Can you learn Japanese with Detective Conan? Let’s investigate how this captivating detective anime can actually help you learn Japanese. This show is a clever work teeming with crime-solving, puzzles, and a plethora of daily situations, which may prove to be an excellent tool for studying Japanese. This article is a continuation of our “Learning Japanese with Anime” series, where we’ve broken down some of the most iconic anime, Attack on Titan, Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia. This time, we will be putting Detective Conan on trial.

Why Learn Japanese with Detective Conan?

Anime often has a reputation for being unrealistic for learning practical Japanese, however, most do give you exposure to a lot of natural conversation. Detective Conan is no exception, being filled with useful dialogue and language that is very effective for natural Japanese practice.

If you are pursuing the immersion method for language learning, the show has over 1000 episodes, providing plenty of material to dive into. It’s an engaging language reservoir for a wide range of social situations, regional dialects, and everyday conversation. This makes the show perfect for both beginners and intermediate-level learners.

Dialogue:

The anime title consists of very useful dialogue that centers around daily life, work/school, and even introduces new topics since each episode would be about different characters, their interests, and lifestyles. Also, due to the crime-solving theme, there is a lot of conversation about animate/inanimate objects, space, measurements, and moving parts. This is great practice for understanding how to properly use language regarding these everyday things and objects.

Varied Speech Styles And Accents:

Certain characters, such as Heiji Hattori who is from Osaka, have regional accents. This can be useful exposure to different dialects in Japan. In addition to the recurring cast, each episode introduces unique characters of differing ages, backgrounds, and personalities allowing for a wide range of speech styles we can learn from.

Formal And Casual Language:

Detective Conan frequently uses both formal and casual forms of speaking which are important distinctions in Japanese. Adult characters often speak formally to other adults especially those considered of high social position. One of the most frequent words in the show is 社長(shachou) meaning president/director. You can expect to hear a lot of formal language around these ‘important’ characters.

Wide Range of Vocabulary:

The vocabulary reflects more relatable settings one would likely be exposed in day to day life in Japan. It also has many words surrounding police work and crime solving. It consists of language that isn’t too complicated for younger audiences but it doesn’t talk down to them either. This enables the show to be a great resource to introduce lots of new words. Below is a short list from the 100 most frequently used words from the show:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
犯人	はんにん han’nin	Culprit
部屋	へや heya	Room
事件	じけん jiken	Crime case, incident
音	おと oto	Sound, noise
電話	でんわ denwa	Phone, call
警部	けいぶ keibu	Police inspector
遺体	いたい itai	Corpse, remains
殺害	さつがい satsugai	To kill, murder
被害	ひがい higai	Injury, harm
社長	しゃちょう shachou	Company president, manager

Getting Started Learning Japanese with Detective Conan

Detective Conan is great for both beginners and intermediate learners due to its family-oriented nature while still containing more complex dialogue.

For Beginners:

For absolute beginners, starting off with subtitles would allow you to make the most out of learning Japanese with Detective Conan. However, listening actively and paying attention to the actual dialogue is the most effective for picking up new words. We recommend using an app or a notebook to record new vocabulary you pick up and drill into your memory.

For Intermediate Learners:

If you already have some Japanese abilities, try going without the subtitles. I know it can be intimidating at first and may take time to adjust. But stick with it and don’t worry about understanding every single word. You can always pause and go back to see if you missed something. The show is meant for all audiences, including kids around 10 and older, so the show utilizes repetitive language and ideas to help younger audiences keep up while still being appealing to adults. This makes the show a perfect balance of complex and simple dialogue for intermediate learners.

Key Phrases and Expressions

Here are some common phrases and expressions that could prove useful to familiarize when watching the show:

犯人はあなただ！(hanin wa anatada): The culprit is you!

名探偵 (meitantei): Great or famous detective and is used in the Japanese name of the show, 名探偵コナン(meitantei conan). 探偵(tantei) by itself means private detective.

刑事 (keiji): Police detective or police investigator, they often handle criminal investigations

捜査 (sousa): Criminal investigations, another term often used for investigating is 調査(chousa) which can be used outside of crime.

わかったんだよ！この事件の真相が… (wakattandayo! konojiken no shinsou ga…): I know the truth behind this case!

Key Japanese Quotes from Detective Conan

Shinichi’s Catchphrase: There’s Always One Truth

Shinichi’s most memorable and quotable catchphrase, best translated as “One truth will always prevail!”. He says this throughout the show since he knows there is one truth to the case and it is up to him as a detective to find it.

• Japanese: 真実はいつも一つ！
• Romaji: Shinjitsu wa itsumo hitotsu!
• English: There is always one truth!

Breaking down the sentence:

真実はいつも一つ！

真実	は	いつも	一つ
shinjitsu	wa	itsumo	hitotsu
Truth	Subject particle	Always	One (count)

Conan’s Ripoff From Sherlock Holmes

A recurring theme of the show is how much Conan admires Sherlock Holmes. Even the name he gives himself comes from the author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The line by our main protagonist, Conan, echoes a quote from the famous Sherlock Holmes novels:

• Japanese: 不可能な物を除外していって残った物が、たとえどんなに信じられなくても、それが真相なんだ。
• Romaji: fuganouna mono wo jogai shiteitte nokotta monoga, tatoe donna ni shinjirarenakutemo, sore ga shinso nanda. 
• English: When you eliminate the impossible, whatever’s remaining, no matter how unbelievable, is the truth.
• Original Sherlock Holmes Quote: When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth

Breaking Down The Sentence:

