Pokémon language: Difference between revisions

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
mNo edit summary
(31 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{cleanup}}
'''Pokémon language''' is the medium by which {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} communicate with each other and with humans in the {{pkmn|games}} and the {{pkmn|anime}}. 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.
'''Pokémon language''' is the medium by which Pokémon communicate.


==Cry==
==Cry==
{{main|Cry}}
{{main|Cry}}
===In the games===
===In the games===
For a vast majority of [[Pokémon]] in the games, the only sound they are capable of making is their [[cry]].
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 if it is found in the wild or summoned by a trainer, an audio cry can be heard. Pokémon also use their cry when using certain sound moves, such as {{m|Growl}}. Another way to hear the cry of a Pokémon is by looking that Pokémon up in the [[Pokédex]].
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]].


Every Pokémon has their own cry, with the exception of {{p|Charizard}} and {{p|Rhyhorn}} who have identical cries. Unlike in the anime, Pokémon generally do not use their cry as a means of communication.
Every species of Pokémon has its own cry, while there are some who seems 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.


===In the anime===
===In the anime===
Typically, Pokémon will have a cry that is identical to their name. For example, a {{p|Charmander}} will only be able to say the actual word "Charmander."
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.


Despite speaking in seemingly different languages, Pokémon seem to be able to communicate with each other without issue. in [[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]], there are subtitles of what the Pokémon are saying, and evidently the Pokémon seemed to perfectly understand each other. Communication between Pokémon has become especially crucial in [[double battle]]s, [[triple battle]]s, and [[tag battle]]s. An example of this can be seen between [[Ash's Pikachu]] and [[Dawn's Piplup]] in ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]''. Communication between those two Pokémon was vital in saving their owners.  
Despite apparently speaking only their own species' name, Pokémon seems 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.


While it was originally assumed that all cries by Pokémon were the same, dedicated fans appear to have found patterns, such as Ash's Pikachu saying 'Piiika-Chuuuuuuuu' when using {{m|Thunderbolt}} or 'Pika-Pikachu' when referring to itself. 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.
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}} 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==
==Human language==
{{main|Talking Pokémon}}
{{main|Talking Pokémon}}
===In the games===
===In the games===
There are a few Pokémon that are able to speak the human language, such as [[Copycat]]'s [[Doduo]] in [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions]], and a [[Murkrow]] in the [[Generation II]] games and their [[Generation IV]] remakes. However, there has not been a Pokémon to this point which has had a fluent conversation with a human-- their speech has been limited to only one or two sentences.
There are a few Pokémon that are able to speak 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.-->


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 Pokémon do not fully understand the language. While it is commonly assumed that the player tells the Pokémon which move to use, there is no actual way to confirm this, as each time the player's Pokémon attacks, it simply says, "<Pokémon> used <move>," thus never directly stating that the player has given the command. However, there have been a few specific examples of other Trainers commanding their Pokémon, such as [[Lance]] telling his {{p|Dragonite}} to use {{m|Hyper Beam}} on a {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}} in the Generation II games and their remakes.
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]].


===In the anime===
===In the anime===
[[File:Meowth Team Rocket.png|thumb|200px|{{MTR}}]]
[[File:Meowth Team Rocket.png|thumb|200px|{{MTR}}]]
Unlike the games, there are a few Pokémon that can have fluent conversations with humans. The most well-known [[talking Pokémon]] is [[Meowth (Team Rocket)|Team Rocket's Meowth]], who relentlessly learned English to impress his love, [[Meowzie]]. This has made him a common interpreter between humans and Pokémon.
Unlike the games, there are only a few Pokémon that can have fluent conversations with humans. The most well-known [[talking Pokémon]] is {{MTR|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 the anime.


Other major Pokémon that could have a fluent conversation with humans include the {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Slowking}} in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'', {{an|Arceus}} in ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', a {{p|Snover}} in ''[[PK19|Pikachu's Ice Adventure!]]'', and a {{p|Gastly}} in ''[[EP020|The Ghost of Maiden's Peak]]''
Other major Pokémon that could fluently hold conversations with humans include the {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Slowking}} 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]]''.


==Body language==
==Body language==
When Pokémon are outside of their [[Poké Ball]]s, they have a distinct body language that sometimes can be their primary way of communicating with humans.
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.


