Japanese slang is ever-evolving, often combining Japanese and English words to create casual, playful expressions. Knowing these phrases will help you feel connected in informal conversations, but remember — slang should be for close friends and peers. Using it with seniors or in formal settings may come across as disrespectful.

New abbreviations and phrases are constantly being coined and created every day and as the New Year is approaching, here are some of the must-know Japanese slang to get you one step closer to sounding — and feeling — like a native.

若者言葉 (Wakamono Kotoba) – Used by Young People

若者言葉 (Wakamono Kotoba) is a Japanese slang that is mainly said by — you guessed it — young people. The literal translation? Words of the young people. Here are the more common wakamono kotoba that are short forms of Japanese words and phrases.

っす(っす)

っす(ssu) is the short form of the copula”です” in oral Japanese and is usually used by young men. “っす” is not a “polite” form of speech, hence it can sound rude to certain people.

Some examples of how to use “っす”

Your senpai: “このあとゲーセンに行こう。”
Konoato ge-senni ikou。
Let’s go to the game center later

You: おお、いいっすね！
Ooh, iissune!
Sounds great!

アザッス / オザマス / オナシャス

These short forms first started as text messages but slowly grew to be said in-person to close friends and relatives. These are not said to strangers or people superior to them because they can be considered rude and offensive. Pro tip: think the longer the sentence is, the more polite it sounds.

アザッス(Azassu) is the short form for ありがとうございます(arigatougozaimasu).
オナシャス(Onashasu) is the short form for お願いします(onegaishimasu).
オザマス(Ozamasu) is the short form forおはようございます(ohayougozaimasu).

チル (Chiru) – Chill

Comes from the English word “chill”, チル means to relax or take it easy.

Example:

今日は家でチルしよう。
Kyou wa ie de chiru shiyou.
Meaning: “Let’s just chill at home today.

びびる (Bibiru) – Surprised, Scared or Shocked?

びびる (Bibiru) is a slang word perfect to express feelings of “nervous”, “surprised”, “frightened”. In English, this can mean either “to get cold feet” or “to be on edge”. びびる (Bibiru) is more often part of conversations with friends, close ones and family as it is a casual word.

Example:

びっくりしたよ！またびびっている！
Bikkuri shita yo! Mata bibitteiru! Meaning: “I was surprised! I am still shaking/frightened”.

マザコン (mazakon) – Mummy’s Boy

マザコン (mazakon) is a term coming directly from “マザーコンプレックス” (mazaa konpurekkusu) in Japanese katakana. The slang mazakon means “inferiority complex”, in which “complex” can be easily also mean by “dependance” or “attachment”. In other words, this means that a person has a deep attachment to his mother that continues all the way into adulthood.

How can マザコン (mazakon) be used in a conversation? (About Husbands)

女性の友達同士の会話
Josei no tomodachi doushi no kaiwa

A：うちの旦那、いつも自分の母親の味方ばっかりなの。
Uchino danna, itsumo jibun no hahaoya no mikata bakkari nano.
My husband always takes his mother’s side in everything.

頑張ってご飯を作ってあげても、いつも「お母さんが作った方がおいしい」って
Gambatte gohan o tsukutte agetemo, itsumo “okaasan ga tsukutta houga oishitte.
Even though I try hard to cook food for him, he always says that his mother’s cooking tastes better.

もう完全にマザコンだよ！
Mou kanzen ni mazakon dayo!
He has a total mazakon!

Moto Kare (元カレ) and Moto Kano (元カノ)

Moto Kare (元カレ) and Moto Kano (元カノ) is a Japanese slang to describe a past relationship. 元 (Moto) is referred to like the term “previous” hence, this slang is translated from the word for girlfriend “kanojo” and the word for boyfriend “kareshi” which are shortened to “kano” and “kare”.

Moto Kare (元カレ) : Ex-boyfriend Moto Kano (元カノ) : Ex-girlfriend

Japanese Example 1 Ａ：別れてから半年がたつのに、まだ元カノのことが忘れられない。 Ａ：Wakaretekara hantoshi ga tatsu no ni, mada moto kano no koto ga wasurerarenai.
Ｂ：辛いお気持ちだ。忘れられない気持ちがすごく分かる・・・
Ｂ：Tsurai o kimochida. Wasurerarenai kimochi ga sugoku wakaru…

English Translation A: We split up 6 months ago, but I can’t get over my ex-girlfriend.
B: It is a painful feeling. I really understand that you feel like you cannot forget…

エモい (Emoi) – Emotional or Nostalgic

Derived from “emotion,” this slang describes something that brings up strong feelings or nostalgia.

Example:
この写真、エモいな。
Kono shashin, emoi na.
Translation: “This photo gives me all the feels.”

