25 Distinctive Japanese Phrases That Do not Translate to English

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Whenever you begin studying Japanese, you start with fundamental Japanese phrases and phrases that may be simply translated from Japanese to English. However as you progress in your language studying, you’ll inevitably stumble throughout phrases that don’t have any equal in your native tongue. 

Whenever you undertake these phrases, you’re difficult your self to actually immerse your self and assume in a brand new language, which is an indication of mastery! On this information, you’ll discover a wide range of Japanese phrases that don’t translate to English, which can assist convey you to the subsequent degree of your Japanese studying journey.

1. Nekojita, 猫舌

Whenever you obtain freshly cooked meals, do you could blow on it incessantly to chill it down whereas others can dig in instantly? If that’s the case, you’ve got a nekojita or “cat’s tongue.” Whereas it’d sound related, this Japanese phrase has no relation to the English idiom “cat acquired your tongue.” As a substitute it’s a novel Japanese idiom which means you’re particularly delicate to meals or drink that’s sizzling in temperature.

• Nekojita dakara, mada taberenai. (猫舌だから、まだ食べれない。) = As a result of I’ve cat tongue, I can’t eat it but.

2. Gorogoro, ゴロゴロ

There are lots of extra Japanese onomatopeias (sound phrases) than English ones, so a lot of them could possibly be on this checklist! One instance is gorogoro; it describes the sound of rumbling or one thing heavy rolling. However it’s utilized in a wide range of methods:

3. Seishun,青春

The exuberant and hopeful time of 1’s youth is encapsulated by the phrase seishun. Japanese youngsters and younger adults are inspired to embrace seishun, which regularly means falling in love and/or experiencing the fun of different intense emotions.

The symbols in seishun (青春) actually imply “blue springtime,” however the “blue” truly refers to “inexperienced” because of a quirk within the historical past of Japanese shade phrases. The picture of progress and pleasure within the spring season is apt for depicting this era of private improvement. 

• Seishun da ne! (青春だね！) = That’s what it’s to be younger!

4. Seikatsu, 生活

Whereas seikatsu is just like “way of life,” it’s not a one-to-one translation. It refers to what residing your life is like, particularly while you add parameters. You probably have the prospect to dwell in Japan, persons are more likely to ask what you consider nihon de no seikatsu (日本での生活), or life in Japan:

5. Junchō, 順調

Junchо̄ is a Japanese adjective that conveys that issues are going properly or continuing easily. Whenever you obtain an replace on a mission, junchо̄ is what you wish to hear! If issues are going properly in your life, you possibly can have fun with the phrase banji junchо̄ (万事順調), or “all the pieces goes nice!”

• Gishiki wa junchо̄ ni susunda. (儀式は順調に進んだ。) = The ceremony went off with no hitch. 

6. Genki, 元気

Though genki is usually used for Japanese greetings, it’s surprisingly tough to outline and is among the Japanese phrases that don’t translate to English! When Japanese individuals study English, they usually study that genki equals “positive,” however that doesn’t cowl the quite a few methods to use genki: 

These phrases have a way of being “lively” in frequent, which is what genki embodies.

7. Keigo, 敬語

In case you work together with service staff in Japanese, you’re positive to listen to examples of keigo. Keigo is specialised formal Japanese with strict guidelines dictating grammar and vocabulary. You may evaluate keigo to “enterprise English,” however the scope of keigo is far bigger, and a robust cultural emphasis is positioned on mastering it.

Speech in a keigo register can nearly sound like a special language—to the purpose even native Japanese audio system can wrestle with it! Including to the complexity, there are completely different varieties of keigo, and also you’ll use completely different phrases for displaying respect to others vs. humbling your self. 

• Baito no tame, keigo o renshū shinakereba narimasen. (バイトのため、敬語を練習しなければなりません。) = I’ve to apply formal Japanese for my part-time job.

8. Itterasshai, 行ってらっしゃい

You may break down this phrase into two Japanese verbs; itte comes from iku (行く), which means “to go,” and rasshai comes from the keigo phrase irassharu (いらっしゃる), which means “to come back.” In Japanese, itterasshai is a method to want somebody properly as they depart and urge them to return. 

You’ll use set phrases and responses while you depart your own home and are available again. As you’re leaving, you’ll say ittekimasu (行ってきます), or “I’ll go however come again.” A member of the family or pal will echo again itterasshai. Whenever you return, you’ll say tadaima, which means “I’m dwelling now,” and whoever is there to greet you’ll say o-kaeri, or “welcome dwelling.” This set of customs fosters interpersonal bonds, as you’re inspired as you head out, and you recognize somebody is ready so that you can come again safely.