不可能な物を除外していって

不可能な	物	を	除外していって
fuganouna	mono	o	jogaishiteitte
Impossible	Things	Object particle	Eliminate/exclude

残った物が、たとえどんなに信じられなくても、それが真相なんだ。

残った物	が	たとえ	どんなに	信じられなくても	それ	が	真相なんだ
nokottamono	ga	tatoe	donnani	shinjirarenakutemo	sore	ga	shinsounanda
Remaining things	subject particle	Even it, although	no matter how	unbelievable	that	subject particle	(is the) truth

Heiji Hattori’s Famous Quote

Heiji Hattori is close friend to Conan and a famous highschool detective from Osaka. His most popular line couldn’t have been said more eloquently as it shows his intelligence, maturity, and even his regional dialect:

• Japanese: 命には限りがあるから大事なんや… 限りがあるからがんばれるんやで…
• Romaji: Inochi ni wa kagiri ga arukara daijinan ya… kagiri ga arukara ganbareru n’yade…
• English: Life is limited, that’s why it’s so important. Since there’s a limit, we can do our best.

Breaking down the sentence:

命には限りがあるから大事なんや…

命	には	限り	がある	から	大事	なんや
Inochi	niwa	kagiri	ga aru	kara	daiji	nanaya
Life	Subject paricle	Limit, finite	has/have	since, because	important	Osaka/Kansai Regional nuance

限りがあるからがんばれるんやで…

限り	がある	から	頑張れるん	やで
kagiri	ga aru	kara	ganbarerun	yade
Life	Has, there is	because, since	to do one’s best	Osaka/Kansai Regional nuance

Tips To Successfully Learning Japanese With Detective Conan

Based on the quotes I shared earlier, there are plenty of really cool, well-written lines you can try to learn and remember to level up your Japanese. If you really want to get serious about reinforcing new language with Detective Conan, here are a few tips that could help:

• Use Flashcard Apps (Like Anki): Detective Conan may introduce a lot of new vocabulary and grammar, so in order to ingrain them into memory, using flashcard apps that use spaced repetition is a very effective method of memorizing and drilling new material.
• Take Note of Character Personalities: Different characters will have different mannerisms, regional dialects, and unique linguistic nuances. This makes the show a great resource for a wide range of Japanese language exposure, but keeping track of characters who speak differently and why (like Heiji Hattori speaking in Kansai-ben) may help clear up some confusion.  
• Visual Learning: In addition to great dialogue around solving criminal cases, there is plenty of visuals to go along with the explanations. This allows you to see exactly what is being described which will no doubt be helpful in picking up the language.
• Pay Attention To Context And Humor: It shows the daily life of Japan and the different cultural contexts involved in different situations. There is also plenty of humor, which will help to pick up more playful and organic language.
• Pause and Repeat: Feel like you missed something or heard a new word? Pausing and repeating scenes is a great way to reinforce new material or ensure you’re understanding everything you need to. If one scene is just going way over your head, try that scene alone with subtitles and see what you’re missing (this does still help with picking up the language).

Closing Thoughts On Learning Japanese With Detective Conan

Learning Japanese with Detective Conan not only provides plenty of Japanese language practice but it’s very entertaining and rewarding. The series consists of great storytelling overflowing with well-written mysteries and puzzles that you feel like you’re solving alongside the characters. This, along with each episode featuring different situations, events, and unique characters, the show is a rich resource for a wide range of language in everyday Japan.

So, as Conan likes to say, 「真実はいつも一つ! (shinjitsu wa itsumo hitotsu)」or “One truth always prevails!” and the truth in this case is that Detective Conan is a remarkable instrument for practicing Japanese! If you want to practice what you learn and hear from Detective Conan, try out our classes!

FAQ

Is Detective Conan good for learning Japanese?

Yes, Detective Conan is an amazing resource for learning Japanese. It offers a wide range of characters with different regional dialects, interests, and personalities. Each episode features different situations usually involving daily life activities in Japan. The language in the investigations involves words for police, detectives, and how to describe specific objects and moving parts. These are all excellent for practicing natural Japanese conversation.

Is Detective Conan Japanese difficult?

The Japanese contains a mix of complex and simple language. The show is meant to be appealing to both children and adults so there is more repetitive language and a lot of visuals to go along with dialogue. So, it’s perfect listening practice for intermediate level Japanese learners but beginners can learn a lot too with help of subtitles.

Is Detective Conan popular in Japan?

Yes, Detective Conan is one of the most popular anime in Japan today. They consistently rank one of the highest views weekly. And the movies are some of the highest grossing animations to hit Japan’s theaters.

What is the hardest level of Japanese?

On the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) scale, the N1 is the most difficult level. This level consists of very rigorous academic vocabulary, reading material, and kanji.

How intelligent is Detective Conan?

Detective Conan, before he was transformed into a child, was a prodigy high school detective (which is still quite young). So, he is basically a genius as a child detective since he still has the brains of his former self. As a child/highschool kid, he is able to solve complicated cases with very little information before any adults do. This makes him far beyond average intelligence.

Feature Image from Seiyu Wiki

In our final episode of the “Learning Japanese with Anime” series, following our guides on Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia, we dive into the dark and gripping world of Attack on Titan 進撃の巨人, Shingeki no Kyojin. Known for its intense story, deep character development, and complex themes, Attack on Titan is an excellent anime for learning Japanese, especially for those interested in more formal and dramatic language styles. Let’s explore how this popular series can enhance your language skills.