ダメもと (Damemoto)

ダメもと (Damemoto) is a Japanese slang for there is nothing to lose so you might as well give it a go. In other words, It expresses an act of doing something with little expectation.

How is “damemoto” used in a conversation between colleagues: A：今年の夏に、できれば一週間休みを取って海外旅行をしたいんだけど、部長が何て言うか心配…。
B：いいって言うかもしれないでしょ。ダメもとで聞いてみなよ。

In romaji: A: Kotoshi no natsu ni, dekireba isshuukan yasumi wo totte kaigairyokou wo shitai nda kedo, buchō ga nan teyuuka shinpai…
B: Iitte iu kamo shirenaidesho. Dame moto de kiite mi na yo.

Let’s read the English translation:
A: I want to see if I can take a week off this summer to travel abroad but I’m not really sure what to say to my boss…
B: He might say yes. Just ask, you’ve got nothing to lose

ガチ (Gachi)

Have you ever seen a sumo match where the rikishi (sumo wrestlers) rushes into the fight? The fight is usually over seconds but not without a noise! The Japanese onomatopoeia for that noise is “gatsun” (“crash”, “thump”).

It is said that “gatsun” is the etymology for the word “gachinko” which meant “A heated battle”. However, from 2000s, young Japanese people started to use “gachi” and “gachide” in conversation. This referred to terms like “super” and “serious”. ガチ Gachi is the short form of gachinko and is a prefix, often with the particle 「で」”de”. The term Gachi refers to reinforcing your opinion of something or to highlight a critical situation.

Japanese Example Sentences

例：「このお笑いコンビ、ガチで面白い！」
Rei: Kono owarai konbi, gachi de omoshiroi!
Example: This comedy duo is super fun!

例：「○○大学の学食のカツカレーって、ガチで辛いよね。」
Rei: Daigaku no gakushoku no katsukarē tte, gachi de tsurai yo ne.
Example: The cutlet curry of our University’s cafeteria is seriously spicy!

例：「ここのお店のたぬきうどん、ガチでしこってるな～」
Rei: Koko no o-ten no tanuki udon, gachi de shikotteru na.
Example: This shop’s tanu gyudon are super tasteful!

チンする (Chin Suru) – Sound of a Microwave

With the Covid 19 Pandemic taking over the world and people work from home, takeout or home-packed meal, commonly known as “bentō” 「弁当」in Japanese cuisine have been becoming increasingly popular. チンする (Chin Suru) is a Japanese slang for warming up your bentō in a microwave oven.

Let’s see the use of this Japanese slang in a casual conversation!

【朝、夫婦の会話】
夫：　じゃあ、いってきまーす。
妻：　あ、ちょっと待って！今夜、友達と食事する予定だから、昨日の残り物のおかずで悪いんだけど、チンして食べてくれる？冷蔵庫にいろいろ入ってるから。
夫：　あ、そうなんだ。分かった。

【Asa, fufu no kaiwa】
Otto: Jaa, itte kimasu!
Tsuma: Ah, chotto matte. Konya tomodachi to shokuji suru yotei dakara, kinou no nokorimono okazude waruindakedo, chin shite tabete kureru? Reizouko ni iroiro haitteiru kara.
Otto: Ah, sou nanda. Wakatta.

【Morning conversation between husband and wife】
Husband : Well, I am off, see you later.
Wife : Oh, wait a minute! I am going out for dinner with a friend tonight, would you mind to warm up (chin suru) yesterday’s leftovers and eat them? There are various things in the refrigerator.
Husband : Oh, I see. Ok, sure. 

おつぼね (Otsubone)

お つぼね (Otsubone) is a Japanese slang for Japanese women who like to keep working, despite the few chances to get a promotion, and do not get married. These women are often perceived as intimidating and is well influential from behind in the office but the word ostubone has a negative image and is used when gossiping behind someone’s back.

Japanese Conversation Example

A：　昨日、おつぼねに結婚の報告をしたら、予想通り嫌味を言われたの。
B：　やっぱりねー。本当、あの人苦手。。。。

A: Kinō, otsu bone ni kekkon no hōkoku o shitara, yosō-dōri iyami o iwa reta no.
B: Yappari nee. Hontō, ano hito nigate…

A: Yesterday, when I informed that Ms. Bossy Pants about my marriage she said something rude, just as I expected she would.
B: That’s not surprising. I really can’t stand that woman …

はまる (hamaru)

はまる(hamaru) is a Japanese slang for “”To be infatuated with” or “Totally crazy into something”. Hamaru is mainly related to describing hobbies such as video games, tv-shows and so on. Hamaru can also describe a person who is obsessively in love with the object of their affection.

