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[[File:Vulpix anime.png|thumb|350px|[[Kanto]]nian and [[Alola]]n {{p|Vulpix}} in the {{pkmn|anime}}]]
The '''terminology of regional forms''' explains how terms for '''[[regional form]]s''' (including specific instances such as '''Alolan form''' and '''Galarian form''') have been used in Pokémon media.

==In the core series games==
The place name adjective (such as "'''Alolan'''") is used before the Pokémon species. Pokémon in these forms are described as such; for example, {{p|Sandshrew}} in its Alolan form is referred to as '''Alolan {{p|Sandshrew}}''' and {{p|Ponyta}} in its Galarian form is referred to as '''Galarian {{p|Ponyta}}'''. Although the original forms of these Pokémon are not normally identified by a separate name, people from regions that do have regional forms will sometime refer to the original form of a given Pokémon in the same format, such as '''Kantonian {{p|Meowth}}'''. For example:
* ''"And there's that '''Kantonian Meowth'''!"'' ([[Hau]]){{sup/7|SMUSUM}}
* ''"No matter how many '''Kantonian Diglett''' I’ve seen, they still look so smooth and adorable!"'' (Diggette, [[in-game trade]] in [[Lavender Town]]){{sup/7|PE}}
* ''"I’m lookin’ for a Pokémon trade. How ’bout your {{p|Obstagoon}} for my '''Kantonian {{p|Mr. Mime}}'''?"'' ({{tc|Team Yell Grunt}} in [[Spikemuth]]){{sup/8|SwSh}}

When not distinguishing between forms, the Pokémon species may be simply mentioned in running text without using the regional adjective, such as in Pokémon battle dialogue. For instance, if the player encounters a wild Galarian {{p|Meowth}}, the battle dialogue would simply indicate "You encountered a wild {{p|Meowth}}!"

===Generation VII===
In [[Pokémon Sun and Moon|Pokémon Sun, Moon]], [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon]], regional forms are known as '''regional variants'''. For example:

* ''"I'm a Pokémon researcher, and I'm looking into the '''regional variants''' found around here."'' ([[Samson Oak]])
* ''"I never imagined such a thing... A {{p|Dugtrio}} with hair! Huh? What do you mean it’s not hair? You’re telling me it’s...whiskers?! And it’s called a '''regional variant'''? So this is a special form unique to Alola!"'' (Hair stylist at Lighthouse Point in [[Konikoni City]], only in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon)
* ''"If you find a [[Pokémon Egg]] after you've left a '''regional variant''' at the [[Pokémon Nursery|nursery]], it can hatch into another '''regional variant''' of that Pokémon!"'' ([[Trainer Tips]] in [[Melemele Sea]])
* ''"Possessing a calm demeanor, this Pokémon was revered as a deity incarnate before it was identified as a '''regional variant''' of {{p|Ninetales}}."'' (Alolan Ninetales' [[Pokédex]] entry in Pokémon Moon)

In [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], the exact terms "regional form" or "regional variant" are not mentioned.

In all [[Generation VII]] games, "'''Alola Form'''" is the title of this form in the Pokédex. The original form is not named in the Pokédex.

Additionally, '''Alolan regional variant''' is said once in running text:
* ''"That's a local Alolan {{p|Persian}}, all right! I've heard that having a round face can be considered quite cute here in [[Alola]]! Maybe that explains the '''Alolan regional variant'''?"'' ([[Samson Oak]])

===Generation VIII onwards===
From [[Generation VIII]] onwards, "'''regional form'''" is consistently used instead of "regional variant". For example:

* ''"I heard that the {{p|Meowth}} of [[Galar]] look different from the Meowth of [[Kanto]] or [[Alola]]! I think it’s called a '''regional form'''!"'' (NPC in [[Motostoke]] in [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]])
* ''"Though it differs from other {{p|Basculin}} in several respects, including demeanor—this one is gentle—I have categorized it as a '''regional form''' given the vast array of shared qualities."'' ({{p|Basculin}}'s [[Pokédex]] entry in [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]])
* ''"'''Regional forms''', which vary based on what region a Pokémon came from, don’t change like other forms."'' ([[Jacq]] in [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]])
* ''"A variety of fish Pokémon, {{p|Wugtrio}} was once considered to be a '''regional form''' of {{p|Dugtrio}}."'' ({{p|Wugtrio}}'s Pokédex entry in [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|Pokémon Scarlet]])

From Generation VIII onwards, as seen in the Pokédex (including in [[Pokémon HOME]]), the adjectives for the place names are consistently used in the title of each regional form. For instance, "'''Alolan Form'''", "'''Galarian Form'''", "'''Hisuian Form'''", and "'''Paldean Form'''" (instead of the previously used "'''Alola Form'''"). The original form remains unnamed in the Pokédex.