9. Dōzo, どうぞ

Dо̄zo is a well mannered phrase used to indicate deference. It might probably imply “go forward,” akin to when getting into a constructing or “right here you might be” while you hand one thing over. Generally the very best translation for dо̄zo is just “please.” In any case, you’re prioritizing one other particular person’s actions.

• O-cha o dо̄zo. (お茶をどうぞ。) = Please, go forward and have some tea.

10. Yoroshiku, よろしく

Though it’s a continuously used Japanese adverb, yoroshiku is surprisingly tough to elucidate. It was tailored from the adjective yoroshii (よろしい), which means “good” or “acceptable,” so yoroshiku could possibly be translated as “properly” or “in a suitable manner.” However yoroshiku is utilized in particular contexts:

• Your self-introduction ought to finish with a phrase that features yoroshiku, akin to dо̄zo yoroshiku (どうぞよろしく) or yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします). Extra literal translations interpret these phrases as “please deal with me properly.” 
• When speaking with somebody you recognize, you should utilize yoroshiku to move on properly needs to their household. For instance, okā-san ni yoroshiku (お母さんによろしく) means “give my regards to your mom.” 
• Yoroshiku can imply “I’m relying on you” while you ask somebody for a favor. “I depart the remainder as much as you” is ato no koto wa yoroshiku (後のことはよろしく).

11. Tatemae, 建前

Tatemae and honne are a pair of Japanese phrases which have a deep which means and convey how Japanese individuals conduct themselves in entrance of others. 

Tatemae is the outward self you current. It implies at all times making an attempt to deal with issues diplomatically and never voicing robust private opinions. As a result of Japanese individuals normally specific themselves via the filter of tatemae, it may be tough to know what a Japanese particular person actually thinks, and also you’ll need to give attention to implicit cues to realize perception.

12. Honne, 本音

Honne is the other of tatemae and refers back to the interior self. On this phrase, hon (本) refers to one thing “actual” or “real.” Somebody expressing their honne to you demonstrates a excessive degree of belief.

13. Omotenashi, おもてなし

Japanese hospitality is known as omotenashi, but it surely’s extra profound than the English equal. As Tokyo ambassador Christel Takigawa defined to the Olympic Committee, the Japanese manner of receiving visitors implies that no service, nonetheless insignificant, is left unanticipated. Those that wait on prospects or purchasers could spend years coaching to exceed expectations. 

There are two explanations for a way the phrase omotenashi was created. The primary got here from the verb motenasu (もてなす), which means “to entertain.” The second is from a mixture of omote (表), which means “floor” and nashi (無し), which means “with out.” The thought is to serve individuals wholeheartedly, with out pretense.

14. Dogeza, 土下座

Dogeza is a gesture steeped in custom and Japanese etiquette and is when one kneels prostrate with the brow touching the bottom. This gesture the place you convey your self as little as attainable is taken into account the very best expression of reverence in lots of Asian cultures, but it surely usually communicates disgrace somewhat than simple humility. It might be employed throughout a heartfelt apology or to implore somebody for an necessary favor.

English adopted the loanword “kowtow” from the Cantonese time period for the same gesture of subservience in Chinese language traditions. 

• Dogeza shite ayamarinasai! (土下座して謝りなさい！) = Bow right down to the bottom and beg for forgiveness!

15. Aizuchi, 相槌

Have you ever talked with a Japanese particular person and heard them periodically react with phrases akin to sou desu ne, naruhodo, or hē? These are all examples of aizuchi, or small interjections that display the listener is paying shut consideration. 

In Japanese-style communication, aizuchi are one of many obligatory Japanese elements of speech as they point out curiosity, give encouragement, and present respect. It’s necessary to grow to be comfy with aizuchi with the intention to have pure conversations in Japanese.

16. Yappari, やっぱり

The phrase yappari—or the synonym yahari (やはり)—expresses the sensation that one thing was predictable or that one situation necessitates one other. It may be in comparison with phrases akin to “positive sufficient,” “as anticipated,” and “in any case.” 

Yappari is just like sasuga (さすが), one other cool Japanese phrase. Sasuga could possibly be translated as “simply as you’d count on from [noun].” The distinction is sasuga is normally used to explain individuals in a complimentary manner, whereas yappari is a extra broad and impartial time period.

