[1] The original name is based on Latin nemor-haedus, from nemus, nemoris 'grove' and haedus 'little goat', but it was misspelt Naemorhedus by Hamilton Smith (1827).

Though their territories often coincide with those of the closely related serow, the goral will usually be found on higher, steeper slopes with less vegetation.

Gorals typically weigh 25–40 kilograms (55–88 lb) and are 80–130 centimetres (31–51 in) in length, with short, backward-facing horns.

They have woolly undercoats covered by longer, coarser hair, which helps to protect them in the cold areas where they are often found.

Though the groups share many similarities, gorals are stockier than antelopes and have broader, heavier hooves.