Example:

• 趣味にはまる「shumi ni hamaru」to be crazy with a hobby
• 私はあの歌手にはまる「watashi ha ano kashu ni hamaru」I’m obsessed with that singer.

Japanese Conversation Example – Conversation between friends

A: 久しぶり。最近どう？
B: 実はさ、最近オンラインゲームにハマってて。
休みの日は10時間はやってるかも。
A：え～！めちゃくちゃハマってるね。
A: Hisashiburi. saikin dou?
B: Jitsu hasa, saikin onrain geemu ni hamattete.
Yasumi no hi ha 10 jikan hayatteru kamo.
A: E~! mechyakuchya hamatteru ne.

English Translation
A: It has been a while. How are you doing lately?
B: The truth is, lately I’ve been addicted to online games. On my days off I play for maybe ten hours.
A: What?! You must be addicted like crazy.

まったりする (Mattari Suru) for Chilling Out!

まったりする (Mattari Suru) is a Japanese slang for being relaxed and laid-back. Japanese people often work overtime. This can cause things to get really hectic and intense. That being said, Japanese people do care a lot about rest and relax.

Japanese Conversation Example – Conversation between friends

A: ねぇ、ちょっと疲れちゃった。
どっかでまったりお茶でもしない？
B: いいね、そうしよう。
A: Ne~e, chotto tsukare chatta. Dokka de mattari ocha demo shinai?
B: Ī ne, sō shiyou.

English Translation
A: I’m pretty tired. Do you want to relax somewhere and maybe get some tea or something?
B: Good idea. Let’s do that.

できこん (dekikon)

できこん (dekikon) is a term that can be described as “Shotgun Wedding”. Shotgun Wedding describes a wedding that is arranged due to an unplanned pregnancy and is a term that is used casually with close friends and family.

Japanese Conversation Example – Conversation between friends

A：実は、再来月に結婚することになったんだ。
B：え？それはおめでとう。ずいぶん急だな。もしかして、でき婚？
A：うん、そう…。
A: Jitsuwa, saraigetsu ni kekkon suru koto ni natta nda.
B: E? Soreha omedetō. Zuibun kyūda na. Moshikashite, dekikon?
A: Un,-sō…

English Translation
A：To tell the truth, in two months  I am getting married.
B : Wow, that is great news! Congratulations! That was pretty quick. Wait. Don’t tell me it’s a shotgun wedding?
A：Actually… Yeah.

ナンパする (Nanpa Suru) and 逆ナンす る (Gyakunan Suru)

Picking up girls and boys have been a trend along Tokyo’s night districts for a long time. The Japanese Slang for this type of attracting attention with pick-up lines is “nanpa suru” 「ナンパする」 for men and  “gyaku nan suru” 「逆ナンする」 for women.

Japanese Conversation Example – Two guy friends are having a conversation

A：昨日、クラブでめっちゃタイプの子がいたんだけど。
B：おぉ。
A：ナンパしようとしたら、他の奴に先こされちゃったんだよー。
A: Kinō, kurabu de metcha taipu no ko ga itandakedo.
B: O~o.
A: Nanpa shiyou to shitara, hoka no yatsu ni saki kosa re chatta nda yoo.

English Translation
A： There was a super hot girl at the club yesterday.
B： Oh.
A： I tried to pick (nanpa) her up, but another guy beat me to it.

自己中 (Jikochuu) – Being Egocentric/Selfish/Self-centered

自己中 (Jikochuu) is an abbreviation of the word 自己中心的 (jiko chuu shin teki) which is used to talk about someone who is selfish, egocentric, or self-centered. They think that the world only evolves around them. As it does not have a positive meaning, jiko chuu should only be used casually with friends, family or those close to you.

例：彼女は他人のことを気にしない。言いかえれば、自己中だ。

Rei: kannojo ha hokano hito no koto wo ki ni shinai. Iikaereba, jiko chuu da.

Example: She doesn’t pay attention to others; In other words, she is selfish.

If you wish to express the selfishness of someone in formal language, you should use “waga mama“(わがまま).

• 「彼はわがままです」 (kare ha waga mama desu): He is selfish.
• 「わがままな子供」 (waga mamana kodomo): A selfish child.

ドタキャン (Dotakyan)

ドタキャン (Dotakyan) refers to ” Cancelling an appointment at the last minute”. The word “dotanba” means “last minute” in Japanese while “kyan” is short for the word “kyanseru” 「キャンセル」which means “cancel“ in English.

If you are the one canceling, you should use “dotakyan suru”. If you are the one who got stood up, you should use “dotakyan sareru” 「ドタキャンされる」.

