What is the English translation of Pokémon’s original Japanese title, Pocket Monsters?

Pokémon’s original Japanese title, Pocket Monsters, translates into English as Pocket Monsters.

In Japan, the franchise began as Pocket Monsters, written in Japanese as Poketto Monsutā. Pokémon is a shortened form of that name, created as a compact brand name. The accented spelling Pokémon became the standard international form, while Pocket Monsters remains important in the franchise’s Japanese history.

The name reflects the original game concept: creatures could be stored in small capsules and carried by Trainers. Satoshi Tajiri also wanted the games to emphasize collecting and exchanging creatures through the Game Boy Link Cable.

The title is sometimes confused with the English brand name Pokémon because international releases generally use Pokémon rather than a direct translation. Naming concerns, including an existing Monster in My Pocket trademark, influenced the choice of the shortened form outside Japan. The Japanese anime also originally used Pocket Monsters in its title.