===In the games===
===In the games===
In [[Pokémon Yellow Version]], the player's starting {{p|Pikachu}} will be outside of its Poké Ball and follow the player around, much like Ash's Pikachu does in the anime. If the player turns around and talks to the Pikachu, an image will pop up showing Pikachu's expression. Its expression will change dependent on its mood. For example, when the player starts the game, Pikachu will be unhappy to be stuck with the trainer, but as its [[happiness]] increases, its emotions will be more positive.
In [[Pokémon Yellow Version]], the player's starting {{p|Pikachu}} will be outside of its Poké Ball and follows the player around, much like Ash's Pikachu does in the anime. 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 [[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver]], the trainer's first Pokémon will follow the trainer around for a majority of the game. If the trainer turns around to talk to the Pokémon, unlike in Yellow Version, 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 {{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.


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


==Other means of communication==
==Other means of communication==
===Telepathy===
===Telepathy===
Many Pokémon, mainly {{type|Psychic}} Pokémon, interact with humans via telepathy. For instance, in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]'', a {{p|Ralts}} telepathically called [[Max]] to help it; however, it may have been crying out for anyone, but Max was the only one that heard it. Most [[talking Pokémon]] speak telepathically, such as the {{OBP|Zorua|movie 13}} in ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]''. Many [[legendary Pokémon]] are able to do this as well.
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}}.
 
[[File:Ash and Pikachu.png|thumb|200px|Ash and Pikachu communicate through their partnership]]
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]]'').


===Partnership===
===Partnership===
[[File:Ash and his Pikachu.png|thumb|200px|Ash and Pikachu's bond]]
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.
It seems that an experienced or empathic Trainer is 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]].


===Possession===
===Through someone else===
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. In ''[[EP095|A Shipful of Shivers]]'', a {{p|Gastly}} and {{p|Haunter}} spoke through Meowth as well as in ''[[AG171|Pokémon Ranger - Deoxys' Crisis! Part 1]]'' and ''[[AG172|2]]'', when a {{p|Deoxys}} spoke though him as well.
Some Pokémon have been able to speak telepathically through a person or another Pokémon. In ''[[EP095|A Shipful of Shivers]]'', a {{p|Gastly}} and {{p|Haunter}} speak through Meowth.


===Shape-shifting===
===Illusion===
[[File:Latias as Bianca.png|thumb|200px|Latias or Bianca?]]
In ''[[EP232|Just Waiting On a Friend]]'', a {{p|Ninetales}} created an illusive girl named [[Lokoko]] through whom it spoke.
The {{p|Latias}} in ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes]]'' was able to bend light in order to make herself appear as {{mov|Bianca}}, a girl that she had befriended. She was able to communicate as Bianca, or at least seems to be human.


===Illusion===
===Electricity===
In ''[[EP232|Just Waiting On a Friend]]'', a {{p|Ninetales}} created an illusion called [[Lokoko]] that it spoke through.
In "[[M02|Pokémon 2000: The Power Of One]]", [[Ash's Pikachu]] use a {{m|Thunderbolt}} to communicate with [[Zapdos]], while {{MTR|Team Rocket's Meowth}} translated. Similarly, in [[M12|Arceus and The Jewel of Life]] Spiky Eared Pichu and Pikachu touched their tails in a Hi-5 type manuever.


==Related articles==  
==Related articles==  
Line 67: Line 69:
[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Anime]]
[[Category:Anime]]
[[de:Sprache der Pokémon]]
[[it:Linguaggio Pokémon]]

Revision as of 22:42, 17 July 2015

Pokémon language is the medium by which Pokémon communicate with each other and with humans in the games and the anime. 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 seems 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 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 seems 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.

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 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 speak 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.

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 the anime.

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 Version, the player's starting Pikachu will be outside of its Poké Ball and follows the player around, much like Ash's Pikachu does in the anime. 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 the anime.

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.

Ash and Pikachu communicate through their partnership

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

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 A Shipful of Shivers, a Gastly and Haunter speak through Meowth.

Illusion

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

Electricity

In "Pokémon 2000: The Power Of One", Ash's Pikachu use a Thunderbolt to communicate with Zapdos, while Team Rocket's Meowth translated. Similarly, in Arceus and The Jewel of Life Spiky Eared Pichu and Pikachu touched their tails in a Hi-5 type manuever.

Related articles