Translation guide
The English word 'beast' can refer to a large or dangerous animal, a cruel person, or be used figuratively. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Referring to a wild, large, or dangerous animal, often in a literary or dramatic context.
The most direct translation for 'beast' as a wild animal. Often used in fantasy or dramatic contexts.
森の奥には恐ろしい野獣が住んでいる。
A fearsome beast lives deep in the forest.
A general term for beast or animal, often with a wild connotation. Can be used in compounds.
彼は獣のように戦った。
He fought like a beast.
Specifically a fierce or predatory beast, like a lion or tiger. Used in contexts like 'wild beast' exhibits.
猛獣に注意してください。
Beware of wild beasts.
Describing a person who is cruel, violent, or lacking in humanity.
Literally 'not a person', a strong insult meaning a brute or monster. Very common in speech and fiction.
あんなことをするなんて、彼は人でなしだ。
He's a beast for doing something like that.
Literally 'demon' or 'ogre', used figuratively for a heartless or cruel person.
Literally 'beast' or 'brute', used as an insult. Also a common expletive. Strong and vulgar.
Referring to a challenging task, situation, or thing, often with a sense of it being monstrous or overwhelming.
Literally 'tough opponent', used for a difficult challenge or problem.
この問題は手強い相手だ。
This problem is a beast.
A difficult thing or person to deal with; a tough nut to crack.
この試験は本当に難物だ。
This exam is a real beast.
Referring to a creature from myth or fantasy, often large and frightening.
Monster or beast, often used for mythical creatures or kaiju.
その怪物は村を破壊した。
The beast destroyed the village.
Magical beast, common in fantasy games and anime.
魔獣を倒すクエストを受けた。
I accepted a quest to defeat a beast.
Directly translating 'beast' as 野獣 for a cruel person sounds unnatural. Use 人でなし or 鬼 instead.
彼は人でなしだ。
He is a beast.
I can't stand that beast of a boss.
この畜生め！
You beast!