Japanese Conversation Example – Conversation between friends

A：あれ、どうしたの？何かあった？
B：ちょっと、聞いてよ。明日デートの約束してたのに、またドタキャンされちゃった！

A：are? doshitano? nanika atta?
B：Chotto kiiteyo. Ashita deeto no yakusoku shitetanoni mata dotakyan sarechatta

English translation
A : Oh, what’s going on? Did something happen?
B : Listen to this. I had a date tomorrow, but, it got canceled at the last moment again!

ムカつく (mukatsuku)

ムカつく (mukatsuku) is a popular term used by young Japanese people and it refers to describing something or a situation as ‘frustrating’ or ‘irritating’. mukatsuku should be used only in an informal situation and should not be said to people with higher positions.

Examples of using “Mukatsuku”
夫（おっと）のすること一（ひと）つ一（ひと）つにムカつく。 Otto no surukoto hitotsu hitotsu ni mukatsuku.
Everything my husband does is irritating.
友達（ともだち）が昨日（きのう）とは違（ちが）うことを言（い）っていてムカつく。 Tomodachi ga kinou towa chigau koto wo itte ite mukatsuku.
What my friend says is different from yesterday which makes me irritated.

ドンマイ (Donmai)

ドンマイ (Donmai) is a slang often used by friends or family, at work, or in sports scenarios and is said to express feelings of cheering for someone when they make a small mistake. It is a slang similar to the phrase ‘Not a big deal” or “No worries” in English.

Example How to use ドンマイ (Donmai) :

Donmai!（どんまい：ドンマイ）
It’s okay!

Donmai, ki ni shinaide!（ドンマイ、気（き）にしないで！）
Never mind!

Donmai, kondo wa ganbatte!（ドンマイ、今度（こんど）は頑張（がんば）って！）
You can do better next time!

盛れる (もれる, moreru)

盛れる (もれる, moreru) is a slang that literally translates to “to make one look better ; to beautify”.  It is commonly used when people discuss about photo filter apps and which filter will make the photograph look the most aesthetic.

Examples of using “Mukatsuku”  

このアプリのフィルター、盛れるね！ Kono apuri no firuta, moreru ne! The filter on this app makes the picture look great!

きまず (Kimazu) – Awkward

This is a shortened form of きまずい (kimazui), which means “awkward” or “uncomfortable.” It’s commonly used among young people to describe socially uncomfortable situations.

Example:
昨日の会話、きまずかったな。
Kinou no kaiwa, kimazukatta na.
Translation: “Yesterday’s conversation as so awkward.”

ぴえん (Pien)s

ぴえん (Pien) is a Japanese slang that expresses the crying emoji “🥺”. The slang is often mainly used by young girls when there is something to be depressed or sad about. “Pien” is said at the end of the sentence to show sadness about the situation instead of having to say “I am sad”.

Japanese Conversation Example

A: 最近食欲が止まらないんだよねぇ。
B: そういやなんかいっつも食べてるよね。
A: やせたいわー
B: いや、無理っしょ…
A: ぴえん

A: Saikin shokuyoku ga tomaranai nda yo nē. B: Sōiya nanka ittsumo tabe teru yo ne. A: Yasetai wa ̄ B: Iya, murissho… A: Pien

A: I can’t stop eating recently.
B: Year, you are eating something always.
A: I want to lose my weight.
B: No, you can’t…
A: Pien

推し (oshi)

推し (oshi) refers to person whom you support. If someone asks you Dare oshi(誰推し)?”, it means “Who is your oshi(推し)” or “Who’s your favorite?”. This term is often used to talk about favorite idols, anime characters, and classmates.

Japanese Conversation Example

A: 実は私もモーヲタなんだよね。
B: まじで！？早く言ってよ！！え、誰推し？
A: まーちゃん推し！誰推し？
B: 前は推しメンいたけど、今は箱推しなんだよね。

A: Jitsuwa watashi mo mōwotana nda yo ne. B:Maji de! ? Hayaku itte yo! ! E, dare oshi? A: Ma ̄-chan oshi! Dare oshi? B: Mae wa oshimen itakedo, ima wa hako oshina nda yo ne.

A: Actually, I’m morota(モーヲタ) too.
B: Seriously? You should have told me earlier! Dare oshi(誰推し)?
A: Marchan oshi!! Dare oshi(誰推し)?
B: I used to have a oshi mem(推しメン), but now I’m hako oshi(箱推し).

飛ぶぞ (Tobuzo)

飛ぶぞ (Tobuzo) is an exclamation that is used to describe food as being ridiculously delicious and mind-blowing.

Example sentence: 
これ食ってみな、飛ぶぞ Kore kutte mina, Tobuzo
Try eating this. It’s amazing. 

