Translation guide
The Roman god of love, often depicted as a winged boy with a bow and arrow. In Japanese, the name is usually written in katakana, and the concept is well-known from Western mythology and popular culture.
Referring to the mythological figure Cupid, the god of love.
The standard Japanese rendering of 'Cupid'. Used in mythology, art, and everyday references.
キューピッドは愛の神です。
Cupid is the god of love.
A less common transliteration closer to the Latin 'Cupido'. Rarely used outside academic or classical contexts.
ローマ神話ではクピードーは愛の神とされる。
In Roman mythology, Cupido is considered the god of love.
Expressing the idea of falling in love suddenly, as if shot by Cupid's arrow.
Literally 'arrow of love'. A natural way to refer to Cupid's arrow in Japanese.
まるで恋の矢に射抜かれたようだ。
It's as if I've been shot by Cupid's arrow.
Directly 'Cupid's arrow'. Understandable but slightly more literal and less idiomatic than 恋の矢.
彼はキューピッドの矢に射抜かれた。
He was shot by Cupid's arrow.
Means 'love at first sight'. Often used to describe the effect of Cupid's arrow without mentioning Cupid directly.
Describing a person who plays the role of Cupid by introducing or uniting romantic partners.
A matchmaker, traditionally for arranged marriages, but can be used jokingly for anyone who sets up couples.
彼女が私たちの仲人をしてくれた。
She played Cupid for us.
Literally 'Cupid of love'. A playful way to call someone a matchmaker.
彼はまさに恋のキューピッドだ。
He's a real Cupid.
Refers to the act of tying fated bonds, often used in a spiritual or traditional context, like a deity of matchmaking.
Referring to images or figures of Cupid used in decorations, especially for romantic occasions.
The same katakana word is used for the decorative figure. Context makes the meaning clear.
バレンタインの飾りにキューピッドの像を使った。
We used a Cupid statue for Valentine's decoration.
In English, 'Cupid' can refer to the god, a matchmaker, or a symbol. In Japanese, キューピッド is mainly the mythological figure. For a matchmaker, use 仲人 or 恋のキューピッド depending on formality. For the concept of love at first sight, 一目惚れ is more natural than mentioning Cupid.
彼女に一目惚れした。
I fell in love with her at first sight.
この神社は縁結びで有名だ。
This shrine is famous for matchmaking.