Translation guide
The English word "horde" generally refers to a large, often unruly or threatening group of people or animals. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the nuance: whether it's a disorderly crowd, a swarm of insects, a large army, or a historical nomadic group.
To describe a large, disorderly, or threatening group of people, often moving together.
General term for a crowd or throng of people. Can imply a large, gathered mass, but not necessarily threatening. Often neutral.
駅前に大群衆が集まっていた。
A huge horde of people had gathered in front of the station.
Literally 'large group', used for both people and animals. Emphasizes the sheer number and often implies a moving mass.
Refers to a crowd of onlookers or rubberneckers, often at an accident or incident. Carries a negative nuance of idle curiosity.
Specifically a mob or rioting crowd. Implies violence and lawlessness.
To describe a large, moving mass of insects, rodents, or similar creatures.
Same as for people, but very common for animals. Neutral.
バッタの大群が農作物を食い荒らした。
A horde of locusts devoured the crops.
General word for a group of animals. Can be used for insects, but '大群' emphasizes the massive scale better.
To refer to a vast, often barbaric or nomadic army, especially in historical or fantasy contexts.
Literally 'great army'. Used for large military forces, often in historical or epic narratives.
モンゴルの大軍がヨーロッパに侵攻した。
The Mongol horde invaded Europe.
Refers to military forces or troops. Slightly more literary or historical feel.
To express a huge quantity of things, often overwhelming or annoying.
Pattern meaning 'a large amount of ~'. Very common and versatile.
大量のメールが届いた。
A horde of emails arrived.
Literally 'mountain', used figuratively to mean a huge pile or heap of something.
机の上に書類の山があった。
There was a horde of papers on the desk.
Do not use 'ホード' (hōdo) in Japanese; it is not a common loanword and will not be understood. Always use a native Japanese word or phrase depending on context.
大群 (taigun) emphasizes the massive size and often movement, suitable for both people and animals. 群衆 (gunshū) specifically refers to a crowd of people gathered in one place, more static.
蚊の大群に襲われた。
A horde of mosquitoes attacked us.
観光客の大群が通りを埋め尽くした。
A horde of tourists filled the street.
事故現場に野次馬の群れができた。
A horde of onlookers gathered at the accident scene.
A horde of rioters attacked the store.
A horde of rats swarmed into the warehouse.
敵の軍勢が城に押し寄せた。
The enemy horde advanced on the castle.
Specifically means 'nomadic people'. Used for historical groups like the Mongols or Huns when emphasizing their nomadic lifestyle rather than just military aspect.
遊牧民の大移動が帝国を脅かした。
The great migration of the horde threatened the empire.