Speak Pokémon in Japanese: Popular Character Names and Game Commands
Pokémon sparks instant excitement, and learning Japanese through favorite characters makes language stick. By focusing on iconic names like Pikachu (ピカチュウ) and essential game commands like catch (ゲットする, getto suru), children connect vocabulary to a world they love.
Popular Pokémon Names
Introduce five characters with their Japanese names and English gloss:
- Pikachu: ピカチュウ (Pikachū, Pikachu)
- Charmander: ヒトカゲ (Hitokage, little lizard)
- Bulbasaur: フシギダネ (Fushigidane, strange seed)
- Squirtle: ゼニガメ (Zenigame, money turtle)
- Eevee: イーブイ (Ībui, Eevee)
Repeat each name with the Japanese pronunciation, then reinforce it by showing images or figures.
Game Commands to Teach
Next, cover five basic commands from the games:
- Catch: ゲットする (getto suru, to get)
- Battle: バトルする (batoru suru, to battle)
- Evolve: 進化する (shinka suru, to evolve)
- Use Item: アイテムを使う (aitemu o tsukau, use an item)
- Run Away: にげる (nigeru, to run away)
Demonstrate each command on a handheld console or a printout of a battle screen.
Activities
Character Name Race
Place five character cards face down. Kids take turns flipping one, reading its Japanese name aloud, then sprinting to tag the “Master Trainer” (an adult) before the next turn. Fast recall builds recognition under playful pressure.
Battle Command Relay
Set up stations labeled with each command. Children draw a command card, run to the matching station, perform a quick action (e.g., strike a battle pose for バトルする), and shout the phrase. Teams earn points for speed and accuracy.
Extend game time with Dinolingo. Their family plan unlocks 50+ languages and 40 000+ interactive activities, including Pokémon-themed word quizzes and pronunciation drills. Age-specific paths (Pre-readers 2–5, Elementary 6–10, Tween/Teen 11–14) keep lessons at just the right level, while parents monitor progress on an ad-free dashboard.
Final Thoughts
Linking Japanese names and commands to Pokémon adventures makes new words memorable. Combine these activities with Dinolingo’s follow-up games, and your child will soon shout 「ピカチュウ、ゲットだぜ！」 with genuine confidence.
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