Translation guide
The Greek god of the underworld, or the underworld itself. In Japanese, it is usually referred to by its Greek name in katakana, or described using native terms for the underworld.
Referring to the Greek deity who rules the underworld.
The most direct and common way to refer to the god Hades in Japanese, using the Greek name in katakana. Used in mythology contexts.
ハーデースは冥界の神です。
Hades is the god of the underworld.
Referring to the realm of the dead in Greek mythology.
Referring to a dark, hellish afterlife realm in a non-Greek context.
冥界 (meikai) is a neutral term for the land of the dead, similar to the Greek Hades. 地獄 (jigoku) is hell, a place of punishment. In Greek mythology, Hades is not hell, so 冥界 is more accurate unless referring to Tartarus.
ハーデースは地獄ではなく冥界です。
Hades is not hell but the underworld.
An alternative katakana rendering of Hades, also common. Slightly less faithful to the original Greek pronunciation but widely recognized.
ハデスはゼウスの兄弟です。
Hades is Zeus's brother.
The general term for the underworld or realm of the dead, used in both Greek mythology and other contexts. Often used when explaining Hades as a place.
ハーデースは冥界を支配している。
Hades rules the underworld.
The Japanese native word for the land of the dead, equivalent to Yomi. Can be used to draw parallels, but it's specifically Japanese mythology, not Greek.
This refers to the Japanese mythological underworld, not the Greek Hades. Use only when making comparisons or in poetic contexts.
ギリシャ神話の冥界は、日本の黄泉に似ている。
The Greek underworld is similar to Japan's Yomi.
The name Hades itself can be used to refer to the underworld, just as in English. Context usually makes it clear whether the god or the place is meant.
彼はハーデースに閉じ込められた。
He was imprisoned in Hades.
The standard word for hell in Japanese, often used in Buddhist or general contexts. Not specific to Greek mythology, but conveys a place of suffering after death.
地獄 implies a place of punishment, unlike the Greek Hades which is more neutral. Use only when the context involves torment.
悪人は地獄に落ちる。
The wicked fall into hell.
A literary or formal term for the netherworld, sometimes used in translations of Greek myths. Less common in everyday speech.
冥府の王ハーデース。
Hades, king of the netherworld.