ワンチャン (wan chan)

ワンチャン (wan chan) comes from the English phrase “One chance” and it means “There is a chance/possibility”. ‘Wanchan‘ was used as a mah-jong term originally and is somewhat similar to the phrase “YOLO” in English.

Example sentence:  明日の試験、あの問題が出るならワンチャン受かるかも Ashita no shiken, ano mondai ga derunara wanchan ukaru kamo If that problem comes up in tomorrow’s test I might actually pass.

それな (sore na)

Originally an internet Japanese slang, それな (sore na) is used mainly by young adults and children. “Sore na” is almost identical to the English slang “ikr” or “I know right.”

Japanese Conversation Example

A: 暑すぎてマスクつらいんだけど
B: わかる。でもマスクしてないと非国民扱いされるから、しないわけにはいかないんだよね
A: それな!

A: Atsu sugite masuku tsurai ndakedo B: Wakaru. Demo masuku shi tenaito hikokumin atsukai sa rerukara, shinai wake ni wa ikanai nda yo ne

A: Sore na!

A: It’s too hot to wear a face mask…
B: I know. But if we don’t wear it, people will treat me as unpatriotic, so we have to…
A: Sorena!

タメ (Tame) – Same Age

“Tame” is used to describe someone who is the same age as you.

Example sentence: 
タメだから話しやすいね。
Tame dakara hanashiyasui ne.
Translation: “It’s easy to talk to you since we’re the same age.”

Check out some of our other Japanese Slang Articles :

• Japanese Slang: ガチ (Gachi)
• Japanese Slang: Moto Kare (元カレ) and Moto Kano (元カノ)
• Japanese Slang: Bibiru (びびる)… Were you Surprised, Scared or Shocked?
• Japanese Slang Used by Young People – 若者言葉 Wakamono Kotoba
• Japanese Slang: What’d you call a Mummy’s Boy in Japanese? A Mazakon?
• Japanese Slang: ダメもと (Damemoto)

FAQ

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The words rizz, no cap, and slay might be taking over Gen Z lingo in English, but did you know that Japanese Gen Z has its own unique set of slang and phrases? Language is fluid, constantly evolving with each generation, and Japan is no exception. Gen Z has developed a variety of expressions that might leave you scratching your head.

You might wonder why, when you hang out with your Japanese friends—especially younger ones—you don’t understand many of the words they use. Just like in English, sometimes the younger generation can seem like they’re speaking an entirely different language.

But don’t worry! Most of these expressions come from common words you’ve probably already learned (and some even come from English). Let’s dive into the Gen Z phrases you should know to keep up with conversations with younger crowds in Japan!

What is “Gen Z” in Japan?

Just like most other places in the world, the word Gen Z, or Z世代 (zetto sedai) in Japanese, refers to anyone born from 1996 to 2015. Like everywhere else in the world, they are known as the generation that grew up in an unprecedented digital age where exposure to smartphones, YouTube, TikTok, and social media was very dominant. This likely shaped their language as well as made this language become widespread more rapidly. 

Japanese Gen Z are known for their creative use of slang, shortening words (a phenomenon called 略語 or ryakugo), and borrowing expressions from the internet or English. Below are 15 popular and current Japanese Gen Z words and phrases that will help you sound more in-the-know, or at least understand what your Japanese friends are texting or talking about.

Popular Gen Z Slang & Phrases to Know

1. やばい (Yabai)

This phrase has been used far before Gen Z was born, originally meaning “dangerous.” However, since then, this phrase has evolved to capture a wide range of different meanings. So, it is often used by Gen Z, especially on the internet, to quickly express something like “crazy,” “awesome,” “dangerous,” or “terrible”, depending on context. They use it for anything extreme, from something really cool to totally disastrous.

Example:

あの先生の宿題の量がやばいですよね。
Ano sensei no shukudai no ryou ga yabai desu yo ne.
The amount of homework that the teacher assigns is crazy!

Words with multiple meanings are very common in Japanese, so read this blog to learn about common words with multiple meanings in Japanese.

2. キュン (Kyun)

This is a Japanese onomatopoeia describing a tightening, fluttering feeling in the chest or heart, and often has a romantic connotation. However, the phrase is also commonly used as another word for かわいい (kawaii) or cute.  

The phrase “kyun” is a term that spread primarily on TikTok, thanks to a trend where creators paired the phrase “kyun desu” with catchy poses set to music that went viral. In fact, it was so popular that in the 2020 “Gal Buzzword Awards,” it ranked in third place.

If you cross your index finger and thumb to form a tiny heart, you’re striking the signature “kyun desu” pose.

Example:

猫の寝顔を見てきゅんです！
Neko no negao o mite kyun desu!
Seeing a cat’s sleeping face makes my heart melt!

