Pokémon language: Difference between revisions

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{{search|languages that Pokémon speak|the language of the game a Pokémon originates from|Language of origin}}
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'''Pokémon language''' is the medium by which {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} communicate with each other and with humans in the {{pkmn|games}} and in {{pkmn|animation}}. This may include communicating through the Pokémon's [[cry]], through [[Talking Pokémon|the human language]], through body language, or through some other means of communicating, such as {{wp|telepathy}} or by {{wp|Spirit possession|possessing}} a human or a fellow Pokémon that is able to speak.


==Cry==
{{main|Cry}}
===In the games===
For a vast majority of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in the games, the only sound they can make is their [[cry]].


When a Pokémon is brought into battle, regardless of whether it is being encountered in the wild or summoned by a [[Pokémon Trainer]], an audio cry will be heard. Pokémon also use their cry when using certain sound-based [[move]]s, such as {{m|Growl}}. Another way to hear the cry of a Pokémon is by looking that Pokémon up in the [[Pokédex]].


'''Pokémon language''' (Japanese: 語 language) is the medium by which Pokémon communicate in the {{pkmn|anime}}. [[Image: 441Chatot.png|thumb|200px|Communication]]
Every species of Pokémon has its own cry, while there are some who seem to have identical cries, for example {{p|Charizard}}'s and {{p|Rhyhorn}}'s.


In the [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer]] and [[Pokémon Origins]], Pokémon make animal-like sounds that differ from the game's cries.


== Cry ==
In [[Pokémon X and Y]], {{p|Pikachu}}'s cry was replaced with Pikachu's ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'' voice actress, [[Ikue Otani]].
Most [[Pokémon]] communicate with their [[cry]], their cry usually being their own name. However, even though their cries are unique to their species, different Pokémon are able to understand each other, whether they're in a [[tag battle]] or just playing together. Easily recognized moments of this happening is seen between [[Ash's Pikachu]] and [[Dawn's Piplup]], such as in ''[[Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', when the two communicated so they could save their owners. it was originally thought that their cries remained the same whatever they were saying, but dedicated fans have realized that Ash's Pikachu uses different phrases when saying different things, like 'Piiika-Chuuuuuuuu' when using {{m|Thunderbolt}} or 'Pika-Pikachu' when saying its name. This is the same with Dawn's Piplup, such as 'Piplup-lup-lup' when using {{m|Bubblebeam}}, or 'Pipluurrrp' when using {{m|Whirlpool}}, the 'lup' becoming distinctly watery. [[ Team Rocket's Meowth]] is an exception of this, as he is only able to speak in the human language - yet he is still able to understand the language of Pokémon, making him a useful translator.  


== Human language ==
===In the anime===
A very rare number of Pokémon are able to understand and speak the human language. The most well-known [[talking Pokémon]] is Team Rocket's Meowth, who relentlessly learnt English to impress his love, [[Meowzie]]. But other Pokémon are able to speak English as well, such as the [[Gastly]] in ''[[ Ghost of Maiden's Peak ]]'' and the [[Slowking]] in ''[[The Power of One]]''. In some [[Pokédex]] entries, it mentions how the Pokémon are able to understand human comprehension, but it seems that all Pokémon understand humans as well as the next one. 
Typically, Pokémon will have a cry that is identical to their own species' name. For example, a {{p|Charmander}} will only be able to say the actual word "Charmander," in part or in whole.
[[Image: Meowth.png|thumb|200px|Mouthy Meowth]]


Despite apparently speaking only their own species' name, Pokémon seem to be able to communicate with each other without issue. In ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]'', there are subtitles for what the Pokémon are saying, and evidently they could understand each other perfectly. Communication between Pokémon has become especially crucial in [[Double Battle]]s, [[Triple Battle]]s, and [[Multi Battle|Tag Battles]]. An example of this can be seen from the conversation between [[Ash's Pikachu]] and [[Dawn's Piplup]] in ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', when communication between those two Pokémon was vital in saving their {{pkmn|Trainer}}s. However, in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]'', {{MTR}} could not understand the language of [[Ultra Beast]]s such as {{p|Buzzwole}} and {{AP|Poipole}}.