==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon GO===
In [[Pokémon GO]], the term "'''regional variant'''" has been used at some points:

* ''"Taking all this into consideration, I believe this anomalous Pokémon is, in fact, a Voltorb that once lived in the Hisui region. Is it still a '''regional variant''' if it only existed in the past? For now, I suppose we may as well call this Pokémon Hisuian {{p|Voltorb}}."'' ([[Professor Willow]], {{p|Noibat}} [[Community Day]]: February 5, 2023)
* ''"{{p|Slowpoke}}'s pretty special. Not only can it [[evolution|evolve]] into one of two different Pokémon—{{p|Slowbro}} and {{p|Slowking}}—but each of its Evolutions has '''regional variants''', too."'' ([[Professor Willow]], {{p|Slowpoke}} [[Community Day]]: March 18, 2023)

===Pokémon Masters EX===
In [[Pokémon Masters EX]], the regional forms currently available are from [[Alola]], [[Galar]] and [[Hisui]]. However, they inconsistently use different naming systems, with all regional forms that debuted in [[generation VII]] called "'''Alola Form'''" and all regional forms that debuted after called "'''Galarian Form'''" and "'''Hisuian Form'''."

==In the TCG==
In the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], the evolutions exclusive to regional forms are referred to with the same descriptors used for their pre-evolutions. For example, there are not only "'''Galarian {{p|Meowth}}'''" and "'''Alolan {{p|Persian}}'''", but "'''Galarian {{p|Perrserker}}'''" as well. This allows effects referring to regional forms by name to affect these evolutions.

Rulebooks starting from {{TCG|Sword & Shield}} have the name of the section referring to these Pokémon cards as '''Regional Variants'''. Rulebooks from the [[Pokemon Trading Card Game#Sun & Moon Series|Sun & Moon Series]] named that same section '''Alolan Pokémon'''. The book refers to applicable cards by their name, so it uses '''Alolan Meowth''' and '''Paldean {{p|Wooper}}''', among others.

==On websites==
===Pokémon.com===
In [[Pokémon.com]] content from the [[Generation VII]] era, they were known as "'''regional variants'''" (or "'''regional variant Pokémon'''"). From [[Generation VIII]] onwards, this was mostly changed to "'''regional forms'''", with the previous wording still being occasionally used. Some examples:

* ''"Some Pokémon have adapted to the distinctive microclimates of the Alola region and have taken on different forms than they have in other regions. These Pokémon are called '''regional variants'''. After settling in the Alola region, they live like native Pokémon. These '''regional variant Pokémon''' can have different appearances and types, and their way of living can also differ from that of the forms previously known."''<ref>[https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/Z-MOVES-AND-ALOLAN-POKEMON-VARIANTS-ANNOUNCED-FOR-POKEMON-SUN-AND-POKE Z-MOVES AND ALOLAN POKÉMON VARIANTS ANNOUNCED FOR POKÉMON SUN AND POKÉMON MOON! - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"What '''Alolan regional variant Pokémon''' is willing to stick its neck out to get more of that energizing Alola sunshine?"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/take-a-different-kind-of-alola-island-challenge-with-the-alola-region-quiz Take a Different Kind of Alola Island Challenge with the Alola Region Quiz - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"One of the most exciting things about Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon is the discovery of '''regional forms''' of Pokémon that were first discovered in the Kanto region. [...] Some of these '''regional forms''' gain a type. For example, a {{p|Raichu}} found in [[Kanto]] is an Electric type, but Alolan Raichu is an Electric- and Psychic-type Pokémon."''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/celebrate-25-years-of-pokemon-with-memorable-moments-from-the-alola-region Celebrate 25 Years of Pokémon With Memorable Moments from the Alola Region]</ref>
* ''"How did you decide which Pokémon would receive '''Galar regional variants''' and new Evolutions?"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/interview-with-game-freaks-ohmori-and-masuda-on-pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield Interview with GAME FREAK’s Ohmori and Masuda on Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo confirmed today that the '''Galar regional form''' of {{p|Ponyta}} will appear in the highly anticipated upcoming Pokémon Shield video game"''<ref>[https://press.pokemon.com/en/NEW-POKEMON-DISCOVERED-IN-THE-GALAR-REGION-22219 NEW POKÉMON DISCOVERED IN THE GALAR REGION - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"As you journey across the Isle of Armor, you might meet a Trainer looking to trade for the '''Galarian regional forms''' of Meowth, Ponyta, Mr. Mime, and others in exchange for the forms of these Pokémon not found in Galar. And it isn’t just the Pokémon with Galarian forms that you can trade this way—you might also be able to trade Exeggutor or Marowak for its '''Alolan regional variant'''."''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/new-moves-rare-items-and-more-on-the-isle-of-armor New Moves, Rare Items, and More on the Isle of Armor]</ref>
* ''"Players were permitted to use any Pokémon in the Galar Pokédex or the Isle of Armor Pokédex except for the strongest Legendary Pokémon. They were also permitted to use '''regional variants''' of those Pokémon, the first partner Pokémon from the Alola region, Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion."<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-players-cup/vgc-finals-results/ Pokémon Players Cup VGC Finals]</ref>
* ''"There are plenty of new Pokémon to be found in the [[Paldea]] region, including a '''regional form''' of {{p|Wooper}}."''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/news-from-the-august-2022-pokemon-presents News from the August 2022 Pokémon Presents - Pokémon.com]</ref>

