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What Does Doraemon Mean in English?

Published in Character Naming 2 mins read

The name "Doraemon" can be roughly translated to "stray cat" in English. This beloved character's name is a compound derived from two distinct Japanese elements that collectively paint a picture of his feline nature and a traditional naming convention.

Understanding the Name "Doraemon"

Doraemon, the iconic robotic cat from the future, bears a name that perfectly encapsulates aspects of his identity. The meaning "stray cat" is not just a direct translation but also reflects the character's general appearance and the origin of his design (a cat robot).

A Closer Look at the Components

The name "Doraemon" is formed from two distinct parts, each contributing to its overall meaning:

Component Origin/Meaning
Dora This part is derived from "dora neko" (ドラ猫), which means a bold or stray cat. It directly references the feline aspect of Doraemon.
Emon This is an old-fashioned suffix traditionally used for boys' names in Japan. It doesn't carry a specific meaning on its own but adds a classic, almost archaic, touch to the name.

When these two elements are combined, "Doraemon" effectively means a "stray cat" with a traditional male name ending. This interpretation aligns well with the character's design as a blue, earless robotic cat.

For more information about the character, you can visit the Doraemon Wikipedia page.