3. それな (Sore na)

Meaning “exactly!” or “so true”, this Gen Z Japanese slang is a go-to agreement word when someone says something relatable. It may come from the Kansai dialect, but the origins are somewhat uncertain. Today, it’s adopted by the youth to enthusiastically agree, similar to saying “I know” or “facts!”

Example:

Friend: コーヒーはこのチーズケーキと合うな
Friend: koohii ha kono chiizu keeki to auna.
Friend: Coffee pairs so well with cheesecake.

You: それな!
You: Sore na!
You: I know!

4. ガチ (Gachi)

The word “ガチ” (gachi) is the Gen Z equivalent of “マジで” or “本当に”, meaning “seriously,” “for real,” or “really.” It originally comes from the sumo term “ガチンコ (gachinko),” which referred to a serious, genuine, or real situation. Nowadays, “ガチ” is casual slang used usually among friends or people you’re close to.

You can pair the word ガチ (gachi) with other words, instead of just using it on its own. For example, ガチ勢 (gachi-zoku) refers to people who are seriously dedicated to a hobby or activity, like “game gachi-zoku” or “anime gachi-zoku.” When combined with a noun, such as in ガチ中華 (gachi chuuka), it emphasizes authenticity or seriousness, meaning authentic Chinese food. ガチ恋 (gachi-koi) is used when someone is seriously in love with an idol or celebrity, while ガチで (gachi de) works as an adverb meaning “seriously” or “for real.” Similarly, ガチ推し (gachi-oshi) describes someone who wholeheartedly supports an idol or character.

Example:

これはガチで美味しい。
Kore wa gachi de oishii.
This is so delicious.

5. チル (Chiru)

The word “chill” has made its way into Japanese Gen Z slang, and it’s used almost exactly like it is in English. Originally from the phrase “chill out,” it basically means to relax, take it easy, or tell someone to calm down.

You’ll see it used in all sorts of ways, like “chill,” “chilling,” or “just chilling.” It’s the perfect word for those moments when you just want to hang out, kick back, and enjoy life without stress.

Interestingly, “chill” has been especially popular among millennials and Gen Z. Some think the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in its rise. After all, who didn’t want to slow down and relax during lockdowns?

Example:

今日はチルしよう。
Kyou ha chiru shiyou.
Let’s just chill today.

6. エモい (Emoi)

The word エモい (emoi) comes from the English word “emotional” and is used to describe feelings that deeply move you or resonate on a personal level. It doesn’t just mean happiness or sadness. It can capture complex emotions like nostalgia, loneliness, heartbreak, sentimentality, or a bittersweet sense of beauty. You might call a stunning landscape, an old song, a photo, or a fleeting moment “emoi” when it evokes an indescribable emotional response. In English, it’s similar to words like “emotional,” “nostalgic,” or “vibey.”

The origins of エモい are somewhat debated. One theory traces it directly to the English “emotional,” while another suggests it comes from the old Japanese phrase えもいわれぬ (emoiwarenu), which means “indescribable” or “hard to put into words.” 

The term has been around in the music world since the 1980s, but it became popular among youth around 2006. Its spread was further boosted when it was selected as one of “This Year’s New Words” by Sanseido in 2016!

Example:

この写真めっちゃエモい。
Kono shashin meccha emoi.
This picture is very emotional or nostalgic.

7. ワンチャン (Wanchan)

Not to be confused with the word for a dog, which is also ワンチャン (wanchan), this slang phrase actually means “there’s a chance” or “maybe.” 

Wanchan comes from the English phrase “one chance.” It’s a shortened form of ワンチャンス (one chance) and is used to suggest that there’s a small possibility something might happen.. In Japanese slang, it’s often used when talking about a slim but real chance to win, get something, or make something happen. Interestingly, in English, the phrase “one chance” isn’t used to mean “maybe,” so the slang usage is uniquely Japanese.

Example:

ワンチャン受かるかも。
Wanchan ukaru kamo.
There’s a chance I might pass.

8. 草 (Kusa)

This is the Japanese Gen Z equivalent of “LOL.” It comes from Japanese internet slang: “w” or “www,” which resembles blades of grass. Because of this visual similarity, the kanji 草 (kusa), meaning “grass,” was adopted as a shorthand way to show that something is funny or that you’re laughing.

The original “w” or “www” actually comes from the first letter of “wara (笑),” the Japanese word for “laugh.” So when you see 草 in comments or online chats, it’s not talking about plants. It’s simply a playful way of saying “haha” or showing that something made you laugh.

Example:

それ草。
Sore kusa.
That’s hilarious.