A Quick Jump To…

• Why Learn Japanese with Attack on Titan?
• Getting Started with Attack on Titan
• Examples from Attack on Titans
• Important Kanji in Attack on Titan
• Recommended Episodes for Beginners
• Tips for Success
• FAQ

Why Learn Japanese with Attack on Titan?

Attack on Titan provides a rich learning environment for Japanese learners because of its:

Dramatic Dialogue: The anime features intense conversations filled with determination, fear, and strategy, which helps you understand more formal and emotional language.

Varied Speech Styles: Characters range from civilians to military personnel, offering a range of speech patterns from casual to highly formal.

Historical and Military Vocabulary: The series introduces unique vocabulary related to warfare, history, and military ranks, which is helpful for advanced learners.

Getting Started with Attack on Titan

To get the most out of Attack on Titan while learning Japanese, follow these steps:

Choose Your Viewing Style: If you’re a beginner, begin with Japanese audio and English subtitles. As you progress, switch to Japanese subtitles, and eventually watch without subtitles to challenge your listening comprehension.

Focus on Key Phrases and Expressions The series is filled with recurring phrases that reflect its intense themes. Here are some examples:

• 進撃 Shingeki – Advancement” or “Attack” (as in Shingeki no Kyojin – Attack on Titan).
• 自由 Jiyū – “Freedom.” This word is central to the story’s themes of liberation and autonomy.
• 人類の希望 Jinrui no kibō – “Humanity’s hope,” often referenced by characters discussing their fight against the Titans.
• 駆逐してやる Kuchiku shite yaru! – “I’ll exterminate them!” This is Eren Yeager’s signature declaration against the Titans.

Understand Character Speech Styles: Different characters have distinct speaking styles that reflect their personalities and backgrounds. Eren speaks passionately and informally, while characters like Captain Levi use a more formal, commanding tone.

Practice with Intense Scenes: Select high-stakes scenes featuring complex dialogue. These moments are great for learning military and formal language and practicing listening skills under stress.

Learn Key Kanji and Vocabulary: Keep a list of new kanji and vocabulary you encounter—practice writing and using these words in sentences to reinforce your learning.

Examples from Attack on Titans

Example 1: Eren’s Determination

Eren Yeager is known for his fierce determination and desire to defeat the Titans:

• Japanese: 駆逐してやる！この世から一匹残らず！
• Romaji: Kuchiku shite yaru! Kono yo kara ippiki nokorazu!
• English: I’ll exterminate them! Every last one of them is from this world!

Breaking down the sentence:

• 駆逐 (Kuchiku): Exterminate
• してやる (shite yaru): Will do (with strong determination)
• この世 (Kono yo): This world
• から (kara): From
• 一匹残らず (Ippiki nokorazu): Not a single one left

Example 2 Mikasa’s Loyalty

Mikasa Ackerman is fiercely loyal to Eren and often expresses her resolve to protect him:

• Japanese: エレンを守る。それが私の使命だ。
• Romaji: Eren o mamoru. Sore ga watashi no shimei da.
• English: Protecting Eren. That is my mission.

Breaking down the sentence:

• エレン (Eren): Eren
• を (o): Object marker
• 守る (Mamoru): To protect
• それ (Sore): That
• が (ga): Subject marker
• 私 (Watashi): I, me
• の (no): Possessive particle
• 使命 (Shimei): Mission
• だ (da): Is (informal)

Example 3  Armin’s Hope

Armin Arlert often speaks about hope and the future of humanity:

• Japanese: 人類には未来がある。それを信じることが、我々の唯一の希望だ。
• Romaji: Jinrui ni wa mirai ga aru. Sore o shinjiru koto ga, wareware no yuiitsu no kibō da.
• English: Humanity has a future. Believing in that is our only hope.

Breaking down the sentence:

• 人類 (Jinrui): Humanity
• には (ni wa): Topic marker (for emphasizing)
• 未来 (Mirai): Future
• がある (ga aru): Exists (there is)
• それ (Sore): That
• を (o): Object marker
• 信じる (Shinjiru): To believe
• こと (koto): Thing (concept)
• が (ga): Subject marker
• 我々 (Wareware): We, us (formal)
• の (no): Possessive particle
• 唯一 (Yuiitsu): Only, unique
• 希望 (Kibō): Hope
• だ (da): Is (informal)

Important Kanji in Attack on Titan

The series includes several key kanji that are essential for understanding the story’s themes and dialogues:

• 巨人 (Kyojin) – Titan | Example: 超大型巨人 (Chō-ōgata Kyojin) – Colossal Titan
• 自由 (Jiyū) – Freedom | Example: 自由を勝ち取る (Jiyū o kachitoru) – To win freedom
• 調査兵団 (Chōsa Heidan) – Survey Corps | Example: 調査兵団の一員 (Chōsa Heidan no ichi-in) – A member of the Survey Corps
• 壁 (Kabe) – Wall | Example: 壁の中 (Kabe no naka) – Inside the wall
• 戦闘 (Sentō) – Battle | Example: 戦闘準備 (Sentō junbi) – Battle preparations
• 命 (Inochi) – Life | Example: 命を懸ける (Inochi o kakeru) – To risk one’s life

Recommended Episodes for Beginners

For those new to Japanese or Attack on Titan, here are some recommended episodes:

Episode 1: “To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1”

This episode introduces the main characters and provides simple dialogue and vocabulary.

Episode 5: “First Battle: The Struggle for Trost, Part 1”

Features action-packed scenes and military vocabulary.

Episode 25: “Wall: Assault on Stohess, Part 3”

Offers more complex dialogue and intense character interactions.