In particular, the [https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-vg-rules-formats-and-penalty-guidelines-en.pdf VG rules] use this wording:

* ''"Any '''regional Pokémon form''' that meets the above criteria may be used."''
* ''"Pokémon species, including whether that Pokémon is a '''regional variant''' (such as Galarian) or a specific named form (such as Wash Rotom instead of Rotom)"''

In content about [[Pokémon GO]], the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], and [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]], they are consistently known as "'''regional variants'''":

* ''"During the event, '''Hisuian regional variants''' of Growlithe, Qwilfish, and Sneasel will make their Pokémon GO debuts."''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/hisuian-growlithe-hisuian-qwilfish-and-hisuian-sneasel-debut-in-pokemon-go-s-hisuian-discoveries-event Hisuian Growlithe, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Hisuian Sneasel Debut in Pokémon GO’s Hisuian Discoveries Event - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Features of the {{TCG|Sun & Moon}}—{{TCG|Burning Shadows}} expansion include: [...] Alolan Pokémon: '''Regional variants''' of classic Pokémon who have a new look in the Alola region make their appearance."''<ref>[https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/Pokemon-Trading-Card-Game-Sun-MoonBurning-Shadows-expansion-launches-A Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sun & Moon—Burning Shadows expansion launches August 4! - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Now that the Pokémon TCG has entered the Paldea region, we’re obviously going to see more Paldean Pokémon, including '''regional variants''' of familiar Pokémon from other regions."''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/art-of-the-pokemon-tcg-scarlet-violet-paldea-evolved-expansion Art of the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Paldea Evolved Expansion]</ref>
* ''"[In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,] Pokémon originally discovered in the Alola region as well as '''Alolan regional variant Pokémon''' make their debut. One example is Alolan Exeggutor, which will divide the stage with its long neck."''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-video-games/super-smash-bros-ultimate/ Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Pokémon.com]</ref>

"'''Alola form'''" and "'''Alolan form'''" have been used in the [[Generation VII]] era. This is similar to "Alola Form" as seen in the Pokédex, except the word "form" is written in lowercase when in running text. Some examples:

* ''"To make it easier for Lycanroc to get rolling, we’ve included {{p|Ninetales}} in its '''Alola form''' [...]"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/strategy/rock-your-toughest-foes-with-lycanroc Rock Your Toughest Foes with Lycanroc - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Gifts can also contain a special surprise: a special 7 km Egg that, when hatched, reveals an '''Alola form''' of a Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region!"<ref>[https://pokemonblog.com/2018/06/28/latest-major-update-for-pokemon-go-allows-you-to-make-friends-send-gifts-and-trade-pokemon/ Friends, Trading, and Gifts Come to Pokémon GO! - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Discover dozens of never-before-seen Pokémon, '''Alola forms''' of some familiar favorites, and new ways to battle in the Pokémon TCG: {{TCG|Sun & Moon}} expansion."''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sun-moon/explore-and-watch/ Sun & Moon - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Certain Pokémon have regional variants—the regional variants of the Alola region are known as '''Alolan forms'''."<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee/ Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! - Pokémon.com]</ref>

From [[Generation VIII]] onwards, the place name adjectives have been consistently used, once again with the word "form" in lowercase, such as "'''Kantonian form'''", "'''Alolan form'''", "'''Galarian form'''", etc.

* ''"Look for episodes spotlighting Pokémon like Exeggutor (both its '''Kantonian and Alolan forms''') [...]"'' <ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/ash-encounters-tree-like-pokemon-on-pokemon-tv Ash Encounters Tree-Like Pokémon on Pokémon TV - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Regional forms of Pokémon can be found in Galar as well, where they’re known as '''Galarian forms'''."''<ref>[https://press.pokemon.com/en/GALARIAN-FORM-POKEMON-REVEALED-IN-POKEMON-SWORD-AND-POKEMON-SHIELD GALARIAN FORM POKÉMON REVEALED IN POKÉMON SWORD AND POKÉMON SHIELD - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Some Pokémon have '''Hisuian forms''' that can be found only in the Hisui region. These Pokémon's '''Hisuian forms''' each have unique characteristics."''<ref>[https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/ Pokémon living in the Hisui region. - Pokémon.com]</ref>
* ''"Its '''Hisuian form''' has longer, more voluminous fur than the previously discovered form of Growlithe."''<ref>[https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/growlithe/ Hisuian Growlithe - Pokémon.com]</ref>

===Twitter official account===
Regional forms have been sometimes mentioned on Pokémon's Twitter account. For instance:

* ''"Bring over your '''Alolan form''' Pokémon from #PokemonGO [...]"''<ref>[https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1042433454028124160 Pokémon - Twitter]</ref>
* ''"{{p|Obstagoon}}, which evolves from Galarian {{p|Linoone}}, is an example of a Pokémon that can only evolve from a '''Galarian form'''."'' <ref>[https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1159097744314658817 Pokémon - Twitter]</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Terminology pages|regional forms]]
[[Category:Variant Pokémon]]