What is Squirtle in Japanese?
Squirtle, the Water-type Pokémon that has captured the hearts of many fans, is known by a different name in Japanese, but what is it?
Overview
Squirtle is a Pokémon species introduced in Generation I, and it is a starter Pokémon from the Kanto region. It is widely recognized as a Water-type, and its unique characteristics are reflected in its name.
Japanese Name
In Japanese, the name for Squirtle is written in Kanji as (Zenigame). This name consists of two characters (): zeni, which is a word for "currency" or "coin", and kami, which means "god" or "holy". Therefore, the word Zenigame (Squirtle) could be translated to "Currency God". This name reflects Squirtle’s ability to generate water, which it shoots from its shell.
Name Development
The name Zenigame () was chosen by Satoshi Tajiri, the founder of Game Freak and the creator of the Pokémon series. Tajiri has mentioned in an interview that he wanted to give the Water-type starting Pokémon a name that would evoke the idea of it being a treasure, or a symbol of good luck. Zenigame () fit the bill perfectly, as it conveys the idea that water is a valuable and sacred resource. Moreover, the name Zenigame () incorporates the Kanji characters for "divine" (), "to produce water" (), and "divine body" (), which further solidifies Squirtle’s Water-type features.
Trivia
• Alternate Names: In other languages besides Japanese, Squirtle is called "Zenigame", "Turlitine", "Aguagan", "Kwaidian", and so on, but the Japanese name Zenigame () remains the same.
• Evolution: Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16, and finally into Blastoise at level 36.
• Ability: Squirtle, like its evolutions, has a notable ability called Torrent, which increases water-type moves’ damage output once the Pokémon is damaged.
Table: Squirtle’s Base Stats
| Stat | Base |
|---|---|
| HP | 45 |
| Attack | 50 |
| Defense | 65 |
| Special Attack | 40 |
| Special Defense | 60 |
| Speed | 40 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Squirtle’s name in Japanese, Zenigame (), reflects the Pokémon’s ability to shoot water from its shell and the idea that it is a treasure or a symbol of good luck. The name is a masterclass in combining Kanji characters to convey a unique concept, showing the creativity and thoughtfulness that the creator of the Pokémon series put into giving each Pokémon a name that aligns with its characteristics. For fans of Squirtle or the Pokémon series, the story behind the Japanese name Zenigame (**) is a fascinating glimpse into the world of wordplay and linguistic creativity.