Pokémon Names in English vs Japanese: Why Are They Different?

Pokémon is undoubtedly one of our favorite franchises ever; however, you may have noticed that many of the names of the Pokémon we know and love in English are completely different in Japanese. So, why is that? Turns out Pokémon names are not translated directly from Japanese to English, since the names wouldn’t make much sense if they were. 

So, let’s find out how the names for your favorite Pokémon are actually translated into English and, of course, how to actually say your favorite Pokémon in Japanese! Since there are over 1000 Pokémon, we will just go over some of the most popular pokémon!

Why are Pokémon Names Different in Japanese vs English

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While all pokémon names are written in katakana, the Japanese writing system often used for foreign words, most names do not translate directly to English, even if they borrow some English words. The Japanese language is inherently structured differently from English, so to make the names more culturally relevant to English speakers, they had to localize them extensively. Let’s explore how literal Japanese descriptions and wordplays make it essentially impossible to simply translate the names into English.

1. Pokémon Names are Literal Descriptions in Japanese

Most Japanese pokémon names are literal descriptions of their personality, characteristics, abilities, or origin, which often might not make sense or won’t roll off the tongue as well in an English context. For instance, the pokémon Snorlax’s Japanese name is actually カビゴン (kabigon) with カビ (kabi) being the Japanese word for “mold.” This is referring to the fact that Snorlax will eat just about anything, even moldy food. 

The name also comes from the Pokémon’s original nickname, “Kirby” (not a Pokémon!), after another Nintendo video game character, for the way it eats. The name English Snorlax focuses more on its sleepy characteristics and sounds much better than something to do with mold.

2. Pokémon Names are Based on Japanese Play-on-Words 

Many original Japanese pokémon names are also based on specific Japanese wordplays, which you probably can guess don’t translate to English very well. The popular pokémon, Bulbasaur, is actually called フシギダネ (fushigidane) with fushigi meaning “mysterious” or “strange” and dane or tane meaning “seed.” Together, the name literally translates to “mysterious seed.” However, it’s actually a double entendre, where “dane” is a verb ending that attaches to “fushigi” to make the phrase “strange, isn’t it?”

The name of this Pokémon plays on its unknown origin, evoking a sense of wonder and mystery. In English, the name Bulbasaur focuses on its physical characteristics, with bulb referring to the plant bulb that forms the back of Bulbasaur. In Japanese, フシギダネ makes sense given the language’s structure, but it would need to be localized to a completely different name for English speakers.

3. Direct Translation Exceptions

Some pokémon names are directly transposed from Japanese to English, which may be an exception rather than the standard. Likely the most popular example would be Pikachu, ピカチュウ, who, despite having a name that doesn’t mean anything in English, has become one of the popular icons for pokémon around the world. The name actually comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia ピカピカ (pika pika), which means “shiny” or “sparkly”, referencing Pikachu’s electric powers. It also comes from another onomatopoeia, チューチュー (chuu chuu), which is a sound that mice make. 

In Japanese, you could say Pikachu’s name means “sparkly mouse,” but really, it was just made up specifically for the character. The creators actually put a lot of thought into creating a name that would sound cute even to an American audience. They also wanted the character to be memorable and unique so it could be the mascot of pokémon. In fact, the name was actually created before the character was even designed. For these reasons, Pikachu is one of the few pokémon that have the same name all over the world.

How Are Pokémon Names Adapted into English

Rather than using literal translations of pokémon names, they are adapted into English and other languages as well. As we mentioned, Pokémon names in Japanese consist of wordplays, cultural references, and word blends that really only make sense in Japanese. As a result, most localization occurs in different regional Nintendo locations. Nintendo of America and the Pokémon Company International handle most of the English localization and often work closely with Nintendo’s headquarters in Kyoto. 