Tips for Success

• Use Flashcards for Military Terms: Since Attack on Titan includes a lot of military vocabulary, creating flashcards can help you remember these terms.
• Study Character Motivations: Understanding why characters say certain things can help with comprehension and provide context to the language used.
• Engage with the Community: Discuss episodes with other fans to reinforce your learning and gain new insights.
• Pause and Repeat: Don’t hesitate to pause and repeat scenes to catch every detail and improve your listening skills.

Learning Japanese with Attack on Titan is an intense and rewarding experience. The series offers rich vocabulary, varied speech styles, and cultural insights, making it a great tool for advancing your language skills. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to character dialogue, and use this anime to deepen your understanding of Japanese. Stay committed, enjoy the journey, and embrace the challenge like the characters in Attack on Titan!

Good luck、 and 勇気を持て！ (Yūki o motte!) – Have courage!

You Might Be Wondering…

What level of Japanese should I have to learn from Attack on Titan?

Attack on Titan is best suited for intermediate to advanced learners due to its complex vocabulary, formal language, and dramatic dialogues. However, beginners can still benefit by focusing on commonly used phrases and building their vocabulary over time.

Are there any specific grammar points I can learn from Attack on Titan?

Yes, Attack on Titan uses a variety of grammar structures, including formal and polite forms, commands, and passive forms. Pay attention to how characters speak in different situations to learn the nuances of these grammatical points. Learn more Basic Japanese Grammar

Unfortunately, nont of us are omniscient like Saiki K. (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.), which means that we have to study hard to get better at Japanese. Or do we? Some people say learning Japanese with Anime works for them, which seems like a dream come true!

This tactic has become one of Japanese students’ favorite study methods, but does it actually help you learn? If it is, how do you effectively use anime to become better at Japanese? Never fear – we may not be a strong superhero like All Might (My Hero Academia), but we are here to help save the day (and your study session)!

So Can We Learn Japanese with Anime?

Well, the short answer is yes… and no. The long answer is a bit more complicated; like all study methods, using anime may work for some and not others.

There are both benefits to using anime to study as well as some issues.

However, it can be said for sure that you should not try to learn Japanese by using anime alone; not only will this make it hard for you to pick up complicated grammar, but the language that is used in anime is not always the same as in real life.

On the other hand, anime can be used as a tool when studying, which is what we’ll take a look at now.

Benefits of Using Anime for Japanese Learning

One of the biggest benefits of anime is that it can be great listening practice! Although you may not pick up every detail the first time something is said like L (Death Note), it’s a good way to get used to hearing spoken Japanese in actual conversations.

You can always replay sections (or slow them down) and check the subtitles if you need to. Additionally, anime can expose you to a variety of Japanese accents and other ways of speaking that you wouldn’t normally hear in a classroom. You also may be able to pick up on some new vocabulary words along the way!

Another benefit is that characters often use informal and gender-specific speech. Usually, whenever you start learning Japanese, you begin with a formal, neutral speech before eventually moving on to different honorific levels and pronouns.

Whenever you reach this point, watching anime can be helpful to practice distinguishing between these. Who uses what honorific level at what time? When do characters refer to themselves as わたし (watashi) as opposed to おれ (ore) or うち (uchi)? (If you’re confused about the pronouns we just mentioned, try checking out our article about that here. 

Finally, using anime is simply a great way to keep learning fun! If all you do is read textbooks and quiz yourself over kanji, then studying is bound to become tedious very quickly. The more you dislike studying, the less likely you are to keep doing it – so finding fun things to engage with is important.

Shortcomings

However, using anime does have its drawbacks. For one thing, it’s very easy to rely on subtitles and not actually pay attention to the Japanese. You can get caught up in the story and the characters and, next thing you know, you’ve completely forgotten to listen to the Japanese!

This is especially true if you’re still a beginner, as it is hard to understand spoken dialogue with limited knowledge and vocabulary.

Similarly, it’s also easy to watch too much anime under the guise of studying and not spend time working on other things. While listening is a very important skill to have, reading, writing, and speaking are all just as important. You can’t practice these other elements of Japanese if you are spending all of your time watching a show!

Lastly, the Japanese that is used in anime is usually not the same as in real life. Pronunciations are often exaggerated, words can be made up, and characters may use stronger words and expressions than what is actually socially acceptable.

Thus, anime isn’t a great guide for how to properly speak Japanese. You can see some examples of this in our article about anime phrases to avoid.

How to Use Anime to Learn Japanese – The Right Way!

So, should you use anime to study Japanese? The answer is yes – but only if you do it properly. There are a few key elements to remember when using anime, which we’ll outline for you below.

Luckily, they are easier than Saitama (One Punch Man)’s workout routine of 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10K run daily!

Use Subtitles to Your Advantage

While we did just say that subtitles are bad, they can also be good too! There are a variety of ways that you can use subtitles, but here’s a general idea of what we would recommend: first, watch the episode with English (or your native language) subtitles turned on. Enjoy the story and become familiar with what happens.

Then, if you’re at an advanced level of Japanese, turn off the subtitles completely and watch the episode again; this way, you are forced to rely on the Japanese to follow with the story. If this is too hard, you can also turn on Japanese subtitles and read along.

Sometimes, you can download the subtitles for specific anime. Doing this allows you to easily search online for vocabulary or grammar items you don’t understand.

Make sure you don’t skim over items you don’t understand – that defeats the whole purpose of studying! Treat these items the same as you would ones from a textbook (memorize them, practice them, etc.); then, when these items pop up again, you can pick them up easier.

It’s a good idea to then rewatch the episode again after studying with the subtitles to hear (and understand!) that new vocab or grammar in context.

