JAPANESE SLANGS AND THEIR MEANING.
Japanese Slang Words and Their Meanings
Japanese slang, or wasei-eigo and colloquial phrases, is a fascinating aspect of the language that reveals how people interact informally. Whether you’re aiming to sound more natural or simply want to understand your favorite anime characters better, knowing Japanese slang is a great way to enhance your fluency. Here are some commonly used Japanese slang words, their meanings, and how to use them.
1. ダサい (Dasai)
Meaning: Lame, uncool
Usage: This word is often used to describe something outdated, unfashionable, or generally unimpressive.
• Example:
• この服、ダサいよね。(Kono fuku, dasai yo ne.)
“These clothes are so lame, right?”
2. ヤバい (Yabai)
Meaning: Crazy, amazing, terrible (depends on context)
Usage: This versatile word can express both positive and negative extremes, similar to “insane” in English.
• Example:
• このケーキ、ヤバい美味しい！(Kono keeki, yabai oishii!)
“This cake is insanely delicious!”
3. チャラい (Charai)
Meaning: Flashy, shallow, flirty
Usage: Often used to describe someone who appears superficial or overly flirty.
• Example:
• あの男、チャラい感じがする。(Ano otoko, charai kanji ga suru.)
“That guy seems kind of shallow.”
4. ウザい (Uzai)
Meaning: Annoying
Usage: A casual way to describe someone or something irritating.
• Example:
• この広告、マジでウザい。(Kono koukoku, maji de uzai.)
“This ad is seriously annoying.”
5. やる気 (Yaruki)
Meaning: Motivation, drive
Usage: Used to express whether someone has (or lacks) enthusiasm for something.
• Example:
• やる気ないよ。(Yaruki nai yo.)
“I have no motivation.”
6. バカ (Baka)
Meaning: Idiot, stupid
Usage: While often playful, it can also be offensive depending on the tone.
• Example:
• そんなことを信じるなんてバカだね。(Sonna koto o shinjiru nante baka da ne.)
“You’re such an idiot to believe that.”
7. おっちょこちょい (Occhokochoi)
Meaning: Clumsy, scatterbrained
Usage: Refers to someone who frequently makes silly mistakes.
• Example:
• 彼女は本当におっちょこちょいだね。(Kanojo wa hontou ni occhokochoi da ne.)
“She’s really scatterbrained, isn’t she?”
8. キモい (Kimoi)
Meaning: Creepy, gross
Usage: A slang contraction of 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui), used to express disgust.
• Example:
• あの虫、マジでキモい！(Ano mushi, maji de kimoi!)
“That bug is seriously gross!”
9. ぱりぴ (Paripi)
Meaning: Party people
Usage: Describes someone who loves partying and having a good time.
• Example:
• 彼は典型的なぱりぴだね。(Kare wa tenkeiteki na paripi da ne.)
“He’s a typical party person.”
10. 神ってる (Kamitteru)
Meaning: Godlike, amazing
Usage: Often used to describe something or someone that’s performing exceptionally well.
• Example:
• 今日の試合、神ってる！(Kyou no shiai, kamitteru!)
“Today’s game was godlike!”
Tips for Using Japanese Slang
1. Know Your Audience: Slang is informal, so avoid using it in professional or highly respectful settings.
2. Practice Context: Many slang words have multiple meanings depending on tone and situation. Pay attention to context!
3. Learn from Media: Anime, J-dramas, and Japanese social media are excellent resources for picking up natural slang.
Adding slang to your vocabulary is a fun way to connect with native speakers and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. For more Japanese learning tips and resources, stay tuned to Tokyo Learn!