This allows the pokémon names, moves, powers, and dialogue to adapt to a context that makes sense to English speakers. Most Pokémon names are localized portmanteaus, a fancy word for word blends. For instance, the name Charmander comes from the word char (as in to burn), referencing its fire powers, as well as salamander, since it essentially looks like a big salamander/lizard-like creature. In Japanese, the name is quite similar: ヒトカゲ (hitokage), which literally translates to “fire lizard,” with ヒ (hi) meaning “fire” and トカゲ (tokage) meaning “lizard.” 

They aren’t direct translations, but the localized English name makes Charmander sound like an actual species unique to the Pokémon world. Much of the localization involves creating memorable, unique names that fit the in-game universe.

However, certain things like pokémon categories tend to align more closely to the original; for instance, ネズミポケモン (nezumi Pokémon) was directly translated to “mouse pokémon” in English. But the word ネズミ can mean either “mouse” or “rat,” so the localization team likely chose “mouse” because it carries more positive associations in English. 

Localization has to consider a variety of factors to ensure that Pokémon names capture the spirit of the original while drawing on culturally relevant English expressions to describe something recognizable yet unique to English speakers.

List of Pokémon Names in Japanese

Below is a list of some of the most popular pokémon’s official English and Japanese names, so you can find out how to say your favorite pokémon in Japanese! We also wrote each Japanese name in Romaji.