Try Shadowing

No, this isn’t a move from Naurto. Shadowing with language is the practice of reading a text out loud along with a native speaker – in this case, reading the Japanese subtitles along with the characters or narrator¹.

This is a great way to get a feel for pacing, tone, pronunciation, and intonation in spoken Japanese. BUT! You’ll have to be careful; as we said before, sometimes the Japanese in anime isn’t an accurate reflection of normal Japanese. Some characters use extremely high pitches or draw out syllables for dramatic effect.

This method is probably best used by those at the advanced and intermediate levels, as you’ll have a better idea of “normal” Japanese by then. If you do try shadowing, it is also a good idea to follow along with someone similar to yourself (gender, age, etc.); that way, you get a good practice using the correct honorifics.

You can also record yourself while shadowing to get a better idea of how you actually sound.

Be Picky With Your Anime

Another important point is to watch the right kind of anime. While shows like Mob Psycho 100 and Tokyo Ghoul are fun, they tend to be filled with vocabulary that is highly specific or made up for specific concepts.

This is pretty typical of fantasy or sci-fi anime! Instead of spending your all time picking up those types of words, try to watch anime that includes more “normal” vocabulary that you can use in daily life. Genres like romance, slice-of-life, mystery, and high school dramas are safer bets.

Anime made for children is also useful! You can get a head start on picking out a show like what we mentioned with our recommendations here.

Check Out the Source Material

As you probably already know, many anime are actually based on manga. Not in just a general idea of the plot and characters, but many take dialogue and images directly from the original comics.

If you’re struggling to maintain good study habits with anime alone, this may be a good option for you. Being able to read the story in Japanese instead of just listening can help you see the vocabulary and grammar in a new light – especially if you are a visual learner. You’ll be able to easily highlight new items and review old ones.

It can also give you something to compare: where does the anime change the dialogue and how? Is the manga easier or harder to understand than the anime? Being able to find these differences may give you extra motivation and make you say waku waku like Anya (SPYxFAMILY)!

Conclusion

Sadly, watching anime isn’t a magical technique that will make you suddenly fluent in Japanese. In order to see results, you’ll still have to put in some serious hours studying and practicing.

However, using anime can be a great way to engage with the language and have fun while doing it. With the above pointers and some resolve, anime can be the tool that will boost your level of Japanese to the next level.

As Koro Sensei (Assassination Classroom) says, “Stay determined – not impatient nor discouraged – and with repeated trial and error, you’re bound to reach a splendid outcome eventually.”

Want to learn more Japanese? Take our free Japanese language assessment test

Get in touch with us and find out how we can help you achieve your Japanese language target. If you’re unsure where you are, we provide a free Japanese-level check. You can also contact us at info@cotoacademy.com for any questions about course options and details.

Like lol, jk, and even XD; Japanese people have their own version of internet slang and texting lingo — also known as ネットスラング (netto surangu). Have you ever tried using social media, like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, in Japanese? Scoured across comments sections, posts, and message boards are letters and symbols being used in ways you’ve never encountered before. You may recognize the English letters, but they don’t make a lick of sense to you. So you may be thinking, what on earth does everything mean?

You have just been exposed to Japanese internet slang, and just like English internet slang, it looks more like secret codes rather than language you would learn in the classroom. While they are widely used to communicate online, Japanese internet slang terms are often not officially recognized in the Japanese language, nor are they found in Japanese textbooks. 

However, despite this, in order to use the most common social media platforms or text your friends, Japanese internet slang is essential to know. So, let’s learn some of the most common internet slang you will come across so you can navigate the internet in Japanese and actually understand what people are saying!

Basics of Japanese Internet Slang

スラング (surangu) is a loanword from English that means “slang” and ネット (netto) is just “net” from “internet”. As with any language, you’ll come across numerous words, expressions, and abbreviations that are exclusively used on the internet or in text messages. Japanese internet slang terms can be challenging to understand because they don’t follow the same rules as standard Japanese.

Unlike the regular Japanese writing systems, Japanese internet and texting slang use romaji (ローマ字), or the roman alphabet, much more frequently. They are often shorter and more casual, incorporating English words and expressions. Additionally, they can change rapidly over time, making it essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

If you want to learn more practical Japanese, one of the best ways to understand this slang and lingo is by practicing with native speakers. Schools like Coto Academy focus on conversational Japanese and can help you build confidence through real-life practice.

Contact Us and Start Learning Japanese!

Why Japanese Slang is Difficult to Understand

Japanese slang often employs wordplay, abbreviations, acronyms, and puns that may be difficult to decipher without some understanding of Japanese culture and context. For example, a typical Japanese slang term “JK” refers to “joshi kousei,” which means high school girl, but the abbreviation itself doesn’t necessarily indicate its meaning to non-native speakers.

Take a look at an example to demonstrate how Japanese internet slang might not make sense despite its use of English letters:

どこかから DQN が 現れて わりこんでいったよ！ムカつく！
Doko ka kara DQN ga arawarete warikonde itta yo! Mukatsuku!
A DQN appeared out of nowhere and cut in line! So annoying!

You might have noticed the word “DQN” sticks out among Japanese characters. Pronounced ‘Dokyun’, it came from a variety show called Mugumi! Dokyun, which gave life advice to struggling couples. Now, it’s used to describe someone who is stupid and acts without thinking. Because it’s written in romaji, you might assume it’s a typo, but it was completely intentional. However, please note that this term can be seen as insulting or even derogatory.