While it was originally assumed that all cries by Pokémon were the same, dedicated fans have been able to find what appear to be patterns, such as Ash's Pikachu saying "Piiika-Chuuuuuuuu" when using {{m|Thunderbolt}}, "Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika, Chuuu-Pii!" while using {{m|Electro Ball}}, Pikachu also says the same while using {{m|Electroweb}} but at the last, he says "Chuuu-Pi-Ka" or "Pika-Pikachu" when referring to himself, Pika-Pi when referring to Ash. Dawn's Piplup also shows patterns, such as "Piplup-lup-lup" when using {{m|BubbleBeam}}, or "Pipluurrrp" when using {{m|Whirlpool}}, with the 'lup' becoming distinctly watery.


==Human language==
{{main|Talking Pokémon}}
===In the games===
There are a few Pokémon that are able to mimic the human language, such as {{OBP|Copycat|character}}'s {{p|Doduo}} in {{v|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, and a {{p|Murkrow}} who appeared in the [[Team Rocket HQ]], in the [[Generation II]] games and their [[Generation IV]] remakes. A {{p|Zoroark}} in [[Lostlorn Forest]] has a fluent conversation with the player whilst disguised as a male Backpacker, showing that some Pokémon are capable of holding conversations in the human language. However, it could be argued that this was an extension of Zoroark's {{a|Illusion}} Ability. In the [[Generation VII]] games, {{p|Rotom}} is capable of speaking human language through the use of the [[Rotom Pokédex]].
It is unknown to what extent Pokémon understand the human language. {{p|Lapras}}'s Pokédex entry cites its ability to comprehend the human language, possibly implying that not all Pokémon can fully understand the human language. It seems that Pokémon can generally understand the human language at least enough to comprehend their Trainer's commands, as demonstrated by [[Lance]] telling his {{p|Dragonite}} to use {{m|Hyper Beam}} on a {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}} in the Generation II games and their remakes and various Trainers directly commanding their Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer]].


== Other means of communication ==
===In the anime===
[[File:Meowth Team Rocket.png|thumb|250px|{{MTR}}]]
Unlike the games, there are only a few Pokémon that can have fluent conversations with humans. The most well-known [[talking Pokémon]] is Team Rocket's Meowth, who relentlessly learned human language to impress his love interest, [[Meowzie]]. This has made him a common interpreter between the humans and Pokémon in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. {{an|Rotom Pokédex}} is also capable of speaking with humans via the [[Rotom Pokédex]] device just like it can in the games.


'''Telepathy'''
Other major Pokémon that could fluently hold conversations with humans include the {{OBP|Slowking|M02}} in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'', a {{p|Snover}} in ''[[PK19|Pikachu's Ice Adventure]]'', and a {{p|Gastly}} in ''[[EP020|The Ghost of Maiden's Peak]]''.


Many Pokémon, mainly {{type2|Psychic}}s, interact with humans via telepathy. For instance, the [[Ralts]] in ''[[Do I Hear a Ralts?]]'' telepathically called Max to help her - though, she may have been crying out for anyone, and Max was the only one that heard, which makes him similar to a [[Psychic]]. Most of the Talking Pokémon speak telepathically, such as [[Zorua]] in ''[[Ruler of Illusions: Zoroark]]''. Many [[Legendary Pokémon]] are able to do this as well.
==Body language==
When Pokémon are outside of their [[Poké Ball]]s, they have a distinct body language that can sometimes be their primary way of communicating with humans.