Number	English Name	Japanese Name	Romaji
1	Bulbasaur	フシギダネ	Fushigidane
2	Ivysaur	フシギソウ	Fushigisou
3	Venusaur	フシギバナ	Fushigibana
4	Charmander	ヒトカゲ	Hitokage
5	Charmeleon	リザード	Rizādo
6	Charizard	リザードン	Rizādon
7	Squirtle	ゼニガメ	Zenigame
8	Wartortle	カメール	Kameeru
9	Blastoise	カメックス	Kamekkusu
10	Caterpie	キャタピー	Kyatapī
11	Metapod	トランセル	Toranseru
12	Butterfree	バタフリー	Batafurii
13	Weedle	ビードル	Biidoru
14	Kakuna	コクーン	Kokuun
15	Beedrill	スピアー	Supiaa
16	Pidgey	ポッポ	Poppo
17	Pidgeotto	ピジョン	Pijon
18	Pidgeot	ピジョット	Pijotto
19	Rattata	コラッタ	Koratta
20	Raticate	ラッタ	Ratta
21	Spearow	オニスズメ	Onisuzume
22	Fearow	オニドリル	Onidoriru
23	Ekans	アーボ	Aabo
24	Arbok	アーボック	Aabokku
25	Pikachu	ピカチュウ	Pikachuu
26	Raichu	ライチュウ	Raichuu
27	Sandshrew	サンド	Sando
28	Sandslash	サンドパン	Sandopan
29	Nidoran	ニドラン（メス）	Nidoran mesu
30	Nidorina	二ドリーナ	Nidoriina
31	Nidoqueen	ニドクイン	Nidokuin
32	Nidoran	ニドラン（オス）	Nidoran osu
33	Nidorino	二ドリーノ	Nidoriino
34	Nidoking	ニドキング	Nidokingu
35	Clefairy	ピッピ	Pippi
36	Clefable	ピクシー	Pikushii
37	Vulpix	ロコン	Rokon
38	Ninetales	キュウコン	Kyuukon
39	Jigglypuff	プリン	Purin
40	Wigglytuff	プクリン	Pukurin
41	Zubat	ズバット	Zubatto
42	Golbat	ゴルバット	Gorubatto
43	Oddish	ナゾノクサ	Nazonokusa
44	Gloom	クサイハナ	Kusaihana
45	Vileplume	ラフレシア	Rafureshia
46	Paras	パラス	Parasu
47	Parasect	パラセクト	Parasekuto
48	Venonat	コンパン	Konpan
49	Venomoth	モルフォン	Morufon
50	Diglett	ディグダ	Diguda
51	Dugtrio	ダグトリオ	Dagutorio
52	Meowth	ニャース	Nyaasu
53	Persian	ペルシアン	Perushian
54	Psyduck	コダック	Kodakku
55	Golduck	ゴルダック	Gorudakku
56	Mankey	マンキー	Mankii
57	Primeape	オコリザル	Okorizaru
58	Growlithe	ガーディ	Gaadi
59	Arcanine	ウインディ	Uindi
60	Poliwag	ニョロモ	Nyoromo
61	Poliwhirl	ニョロゾ	Nyorozo
62	Poliwrath	ニョロボン	Nyorobon
63	Abra	ケーシィ	Keeshii
64	Kadabra	ユンゲラー	Yungeraa
65	Alakazam	フーディン	Fuudin
66	Machop	ワンリキー	Wanrikii
67	Machoke	ゴーリキー	Goorikii
68	Machamp	カイリキー	Kairikii
69	Bellsprout	マダツボミ	Madatsubomi
70	Weepinbell	ウツドン	Utsudon
71	Victreebel	ウツボット	Utsubotto
72	Tentacool	メノクラゲ	Menokurage
73	Tentacruel	ドククラゲ	Dokukurage
74	Geodude	イシツブテ	Ishitsubute
75	Graveler	ゴローン	Goroon
76	Golem	ゴローニャ	Goroonya
77	Ponyta	ポニータ	Poniita
78	Rapidash	ギャロップ	Gyaroppu
79	Slowpoke	ヤドン	Yadon
80	Slowbro	ヤドラン	Yadoran
81	Magnemite	コイル	Koiru
82	Magneton	レアコイル	Reakoiru
83	Farfetch’d	カモネギ	Kamonegi
84	Doduo	ドードー	Doodoo
85	Dodrio	ドードリオ	Doodorio
86	Seel	パウワウ	Pauwau
87	Dewgong	ジュゴン	Jyugon
88	Grimer	ベトベター	Betobetaa
89	Muk	ベトベトン	Betobeton
90	Shellder	シェルダー	Sherudaa
91	Cloyster	パルシェン	Parushen
92	Gastly	ゴース	Goosu
93	Haunter	ゴースト	Goosuto
94	Gengar	ゲンガー	Gengaa
95	Onix	イワーク	Iwaaku
96	Drowzee	スリープ	Suriipu
97	Hypno	スリーパー	Supriipaa
98	Krabby	クラブ	Kurabu
99	Kingler	キングラー	Kinguraa
100	Voltorb	ビリリダマ	Biriridama
101	Electrode	マルマイン	Marumain
102	Exeggcute	タマタマ	Tamatama
103	Exeggutor	ナッシー	Nasshii
104	Cubone	カラカラ	Karakara
105	Marowak	ガラガラ	Garagara
106	Hitmonlee	サワムラー	Sawamuraa
107	Hitmonchan	エビワラー	Ebiwaraa
108	Lickitung	ベロリンガ	Beroringa
109	Koffing	ドガース	Dogaasu
110	Weezing	マタドガス	Matadogasu
111	Rhyhorn	サイホーン	Saihoon
112	Rhydon	サイドン	Saidon
113	Chansey	ラッキー	Rakkii
114	Tangela	モンジャラ	Monjyara
115	Kangaskhan	ガルーラ	Garuura
116	Horsea	タッツー	Tattsuu
117	Seadra	シードラ	Shiidora
118	Goldeen	トサキント	Tosakinto
119	Seaking	アズマオウ	Azumaou
120	Staryu	ヒトデマン	Hitodeman
121	Starmie	スターミー	Sutaamii
122	Mr. Mime	バリヤード	Bariyaado
123	Scyther	ストライク	Sutoraiku
124	Jynx	ルージュラ	Ruujyura
125	Electabuzz	エレブー	Erebuu
126	Magmar	ブーバー	Buubaa
127	Pinsir	カイロス	Kairosu
128	Tauros	ケンタロス	Kentarosu
129	Magikarp	コイキング	Koikingu
130	Gyarados	ギャラドス	Gyaradosu
131	Lapras	ラプラス	Rapurasu
132	Ditto	メタモン	Metamon
133	Eevee	イーブイ	Iibui
134	Vaporeon	シャワーズ	Shawaazu
135	Jolteon	サンダース	Sandaasu
136	Flareon	ブースター	Buusutaa
137	Porygon	ポリゴン	Porigon
138	Omanyte	オムナイト	Omunaito
139	Omastar	オムスター	Omusutaa
140	Kabuto	カブト	Kabuto
141	Kabutops	カブトプス	Kabutopusu
142	Aerodactyl	プテラ	Puten
143	Snorlax	カビゴン	Kabigon
144	Articuno	フリーザー	Furiizaa
145	Zapdos	サンダー	Sandaa
146	Molotres	ファイヤー	Faiyaa
147	Dratini	ミニリュウ	Miniryuu
148	Dragonair	ハクリュー	Hakuryuu
149	Dragonite	カイリュー	Kairyuu
150	Mewtwo	ミュウツー	Myuutsuu
151	Mew	ミュウ	Myuu