Just like in English, saying texting slang out loud might be a little out of place, so for in-person conversations, check out our blog: Top 30 Japanese Slangs

Popular Japanese Internet Slang Terms Used on Social Media

Using social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube is super fun (and addicting), but it’s essential to know the text slang terms that are everywhere. This is especially true for Twitter, where brevity is key and phrases need to be shortened, or in text messages, where speed is essential. Let’s check out some awesome Japanese text slang terms frequently used online!

1. 飯テロ (Meshi Tero)

Reading: meshi tero
Meaning: food terror

Do you ever see a photo of really delicious food and get upset that you can’t eat it? This is exactly what 飯テロ is talking about! 飯 (meshi) means food, and テロ (tero) means terror or terrorist; combined, they refer to the act of uploading such pictures on social media that make people hungry (especially late at night)! The more appetizing the food, the more テロ (tero) is unleashed!

Example:

彼はパスタの写真をあげて、飯テロした。
Kare wa pasuta no shashin o agete, meshi tero shita.
When he uploaded those photos of pasta, he did “food terror.”

2. リア充 (Riajuu)

Reading: riajuu
Meaning: Someone who has a fulfilling life offline

We all know it’s not good to spend too much time on the internet. But, for many of us, the internet is key to countless hobbies and interests. However, for リア充, most of their happiness comes from the real world.

Taken from the phrase リアルが充実している (riaru ga juujitsu site iru), which means one’s real-world life is fulfilling, リア充 are usually characterized by having significant others, many friends irl, non-internet-based hobbies, and active lifestyles. In other words, they have a satisfying life away from the internet!

Example:

彼女はピアノを弾いたり、絵を描くのが好きです。リア充です！
Kanojo wa piano o hiitari, e o kakitari suru noga suki desu. Riajuu desu!
She likes to play piano and paint; she is a riajuu!

3. w or 笑 (Wara)

Reading: wara
Meaning: laughing

This is the Japanese version of LOL! The “w” or 笑 (wara) is taken from the beginning part of the verb 笑う (warau), which means “to laugh.” Just like LOL, it’s usually used at the end of a sentence, and the more w’s you add (i.e., wwww), the harder you are laughing. 笑 is usually seen as the more “mature” way to write this, but many just use “w” instead.

Example:

うちの猫、私の枕で寝てるwwww
Uchi no neko, watashi no makura de neteru wara
My cat is sleeping on my pillow lolll

4. 草 (Kusa)

Reading: kusa
Meaning: lol / something hilarious

草 literally means “grass.” It became slang because many “w” characters (wwwww) used for laughter look like grass growing on the screen. So 草 became shorthand meaning “that’s hilarious.” This is very common on forums, gaming chats, and TikTok comments.

Example:

その写真は草生える
Sono shashin wa kusa haeru.
That picture is hilarious (lit. “grass is growing”).

5. 888 (Pachi-pachi-pachi)

Reading: pachi-pachi-pachi
Meaning: clapping sound effects

No words, or even letters, what could a phrase made up of only 8’s mean? Remember that the Japanese love to use onomatopoeia. The onomatopoeia for “clapping” is pachi-pachi-pachi, and eight can be read as either hachi or pachi. So, if you put a bunch of 8’s next to each other, you get the clapping sound when you read it! Most of the time, you will use this to denote congratulations. Just like with “w”, the more 8’s you write, the more clapping you are doing.

Example:

言語学の学位をとったんですね! 888
Gengogaku no gakui o tottan desune! Pachi pachi pachi
You got your degree in Linguistics! (clap, clap, clap)

6. フロリダする (Furorida Suru)

Reading: furorida suru
Meaning: to leave a conversation to have a bath

Yes, this does sound like Florida, but it has nothing to do with the state. Instead, this particular verb is actually a combination of the words furo (bath) and ridatsu (to withdraw), and refers to leaving a conversation (either online or through text) to hop in the tub or shower. A lot of Japanese people soak in the bath before bed, so this word probably came about because so many people take a break from the conversation for their routine bath.

Example:

彼女は、8:45にフロリダした。
Kanojo wa 8:45 ni furorida shita.
She left the conversation to shower at 8:45.

7. KY (Keiwai)

Reading: keiwai
Meaning: A person who cannot read the room

It may be strange to see the Roman alphabet here, but it will make sense in a little bit! KY comes from the expression 空気読めない (kuuki yomenai); this literally means to be unable to read the air. Instead of typing all this out, however, many Japanese people just take the “k” from kuuki and the “y” from yomenai to make this abbreviation!

People who are KY tend to behave in ways considered inappropriate for the situation at hand or are simply oblivious to what is happening around them. This is definitely not something you would want to be called!

彼氏と別れたばかりの友だちの前で、自分の彼氏自慢とか、あの子、KYすぎ。
Kareshi to wakareta bakari no tomodachi no mae de, jibun no kareshi jiman toka, ano ko, KY-sugi.
In front of a friend who just broke up with her boyfriend, she boasts about her boyfriend, and that girl (can’t read the room).

8. なう or ナウ (Nau)

Reading: nau
Meaning: Doing something right now, at a place right now

A lot of people like to use social media to show people what they’re up to. Sometimes, this means letting people know what they’re doing as they’re doing it! If you want to say what you’re doing now, you can just use the word なう (nau)… which sounds almost like now. This makes it pretty easy to remember!

Example:

京都なう/ たこ焼きナウ
Kyouto nau / takoyaki nau
I’m in Kyoto now / I’m eating takoyaki right now

9. 乙 (Otsu)

Reading: otsu
Meaning: Good job! Well done!