'''Possession'''
===In the games===
In {{game|Yellow}}, [[Pikachu (Yellow)|the player's Pikachu]] stays outside of its Poké Ball and follows the player around, much like Ash's Pikachu does in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. If the player turns around and talks to the Pikachu, an image will appear on the screen above Pikachu, showing its expression, which changes depending on its mood. For example, when the player starts the game, Pikachu will be unhappy to be stuck with the player, but as its [[friendship]] increases throughout the game, its expressions will become more positive.


Some Pokémon have been able to speak telepathically through a person or another Pokémon. It is wondered why some Pokémon do this instead of just speaking directly. A Gastly and a [[Haunter]] spoke through Meowth in ''[[A Shipful of Shivers]]'', and Meowth was used again by [[Deoxys]] in ''[[Pokémon Ranger - Deoxys Crisis! (Part 1)]]'' and ''[[Pokémon Ranger - Deoxys Crisis! (Part 2)]]''. Coincidentally, Meowth was used both times, most likely because he is able to speak English.  
In {{v|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the Trainer's first Pokémon in the [[party]], will follow the Trainer around for a majority of the game. However, unlike in Yellow Version, if the Trainer turns around to talk to the Pokémon, an image will not show up. Rather, the text at the bottom of the screen will give a description of what the Pokémon is doing.


'''Illusion'''
===In the anime===
Ash's Pikachu is the most notable Pokémon for using dramatic body language to communicate. Several Pokémon appear to use motions and body language, essentially playing a game of {{wp|charades}} with their Trainers. This has led to many humorous moments throughout ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''.


There is only one time of this happening. The [[Ninetales]] from ''[[Just Waiting On A Friend]]'' created an illusion called [[Lokoko]] through which it spoke.[[Image: Latias as Bianca.png|thumb|200px|Latias or Bianca?]]
==Other means of communication==
===Telepathy===
Many Pokémon, mainly {{type|Psychic}}s, interact with humans via telepathy. For instance, in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]'', a {{p|Ralts}} telepathically called [[Max]] for help; however, it may have been crying out to anyone and Max happened to be the only one who heard it. This is not to be confused with the [[Ability]], {{a|Telepathy}}.


Most [[talking Pokémon]] speak telepathically, such as the {{OBP|Zorua|M13}} in ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]''. Many [[Legendary Pokémon]] are able to do this as well (for example, {{OBP|Lugia|M02}} in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'').


'''Shape-shifting'''
===Partnership===
[[File:Ash and Pikachu.png|thumb|250px|Ash and Pikachu communicate through their partnership]]
It seems that an experienced or empathic Trainer may be able to communicate quite fluently with their Pokémon, if only intuitively. In ''[[DP111|Saving the World From Ruins!]]'', {{Ash}} understood that Pikachu wanted to use {{m|Thunderbolt}} to help [[Riley's Lucario]], for instance.


The [[Latias]] in ''[[Pokémon Heroes]]'' was able to shape-shift into Bianca, a girl that she had befriended. She was able to communicate as Bianca, or at least seem to be human.
===Through someone else===
Some Pokémon have been able to speak telepathically through a person or another Pokémon.  


'''Partnership'''
In ''[[EP019|Tentacool and Tentacruel]]'' and ''[[EP095|A Shipful of Shivers]]'' respectively, a {{p|Tentacool}} and the giant {{p|Tentacruel}} and a {{p|Gastly}} and {{p|Haunter}} speak through Meowth.


It seems that an experienced or empathic trainer is able to communicate quite fluently with their Pokémon, if only intuitively. [[Ash]] is able to do this, as seen in ''[[Saving the World From Ruins!]]'' when he understood that Pikachu was persuading him to let him use Thunderbolt to help [[Riley's Lucario]]. [[Image: Ash and his Pikachu.png|thumb|200px|Ash and Pikachu's Bond]]     
In [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]]'s [[The Crown Tundra]], {{p|Calyrex}} repeatedly possesses [[Peony]] in order to speak with the player character.


