roubai | panic, confusion (literary) |
| 一匹狼 | ippiki ookami | lone wolf |
Example sentence
彼は一匹狼として生きている。
Kare wa ippiki ookami to shite ikite iru.
He lives as a lone wolf.
Tattoo design notes
狼 is the single kanji for wolf and reads cleanly as a tattoo. The phrase 一匹狼 (ippiki ookami, lone wolf) is a popular three-character alternative for those wanting independence and solitary-strength symbolism. The dog radical (犭) on the left signals an animal; native readers parse it instantly as wolf.
Cultural notes
Wolves were once worshipped in Japanese mountain regions as protectors of crops, with shrines like Mitsumine in Saitama still venerating them. The Japanese wolf (Honshuu wolf) went extinct around 1905, giving 狼 a romantic, mythologised quality in modern Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say wolf in Japanese?
Wolf in Japanese is 狼, romanised as ookami and written in hiragana as おおかみ. Wolves were once worshipped in Japanese mountain regions as protectors of crops, with shrines like Mitsumine in Saitama still venerating them. The Japanese wolf (Honshuu wolf) went extinct around 1905, giving 狼 a romantic, mythologised quality in modern Japanese.
What does the kanji 狼 mean?
狼 means "wolf" (10 strokes; on'yomi: rou; kun'yomi: ookami). Together the word reads as ookami.
Is 狼 a good kanji for a tattoo?
狼 is the single kanji for wolf and reads cleanly as a tattoo. The phrase 一匹狼 (ippiki ookami, lone wolf) is a popular three-character alternative for those wanting independence and solitary-strength symbolism. The dog radical (犭) on the left signals an animal; native readers parse it instantly as wolf.
How do you write wolf in hiragana?
In hiragana, wolf is written as おおかみ, which represents the sound ookami. The kanji form 狼 is used in everyday writing; hiragana is used when the kanji is too difficult, for emphasis, or in children's text.
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