The full list of all the Pokémon names in English and Japanese can be found on Bulbapedia here!

Conclusion: Pokémon Names were Adapted for an English Context

The localization teams adapted the Pokémon names to be more culturally relevant and capture the spirit of the original Japanese names for English speakers. Translating the names directly into English actually wouldn’t communicate the same intended purpose of their originals, and wouldn’t even make the Pokémon feel the same as we know it. This is why there was so much effort into localizing the pokémon names into English. Even when the names weren’t changed from the originals, as in the case of Pikachu, they were created to be palatable to a global audience. Try to remember some of these pokémon’s Japanese names, and see what it’s like to play the video games in Japanese!

Learn Japanese at Coto Academy to Play Pokémon in Japanese!

If you want to learn enough Japanese to play Pokémon in its original language, join our Japanese classes at Coto Academy! We offer courses to improve your reading, listening, writing, and, of course, speaking. Our small classes allow for the courses to be tailored to each student, ensuring their needs are met. If you’re coming to Japan short or long-term, join one of our campuses in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Iidabashi, Minato, or Yokohama! Or you can join us online from anywhere around the world! Ready to join or want to have a free consultation? Fill out the form below!

FAQ:

Why are Pokémon names different in Japanese and English?

Pokémon names are not directly translated from Japanese to English because most Japanese names are literal descriptions, wordplays, or cultural references that simply would not make sense to an English-speaking audience. Instead, the names are localized, adapted into English in a way that captures the spirit of the original while feeling natural and memorable to English speakers. 

Are Pokémon names written in katakana in Japanese?

Yes, all Pokémon names in Japanese are written in katakana, the writing system most commonly used for foreign words, loanwords, and onomatopoeia. This gives Pokémon names a distinctive, slightly exotic feel in Japanese, which suits the franchise’s fantastical nature. Even names with Japanese origins are written in katakana rather than kanji or hiragana.

What does Pikachu mean in Japanese?

Pikachu’s name comes from two Japanese onomatopoeia, ピカピカ (pika pika), meaning “shiny” or “sparkly,” referencing its electric powers, and チューチュー (chuu chuu), the sound mice make in Japanese. Together, the name loosely translates to “sparkly mouse.” Pikachu is one of the rare exceptions where the Japanese and English names are identical, largely because the creators deliberately designed the name to sound cute and appealing to international audiences.

Who is responsible for localising Pokémon names into English?

English localization is handled primarily by Nintendo of America and the Pokémon Company International, who work closely with Nintendo’s headquarters in Kyoto. Their job is to adapt not just Pokémon names but also moves, powers, and dialogue into versions that feel culturally relevant and natural to English speakers, while still capturing the spirit and personality of the original Japanese names.

You may be interested in our other blogs:

Learning Japanese with Anime: Does it actually work?
Learning Japanese with Anime – Naruto
Learning Japanese With Anime – Detective Conan 名探偵コナン
15 Best J-Pop Songs to Learn in Japanese
10 Best Manga to Learn Japanese

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