9. ぴえん (Pien)

Have you seen people using “pien” online lately? It’s basically a cute way of saying you’re sad or about to cry. The term actually comes from the crying face emoji 🥺, which shows that slight, watery-eyed “I might cry” vibe.

“Pieen” is thought to be the direct translation of that emoji, and “pien” is just the shorter, catchier version. It’s onomatopoeia (basically the sound of a tear falling), and it’s used to show sadness or disappointment in a sweet, playful way.

People usually pair it with emojis like 🥺 or 😢, so next time you want to say “I’m sad… but cute about it,” just drop a pien.

Example:

テスト落ちた…ぴえん。 
Tesuto ochita…pien.
I failed the test…😢

10. リアコ (Riako)

The word “リアコ” (riako) is short for “リアルに恋してる”, which basically means “really in love.” But there’s a twist: it’s not about having a crush on a friend, coworker, or someone you actually meet in real life. Instead, it’s used for being deeply in love with someone who’s basically out of reach, like a 2D anime character, a celebrity, or an idol you can only interact with as a fan!

In other words, riako describes the feeling of truly wanting a relationship with someone you can’t realistically date. It’s a kind of intense, “unreachable” love that’s become a popular slang term online. The word seems to have started popping up on social media around 2019, especially in communities focused on anime, games, and idol culture.

You should not use it for real crush. Take a look at an example below.

新入社員のやまだくんにリアコ中なの！
Shinyuushain no yamada kun ni riakonchuu nano!
I am totally riako over the new employee, Yamada!

That wouldn’t really count. Since the new employee exists in real life, the “riako” term doesn’t really apply.

The key difference between riako and more common fan terms like “oshi” (favorite) or just being a fan is the level of seriousness. Fans of an idol, celebrity, or 2D character usually admire them from afar—they might like them a lot, but they don’t necessarily want to actually date them.

Riako, on the other hand, is all about being truly, deeply in love. It often comes with strong feelings of jealousy toward other fans and a desire to “claim” the person for yourself. 

Example:

ジャングくにリアコしてる。
Janguku ni riako shiteru.
I have a big crush on Jung Kook。

11. 推し (Oshi)

Originally coming from the term 推しメン (oshi men), meaning the most popular member of an idol group. The shortened 推し (oshi) means “my favorite (idol, character, or person I support).” The word 推す (osu) itself actually means “to support,” so when using this phrase, you are expressing that a certain idol or work is your favorite, so you are a big fan. 

Example:

私の推しはジブリのハウル！
Watashi no oshi wa jiburi no hauru!
My favorite is Studio Ghibli’s “Howl’s Moving Castle!”

12. タピる (Tapiru)

“タピる” (tapiru) is a fun verb that came about during Japan’s bubble tea boom. It comes from タピオカ (tapioca) + る, which basically turns it into “to go drink bubble tea.” It’s a great example of how Gen Z in Japan likes to make new verbs by adding る to trendy words.

Even though the bubble tea craze has calmed down a bit, tapiru is still a part of 2010s youth culture and pops up casually among young people. You’ll see it a lot on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Using the abbreviation makes it easier to fit into character limits, and adding a hashtag like #tapiru can make your posts more visible. Bonus: searching #tapiru is a fun way to find popular tapioca shops in your area through other people’s posts!

Example:

学校帰りにタピろ！
Gakkou kaeri ni tapiro!
Let’s get bubble tea after school!

13. わかりみが深い (Wakarimi ga fukai)

This Gen Z Japanese slang is a playful, exaggerated way to say “I deeply relate.” It comes from わかる (to understand) but is transformed into a more dramatic expression. It comes from the verb 分かる (wakaru), meaning “to understand” or “to relate,” but adds a slangy twist with -み, which turns verbs or adjectives into nouns expressing a feeling or quality. So わかりみ becomes something like “the feeling of understanding or relating.”

The が深い (ga fukai) part literally means “is deep.” Put together, it’s a fun, dramatic way to say you totally get something, and it’s especially popular online and among young people.

Gen Z uses it in response to emotional lyrics, memes, relationship takes, or anything highly relatable. 

Example:

この歌詞はわかりみが深い。
Kono kashi wa wakarimi ga fukai.
These lyrics hit so hard.

14. あざまる (Azamaru)

This is a playful, cute way to say “thank you,” formed from あざす (a shortened version of ありがとうございます) and まる (“circle,” often added for emphasis or cuteness). Gen Z often uses it humorously or casually with friends, similar to saying “thanksies” or “thx!” in English.

Example:

今日手伝ってくれてあざまる！
Kyou tetsudatte kurete azamaru! 
Thanks for helping today!