• Ame dakara, yappari shiai wa chūshi ni natta. (雨だから、やっぱり試合は中止になった。) = It’s raining, so positive sufficient the sport was cancelled.
• Yappari kukkī to gyūnyū wa oishii. (やっぱりクッキーと牛乳は美味しい。) = As anticipated, cookies with milk are scrumptious.

17. Aite, 相手

Your aite might be the love of your life, or your best nemesis! It’s a impartial Japanese noun describing the “different particular person” in a relationship. This phrase displays the Japanese cultural precept of being others-focused. Makes use of of aite embrace:

18. Nakama, 仲間

Your nakama are people who find themselves in the identical group as you. You might be nakama based mostly on a wide range of issues, whether or not you’re shut buddies, work on the identical place, have a interest in frequent, or simply share a random trait! The pirate crew members within the manga collection One Piece refer to one another as nakama. 

19. Senpai, 先輩

Senpai is one other phrase added to the English lexicon via anime and manga. In case you hear senpai in a faculty setting, it means “upperclassman.” However this doesn’t cowl the breadth of what a senpai is. 

A senpai is anybody extra superior than you in a sure space. In school, anybody in a better grade is a senpai. At your job, anybody who has labored there longer than you is a senpai. Somebody may also be your senpai while you’re making an attempt to study a particular talent, even when they’re a lot youthful than you.

Senpai and its reverse kо̄hai (後輩) are Japanese honorifics. Utilizing senpai for somebody is an indication of respect.

• Senpai wa setsumē shite kuremashita. (先輩は説明してくれました。) = My senpai kindly defined it to me.

20. Otaku, オタク

Otaku is such a well-liked Japanese slang phrase that it has crossed over into different cultures! However whereas otaku overseas refers to somebody obsessive about Japanese anime or manga, somebody known as an otaku in Japan could possibly be keen on any variety of hobbies. There are practice otaku, weapons otaku, otaku for particular musical acts, and numerous different varieties.

• Tetsudо̄ otaku dakara, atarashii shinkansen ga mitai! (鉄道オタクだから、新しい新幹線が見たい！) = As a result of I’m a practice otaku, I wish to see the brand new bullet practice!

21. Sōshoku-kei, 草食系

In case you’ve seen interviews about relationship in Japan, you will have encountered the phrases “herbivore males” and “carnivore males.” If somebody is an “herbivore man” or sōshoku-kei, they’re timid about pursuing relationships; they as a substitute rely upon others to provoke. 

Usually sōshoku-kei are talked about as a quirk of relationship in Japan, and a few favor relationships with sōshoku-kei. However there’s some concern that their prevalence contributes to Japan’s declining start charge.

22. Nikushoku-kei, 肉食系

Nikushoku-kei are “carnivore males.” They’re the other of sōshoku-kei and are characterised as exceptionally assertive in pursuing relationships. Somebody who’s a nikoshoku-kei could usually exit and attempt to choose up ladies, which is named nanpa (ナンパ) in Japanese.

23. Yōkai, 妖怪

The primary image within the phrase yōkai means “bewitching” (妖) and the second image means “mysterious” or “apparition” (怪). Yōkai refers to any of the mythological Japanese animals or supernatural beings, particularly these included in Japanese folklore. 

The varied sorts of yōkai hardly ever have a Western counterpart, which means their names are additionally Japanese phrases with no English translation. Studying about yōkai is an effective way to realize perception into Japanese tales and tradition!

24. Manzai, 漫才

Humor is infamously tough to elucidate, and humor from one other tradition is much more of a problem! Manzai is a comedy act with two individuals, every having a set function. The boke (ボケ) is the “fool” and the tsukkomi (ツッコミ) is the “straight man.” They interact in a fast-paced dialogue, and the tsukkomi reacts to the antics of the boke with quips and typically slaps from a paper fan. 

Manzai began within the metropolis of Ōsaka, which cemented Ōsaka because the comedy capital of Japan. One frequent retort the tsukkomi makes comes from the Ōsakan dialect; nandeyanen (何でやねん) merely means “why” however is commonly translated as “what the heck?” The affect of manzai is obvious throughout Japanese media.

25. Sazae-san shōkōgun, サザエさん症候群

The anime “Sazae-san” is the longest-running animated collection on this planet, and its ubiquity in Japan might be in comparison with that of “The Simpsons” within the US. Its broadcast slot is Sunday night, so when “Sazae-san” is on, it’s a reminder that it’s nearly Monday—which suggests returning to work or faculty! The ensuing feeling of dread is Sazae-san shо̄kо̄gun, which accurately interprets as “Sazae-san syndrome.”