How Do You Spell TANUKI?

Pronunciation: [tanˈuːki] (IPA)

The word "tanuki" refers to a Japanese raccoon dog, which is celebrated in Japanese folklore and frequently used in art and literature. The word is pronounced /tʌnʊki/, with four syllables: "tah-noo-kee". The spelling of the word is consistent with the Japanese language, which typically uses a mixture of hiragana and kanji characters to represent words. The English transliteration of Japanese words often follows the Hepburn system, which uses a combination of Roman letters and diacritical marks to represent sounds that don't exist in English.

TANUKI Meaning and Definition

1. Tanuki is a Japanese term that refers to a specific animal species known as the Japanese raccoon dog or nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus. It is a mammal of the Canidae family that can be found in various regions of Japan. Tanuki are characterized by their distinctive appearance, resembling a raccoon or a small dog with a rounded body, short legs, and a bushy tail. Their fur is typically coarse and dense, varying in color from brown to gray, with lighter patches on the face, chest, and belly.

   In Japanese folklore and mythology, the tanuki holds a significant place. It is often depicted as a mischievous creature with supernatural abilities, including shape-shifting and magical transformations. Tanuki are commonly associated with folklore tales, where they are believed to possess the power to transform into humans or inanimate objects, such as tea kettles or umbrellas. They are also depicted as being playful, jovial, and quite skilled in their trickery.

   Due to its cultural significance, the tanuki is frequently featured in Japanese art, literature, and popular culture. Statues or figurines of tanuki, called "tanuki statues" or "raccoon dogs," are commonly seen in various regions of Japan, particularly outside businesses and restaurants, as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection against misfortune. These statues typically showcase the tanuki in a jovial stance, often wearing a straw hat and carrying a sake bottle, items associated with prosperity and enjoyment in Japanese culture.

   Overall, the term "tanuki" refers both to a specific animal species found in Japan, as well as a mythical creature deeply entrenched in Japanese folklore and symbolism.

Etymology of TANUKI

The word "tanuki" is a Japanese term that refers to a type of wild raccoon dog native to Japan. The term "tanuki" is believed to have originated from the combination of two Japanese words: "tani", meaning "valley", and "uki", meaning "animal".

The raccoon dogs are known to inhabit various landscapes, including valleys, forests, and rural areas. Due to their affinity for valleys, they were often referred to as "tani-uki" or "animal of the valley". Over time, this term was shortened to "tanuki".

In Japanese folklore and mythology, tanuki are often depicted as shape-shifting creatures with mischievous and magical traits. They are considered to bring good luck and prosperity. The prominent portrayal of tanuki in Japanese folklore and its association with anthropomorphic features have also influenced the popular perception of tanuki in other countries.