15. おつ (Otsu)

Short for お疲れ様 (otsukaresama), which is a standard phrase for showing appreciation after work or effort. Among Gen Z, おつ is used casually between friends after events, school, gaming sessions, or online streams. It’s a warm, friendly way to acknowledge someone’s effort or say “good job.”

Example:

今日のライブ最高！おつ！
Kyou no raibu saiko! Otsu! 
Today’s concert was the best! Good job!

16. バズる (Bazuru)

The word バズる (bazuru) means that a post or topic on social media spreads explosively in a short period of time. The word is technically a loanword from the English “buzz,” like the buzz of excitement or a rumor, plus the Japanese verb ending -る (ru), turning it into an action: “to buzz” or “to go viral.”

There’s no strict rule on how a post might be considered viral. That said, what counts as “viral” really depends on the account. For example, a post going viral for a small account might have far fewer views than a viral post from a big influencer, but it still generates the same kind of explosive attention!

While Gen Z words are great to use with younger people, what are some terms you should avoid? Find out by reading our blog: Japanese Swear Words You Shouldn’t Use

Should I Use These Japanese Gen Z Slang?

Now that you know all this slang, you might be thinking: “Should I start using it everywhere?” Well, not so fast. Imagine your grandparents suddenly dropping words like rizz or no cap in conversation. It would feel a little off, right? The same goes for Japanese Gen Z slang. Using it out of context can come across as awkward, especially if your Japanese isn’t very strong and you suddenly start sprinkling a bunch of slang into your sentences.

Think of these words more as a way to understand how young people talk, rather than something you have to use to fit in. Different generations use slang naturally, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate the same way for learners. You don’t need to use these words to impress your Gen Z Japanese friends — though, of course, if you use them sparingly and in the right context, it can be fun and show that you know the lingo.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Language of Japan’s Gen Z

Japanese Gen Z slang is playful, expressive, and constantly evolving. Many of these terms come from a digital world where young people communicate heavily on social media, making the language dynamic and fun.

But to really speak naturally, whether using trendy Gen Z phrases or more traditional Japanese, it helps to learn from professional teachers. They can guide you to speak confidently and fluently, so you can hold conversations with friends in Japanese without hesitation.

Take this as your sign to start learning Japanese at Coto Academy! As Tokyo’s #1 Japanese language school, we focus on practical conversations, helping you feel confident speaking with millennials, Gen Z, or any generation. You can choose from our full-time Intensive Courses or part-time courses, both tailored to your level and personal goals. 

Don’t wait. Start your journey to Japanese fluency today by filling out the form below!

FAQ about Japanese Gen Z Slang:

Do Japanese people actually say these slang terms in real life?

Yes, especially among young people. Words like やばい, ガチで, and それな are extremely common in speech, while 草 and ぴえん are more common online. Some slang (like チル or エモい) appears both online and offline.

How fast does Gen Z slang change in Japan?

Very fast. New slang spreads quickly through TikTok, YouTube, LINE, and X (Twitter). Some words stay for years (like やばい), while others trend for a short period before disappearing. It’s a constantly evolving part of modern Japanese culture.

Are these slang expressions used everywhere in Japan?

Mostly in urban areas with strong youth culture, like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Fukuoka. In more rural or traditional regions, slang may be recognized but used less frequently.

Is it okay for Japanese learners to use Gen Z slang?

Yes, as long as you use it in the right context. It’s great for casual conversation with friends or understanding modern Japanese media. Just avoid using slang in formal situations or with someone you’ve just met.

Will these words help me understand anime, J-pop, or Japanese pop culture?

Definitely. Gen Z phrases commonly appear in social media posts from Japanese artists, J-pop lyrics, anime dialogue (especially school-life, romcom, or comedy series), variety shows, and influencer content.

Learning these helps you understand modern Japanese culture far better.

What is Gen Z called in Japan?

Gen Z in Japan is commonly called Z世代  (Z sedai), literally “Generation Z.”

What is 893 slang for?

The number 893 is a slang term for the Yakuza (Japanese organized crime). This comes from a Japanese wordplay: 8 = ya (八), 9 = ku (九), 3 = za (三).

What are some Gen Z slang phrases?

 Here are some popular Japanese Gen Z slang terms:

• リアコ (riako) – Really in love with a 2D character or celebrity.
• タピる (tapiru) – To go drink bubble tea.
• バズる (bazuru) – To go viral on social media.
• わかりみが深い (wakarimi ga fukai) – “I really relate” / “I feel this deeply.”
• ぴえん (pien) – Cute way to say you’re sad or about to cry.

Love reading content like this? Don’t forget to check out:

• Top Japanese Slang to Learn
• Japanese Texting Slang and Terms
• Japanese Vocabulary from Anime You Can Use