Ever want to congratulate someone online, maybe for a good round in a game or in a video comment? 乙 is perfect for this! 乙 stands in for the Japanese phrase お疲れ様でした (otsukare sama deshita), which means thank you for your hard work. Many times, this is said at the end of a workday or after a big task. The kanji 乙 doesn’t have any relation to this phrase; it’s just used for its reading!

10. 炎上 (Enjou)

Reading: enjou
Meaning: to be roasted on social media

Social media can be a wonderful place, but it can also be a harmful one as well; we’ve all seen how common it is for someone to be heavily criticized, or “roasted” online. Leaning into the fire (or roasting) analogy, Japanese netizens started using the word 炎上, which actually means flaming, to describe when this happens.

Example:

彼はそのパンツを履いて炎上した。
Kare wa sono pantsu o haite, enjou shita.
When he wore those pants, he got roasted.

11. オワコン (Owakon)

Reading: owakon
Meaning: Dated content, no-longer-current media

With new content and trends being created every minute, things can get dated on the internet pretty quickly. To talk about content that has already passed its prime, オワコン is the perfect word. It’s formed from a combination of 終わった (owatta, meaning finished) and コンテンツ (kontentsu, meaning contents).

Simply put, it’s content that’s finished being relevant! Now, I wonder how long it will take before this word goes out of date.

Example:

ゾンビ映画はオワコンになってしまった。
Zonbi eiga wa owakon ni natteshimatta.
Zombie movies became dated content.

12. △ (Sankakkei)

Reading: sankakkei
Meaning: Mr./Mrs.___ is cool.

We’ve gone through Japanese internet slang using Japanese abbreviations, Roman letters, and even numbers, but what on earth is a shape doing here? Well, it’s a little complicated. The Japanese word for a triangle is sankakukei, but most people pronounce it as sankakkei, as it’s easier.

The san- in the beginning is pronounced the same as さん, or the honorific title meaning Mr. / Mrs. Then, –kakkei is a short form ofかっこいい (kakkoii), which means cool or attractive. So, put them together, and you get a reading of a triangle that can also mean so-and-so is cool. It’s a play on words that also saves time typing! Japanese netizens often use it to refer to celebrities or anime characters.

Example:

みどりや△ 。
Midoriya san-kakkee.
Mr. Midoriya is cool.

13. ずっ友

Reading: zuttomo
Meaning: friends for life

We all know the abbreviation for BFF – Best Friends Forever. But what if you want to say this in Japanese? Turns out you can call your closest friends ずっ友! Like a lot of words on this list, ずっ友 is a combination of two words: ずっと (zutto), meaning forever, and 友達 (tomodachi), meaning friends. It was first used by young girls taking pictures together, but now everyone uses it, making it the perfect alternative to saying “cheese” when taking pictures with your closest friends!

Example:

旅行の後、ずっ友になりました。
Ryokou no ato, zuttomo ni narimashita.
After their trip, they became BFFs.

14. Wkwk (Waku Waku)

Reading: wakuwaku
Meaning: to be excited

If you’re a fan of the series SPYxFAMILY, one of the popular anime series on Netflix, you might already be familiar with ワクワク (wakuwaku). The all too adorable titular character, Anya, says all the time! ワクワク is an onomatopoeic word meant to imitate excitement!

However, if you’re really excited about something, you may not have the patience to type out the whole word! So many Japanese netizens just type wkwk instead, which is the first letter of each kana (wa, ku, wa, ku). You can use wkwk in a myriad of situations, such as starting a new hobby or finding out your adoptive dad is really a spy in disguise!

Example:

アニャはピーナッツを食べたがっています wkwk。
Anya wa piinattsu wo tabetagatteimasu wakuwaku.
Anya wants to eat peanuts!

15. バズる (Bazuru)

Reading: bazuru
Meaning: to go viral

バズる comes from the English word “buzz,” referring to online hype. If a tweet, TikTok, or video spreads rapidly and gets tons of engagement, people say it “buzzes.” This term is especially popular among influencers or anyone active on X (Twitter). 

Example:

この動画、めっちゃバズってる！
Kono douga, meccha bazutteru!
This video is totally going viral!

This term can also be used irl (in real life), too, but mostly among Gen Zs. Check out our blog to keep up with your Gen Z friends: 16 Top Gen Z Japanese Slang and What They Mean

16.りょ / りょ (Ryo)

Reading: ryo
Meaning: got it / okay

りょ(ryo) is a super-short version of 了解 (ryoukai), meaning “Roger that!” or “Understood!” It’s extremely common in casual text messages, especially among teens and young adults. Very similar to texting “k” or “got u” in English.

Example:

6時に駅集合で！
Roku-ji ni eki shuugō de!
Meeting at the station at 6!

りょ！
Ryo!
Got it!

17. 尊い (Toutoi)

Reading: toutoi
Meaning: precious/divine/too pure (often used for fandoms)

尊い is a common slang term used especially in anime, idol, BL, or VTuber fandoms. It expresses feeling overwhelmed by how cute, beautiful, perfect, or emotionally powerful someone or something is. It’s closer to “I can’t handle this, it’s too precious.”

Often paired with crying emojis or kaomoji.

Example:

この2人のシーン、尊すぎる…
Kono futari no shin, toutosugiru…
This scene with these two is way too precious…

18. ググる (Guguru)

Reading: Guguru
Meaning: To Google or to search online

This internet slang comes directly from the Japanese word for Google, グーグル (Guuguru), but it’s a bit shortened and transformed into a verb. You can use this phrase just like you would in English, when something like “we can just Google it.”