===Illusion===
In ''[[EP232|Just Waiting On a Friend]]'', a {{p|Ninetales}} created an illusive girl named [[Lokoko]] through whom it spoke.


== Related articles ==  
===Electricity===
In ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'', Ash's Pikachu used a {{m|Thunderbolt}} to communicate with {{p|Zapdos}}, while Team Rocket's Meowth translated. Similarly, in ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', the [[Spiky-eared Pichu]] and Pikachu touched their tails in a high-five type maneuver. In ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', Pikachu and [[Clemont's Dedenne]] communicated via sparks from their cheeks. However, Meowth could not translate this speech.
 
==Related articles==
* [[Cry]]
* [[Cry]]
* [[Talking Pokémon]]
* [[Talking Pokémon]]
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[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Anime]]
 
[[de:Sprache der Pokémon]]
[[it:Linguaggio Pokémon]]

Latest revision as of 13:08, 22 May 2024

This article is about the languages that Pokémon speak. For the language of the game a Pokémon originates from, see Language of origin.

Pokémon language is the medium by which Pokémon communicate with each other and with humans in the games and in animation. This may include communicating through the Pokémon's cry, through the human language, through body language, or through some other means of communicating, such as telepathy or by possessing a human or a fellow Pokémon that is able to speak.

Cry

Main article: Cry

In the games

For a vast majority of Pokémon in the games, the only sound they can make is their cry.

When a Pokémon is brought into battle, regardless of whether it is being encountered in the wild or summoned by a Pokémon Trainer, an audio cry will be heard. Pokémon also use their cry when using certain sound-based moves, such as Growl. Another way to hear the cry of a Pokémon is by looking that Pokémon up in the Pokédex.

Every species of Pokémon has its own cry, while there are some who seem to have identical cries, for example Charizard's and Rhyhorn's.

In the Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer and Pokémon Origins, Pokémon make animal-like sounds that differ from the game's cries.

In Pokémon X and Y, Pikachu's cry was replaced with Pikachu's Pokémon the Series voice actress, Ikue Otani.

In the anime

Typically, Pokémon will have a cry that is identical to their own species' name. For example, a Charmander will only be able to say the actual word "Charmander," in part or in whole.

Despite apparently speaking only their own species' name, Pokémon seem to be able to communicate with each other without issue. In Island of the Giant Pokémon, there are subtitles for what the Pokémon are saying, and evidently they could understand each other perfectly. Communication between Pokémon has become especially crucial in Double Battles, Triple Battles, and Tag Battles. An example of this can be seen from the conversation between Ash's Pikachu and Dawn's Piplup in Arceus and the Jewel of Life, when communication between those two Pokémon was vital in saving their Trainers. However, in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, Meowth could not understand the language of Ultra Beasts such as Buzzwole and Poipole.

While it was originally assumed that all cries by Pokémon were the same, dedicated fans have been able to find what appear to be patterns, such as Ash's Pikachu saying "Piiika-Chuuuuuuuu" when using Thunderbolt, "Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika, Chuuu-Pii!" while using Electro Ball, Pikachu also says the same while using Electroweb but at the last, he says "Chuuu-Pi-Ka" or "Pika-Pikachu" when referring to himself, Pika-Pi when referring to Ash. Dawn's Piplup also shows patterns, such as "Piplup-lup-lup" when using BubbleBeam, or "Pipluurrrp" when using Whirlpool, with the 'lup' becoming distinctly watery.

