Translation guide
The English word 'hunter' can refer to a person who hunts animals, a seeker of something, or a type of dog or horse. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 狩人 (kariudo) or ハンター (hantā), but the best choice depends on context.
Referring to someone who hunts wild animals for food, sport, or livelihood.
The traditional Japanese word for a hunter. It can sound somewhat literary or old-fashioned, but is widely understood.
彼は熟練した狩人だ。
He is a skilled hunter.
Loanword from English, commonly used in modern contexts, including video games and casual speech.
あのハンターは鹿を追っている。
That hunter is tracking a deer.
Specifically a professional hunter or someone who hunts as an occupation. Often used in historical or rural contexts.
村の猟師がイノシシを捕まえた。
The village hunter caught a wild boar.
Someone who searches for or collects something, like treasure, bargains, or information.
A general pattern meaning 'a person who looks for ~'. Replace 〜 with the object of the search.
彼は宝を探す人だ。
He is a treasure hunter.
Used in compound nouns like トレジャーハンター (treasure hunter) or バーゲンハンター (bargain hunter).
彼女はバーゲンハンターだ。
She is a bargain hunter.
A breed of dog or horse used for hunting.
Means 'hunting dog'. Use this for dog breeds like foxhounds or pointers.
その猟犬はよく訓練されている。
The hunting dog is well-trained.
Literally 'hunting horse'. Rarely used; most Japanese speakers would describe the breed instead.
彼は狩猟馬を飼っている。
He keeps a hunter (horse).
狩人 (kariudo) is the traditional term and can feel literary. ハンター (hantā) is a modern loanword common in games and casual talk. 猟師 (ryōshi) implies a professional or occupational hunter, often in a rural setting.