Translation guide
The English word 'undead' refers to beings that are deceased but behave as if alive, such as zombies, vampires, and ghosts. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; instead, different terms are used depending on the type of undead creature. This guide covers common Japanese expressions for various undead beings and related concepts.
Referring to undead creatures in a broad sense, especially in fantasy or horror contexts.
A loanword from English, commonly used in games, anime, and fantasy settings to refer to undead creatures collectively.
このダンジョンにはアンデッドがたくさんいる。
There are many undead in this dungeon.
Literally 'immortal person', used in fantasy literature and games for undead or immortal beings. More formal or literary than アンデッド.
不死者の軍団が城を襲った。
An army of the undead attacked the castle.
Specifically referring to a reanimated corpse, often mindless and hungry for flesh.
The most common term for zombie, used in movies, games, and everyday conversation.
ゾンビ映画が大好きです。
I love zombie movies.
Referring to the spirit of a dead person that appears to the living.
The standard word for ghost, often depicted as a vengeful or sorrowful spirit in white clothing.
この部屋には幽霊が出るらしい。
They say a ghost appears in this room.
A more formal or literary term for ghost, often implying a spirit of the dead that has not found peace.
Referring to a blood-sucking undead creature, often aristocratic and immortal.
The standard term for vampire, literally 'blood-sucking demon'.
ドラキュラは有名な吸血鬼です。
Dracula is a famous vampire.
A loanword from English, often used in titles or to give a Western feel.
Referring to an animated skeleton, often as a fantasy enemy.
A loanword used in games and fantasy for skeleton monsters.
スケルトンが剣で攻撃してきた。
A skeleton attacked with a sword.
Literally 'skeleton warrior', used in some fantasy contexts but less common than スケルトン.
骸骨戦士が墓から現れた。
Skeleton warriors emerged from the grave.
Describing something as being undead, or the state of being undead.
Means 'immortal' or 'undead' as an adjective. Used in phrases like 'undead army' (不死の軍団).
彼は不死の王と呼ばれている。
He is called the Undead King.
Means 'turning into undead' or 'undeadification', used in games and fantasy.
その魔法はアンデッド化を防ぐ。
That magic prevents undeadification.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all types of undead creatures exactly like the English word. Use specific terms like ゾンビ, 幽霊, or 吸血鬼 depending on the creature. In fantasy contexts, アンデッド is a safe general term.
A literary or archaic term meaning 'living corpse'. Rarely used in modern conversation, but appears in older texts or poetic contexts.
彼は生ける屍のようだ。
He is like a living corpse.
亡霊が城をさまよっている。
A ghost is wandering the castle.
ヴァンパイアハンターというゲームをやっている。
I'm playing a game called Vampire Hunter.