Human language

Main article: Talking Pokémon

In the games

There are a few Pokémon that are able to mimic the human language, such as Copycat's Doduo in FireRed and LeafGreen Versions, and a Murkrow who appeared in the Team Rocket HQ, in the Generation II games and their Generation IV remakes. A Zoroark in Lostlorn Forest has a fluent conversation with the player whilst disguised as a male Backpacker, showing that some Pokémon are capable of holding conversations in the human language. However, it could be argued that this was an extension of Zoroark's Illusion Ability. In the Generation VII games, Rotom is capable of speaking human language through the use of the Rotom Pokédex. It is unknown to what extent Pokémon understand the human language. Lapras's Pokédex entry cites its ability to comprehend the human language, possibly implying that not all Pokémon can fully understand the human language. It seems that Pokémon can generally understand the human language at least enough to comprehend their Trainer's commands, as demonstrated by Lance telling his Dragonite to use Hyper Beam on a Team Rocket Grunt in the Generation II games and their remakes and various Trainers directly commanding their Pokémon in the Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer.

In the anime

Unlike the games, there are only a few Pokémon that can have fluent conversations with humans. The most well-known talking Pokémon is Team Rocket's Meowth, who relentlessly learned human language to impress his love interest, Meowzie. This has made him a common interpreter between the humans and Pokémon in Pokémon the Series. Rotom Pokédex is also capable of speaking with humans via the Rotom Pokédex device just like it can in the games.

Other major Pokémon that could fluently hold conversations with humans include the Slowking in The Power of One, a Snover in Pikachu's Ice Adventure, and a Gastly in The Ghost of Maiden's Peak.

Body language

When Pokémon are outside of their Poké Balls, they have a distinct body language that can sometimes be their primary way of communicating with humans.

In the games

In Pokémon Yellow, the player's Pikachu stays outside of its Poké Ball and follows the player around, much like Ash's Pikachu does in Pokémon the Series. If the player turns around and talks to the Pikachu, an image will appear on the screen above Pikachu, showing its expression, which changes depending on its mood. For example, when the player starts the game, Pikachu will be unhappy to be stuck with the player, but as its friendship increases throughout the game, its expressions will become more positive.

In HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, the Trainer's first Pokémon in the party, will follow the Trainer around for a majority of the game. However, unlike in Yellow Version, if the Trainer turns around to talk to the Pokémon, an image will not show up. Rather, the text at the bottom of the screen will give a description of what the Pokémon is doing.

In the anime

Ash's Pikachu is the most notable Pokémon for using dramatic body language to communicate. Several Pokémon appear to use motions and body language, essentially playing a game of charades with their Trainers. This has led to many humorous moments throughout Pokémon the Series.

Other means of communication

Telepathy

Many Pokémon, mainly Psychic-types, interact with humans via telepathy. For instance, in Do I Hear a Ralts?, a Ralts telepathically called Max for help; however, it may have been crying out to anyone and Max happened to be the only one who heard it. This is not to be confused with the Ability, Telepathy.

Most talking Pokémon speak telepathically, such as the Zorua in Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Many Legendary Pokémon are able to do this as well (for example, Lugia in The Power of One).

Partnership

Ash and Pikachu communicate through their partnership

It seems that an experienced or empathic Trainer may be able to communicate quite fluently with their Pokémon, if only intuitively. In Saving the World From Ruins!, Ash understood that Pikachu wanted to use Thunderbolt to help Riley's Lucario, for instance.

Through someone else

Some Pokémon have been able to speak telepathically through a person or another Pokémon.

In Tentacool and Tentacruel and A Shipful of Shivers respectively, a Tentacool and the giant Tentacruel and a Gastly and Haunter speak through Meowth.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield's The Crown Tundra, Calyrex repeatedly possesses Peony in order to speak with the player character.

Illusion

In Just Waiting On a Friend, a Ninetales created an illusive girl named Lokoko through whom it spoke.

Electricity

In The Power of One, Ash's Pikachu used a Thunderbolt to communicate with Zapdos, while Team Rocket's Meowth translated. Similarly, in Arceus and the Jewel of Life, the Spiky-eared Pichu and Pikachu touched their tails in a high-five type maneuver. In Pokémon the Series: XY, Pikachu and Clemont's Dedenne communicated via sparks from their cheeks. However, Meowth could not translate this speech.

Related articles