You can also conjugate it just like a typical Japanese verb: ググった (gugutta), ググらない (guguranai), ググります (gugurimasu), etc.

Example:

その映画の時間、ググってみて。
Sono eiga no jikan, gugutte mite.
Try Googling the showtime for that movie.

19. サムネ (Samune)

Reading: Samune
Meaning: Thumbnail

サムネ (Samune) is short for the Japanese word for thumbnail, サムネール. You will often see this word on video-sharing platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok. Whenever you want to talk about a video’s preview image, just refer to it as the サムネ.

Example:

そのビデオのサムネがすごく良かったから、バズったよ。
Sono bideo no samune ga sugoku yokatta kara, bazutta yo.
The thumbnail for that video was really good, that’s why it went viral.

20. Ksk (Kasoku)

Reading: Kasoku
Meaning: Faster

Ksk comes from the word Kasoku, 加速, which means to accelerate or go faster. It’s used very frequently across the internet, especially on messaging boards like 2chan or on live video chats. People often use it when they want something to go faster or speed up. It’s similar to saying “go, go, go!” or “faster!”

Example:

コメントもっとkskして！
Komento motto ksk shite!
Everyone, comment faster

21. Ktkr (Kita Kore)

Reading: kita kore
Meaning: “It’s here!!” / “Yes!!” / “Finally!!!”

ktkr is an abbreviation of キタコレ (kita kore), which is a colloquial, excited way of saying “it’s here!” in Japanese! People use it when something they’ve been waiting for finally happens: a game update, a teaser drop, a favorite streamer coming online, etc.

Example:

新しいPV出た！？ ktkr!!
Atarashii PV deta!? ktkr!!
The new promo video dropped!? It’s finally here!

Japanese Texting Culture: Kaomojis (*^_^*)

Finally, we can’t finish an article about Japanese internet and texting slang without touching on kaomoji. Kaomojis, or literally face characters, are simple faces or facial expressions created using different elements and symbols found on your keyboard. You can almost think of them as old-school emojis! Just like emojis, kaomojis help to make the meaning of your words clear and to emphasize certain feelings. There’s a lot of focus placed on the kaomoji eyes, which makes them very expressive and particularly appealing to Japanese netizens. Many users place them at the end of a sentence or idea, or even just by themselves!

A lot of kaomojis are clear as to what they mean, for example:

• (^_^; ) – means being embarrassed 
• (-_-)zzz – means being asleep 
• (T_T) – means crying

Some aren’t as intuitive, for instance:

• m(_ _)m – means being apologetic (bowing) with the “m” representing your hands and the “(_ _)” representing your head.
• (＃`Д´) – meaning angry. This symbol, `Д´, represents an angry face with the “#” representing yelling. 

However, the more you see kaomojis and get used to them, the more you will be able to pick up on their meaning! Check out the Kaomoji: Japanese Emoticons website if you ever need to find out what a particular kaomoji means!

Have you ever wondered what the Japanese kanji emojis meant? Check out our blog to learn everything you need to know: Japanese Kanji Emojis: What Do They Actually Mean?

Conclusion

Whether it’s on social media, online games, or just chatting with friends, slang is bound to pop up everywhere you go. Being well-versed in Japanese slang will not only help you navigate Japanese internet communities but also make new Japanese friends. Hopefully, now that you have this list of Japanese internet and texting slang, navigating the Japanese web will be a bit easier! The next time you reach that one word, you’ll already know what it means. 

Want to talk more like a Japanese native and get more practice in speaking Japanese? Why not check out some of our classes at Coto Academy? We focus on fun, practical lessons. We also have online courses, which would be the perfect place to practice what you’ve just learned! Fill out the form below for a free level check and course consultation.

FAQ:

What are some popular Japanese internet slang terms and expressions used on social media platforms?

Some popular Japanese internet slang terms and expressions used on social media platforms include “w” (short for “warai” meaning laugh), 888 (pachi pachi pachi, meaning clapping), pkpk (pakupaku, meaning excited), and りょ(ryo, meaning “got it!).

Why is it important to know Japanese internet and text slang terms when communicating online with Japanese speakers?

Unlike Japanese spoken in real life, internet slangs make more use of abbreviations, acronyms, and even emoticons, which can be hard to understand if you don’t actually understand online Japanese lingo. Although these slang phrases aren’t found in textbooks (though they should start to be), they are essential if you want to actually communicate and engage people online in Japanese.

How do Japanese internet and text slang terms differ from traditional Japanese language?

Japanese internet and text slang terms differ from the traditional Japanese language in various ways. They are often shorter and more casual, incorporating English words and expressions. Additionally, they can change rapidly over time, making it essential to stay updated with the latest trends.

Can Japanese internet and text slang terms be offensive or inappropriate to use in certain situations?

Yes, some Japanese internet and text slang terms can be offensive or inappropriate to use in certain situations. It is crucial to understand the context and appropriateness of these terms to avoid offending others or using them in an inappropriate way. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when using internet slang in any language. Like any slang used across the internet, it’s best to understand the full context before deciding to use it yourself.

What’s the difference between kaomoji and emojis?

While both generally represent facial expressions, emojis are pictograms embedded in text, whereas kaomoji (lit. face characters) are created by the writer using symbols on the keyboard. They both serve a similar purpose to use emoticons to represent general emotions, but kaomoji can be harder to understand if you’re not used to recognizing what facial expression or emotion is being conveyed.

Like reading this blog? We recommend that you check out:

• Gen Z Japanese Slang and What They Mean
• Japanese Swear Words You Should Not Use