As in other languages, Japanese slangs are important in daily conversations. Today, let’s take a look at one phrase that you can immediately use in your life
A bentō holds rice with fish or meat and vegetables in a box-shaped container. Some might have a debate over the nutritional value of a prepared dish. Nevertheless, it had been clear that since the 80s, bentō had already become an integral part of the Japanese’s daily life.
There are several reasons. Working hours are quite long and Japanese people are sometimes so busy that they do not have time to prepare proper meal or even to go to the food court. As such, they some would just run to the closest convenience store to buy their lunch.
A bentō might also be prepared at home in the morning to be eaten in school or at the workplace. This gives the Japanese many opportunities to recycle any leftovers they have from the previous night.
In general, precooked meals had became popular with the emergence of the microwave oven. If that’s the case, what Japanese word would you use to indicate that you are “warming up your bentō in a microwave oven”? Well, it would none other than the Japanese Slang word: “Chin Suru” 「チンする」!
What did it Originate from?
Funny word, isn’t it? The word finds its origin in the sound “chin” that the first household microwave ovens made to notify that cooking was complete. By adding the suffix “~suru” to this sound, it creates the verb “chin suru”: to warm up/cook with microwave oven.
The sound “chin” was so well known in Japan, that it was even used in commercial for a snack, known as “chinchin potato” 「チンチンポテト」. Not to mention that this was a poor choice of words on the part of the company. Well, it sounded kind of inappropriate to say the least.
Nevertheless, the sound of the microwave oven had changed over the years and in Japanese onomatopoeia, the microwave oven now goes by the sound of “pi pi pi” 「ピピピ」. The popularity of the word “Chinsuru”, however, remained.
Surely, it may sound like kid talk, but it is used by all generations. In convenience stores, the clerk usually asks if you need to warm up your meal. The word typically used would be “atatamemasuka”「温めますか？」 which would basically translate to “would you like to have it warmed up?”.
From time to time, the staff may also ask you “chin shimasuka?” 「チンしますか？」. The word itself had also been used very often by takeout companies to advertise the convenience of their prepared meal or to advertise recipes’ books:
料理する時間ながない時、チンするだけ
“When you don’t have time to prepare meal, only warm up”. 忙しい女性へ☆レンジでチンするだけのレシピ
“Only warm up with microwave oven recipes for busy women” チンするご飯
“Meal to warm up”
Using it in Casual Conversations
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.
English Translation: 【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.
Credit CC BY 2.0: Ryan Li
Title: Angry Bird in Microwave
Modified by Coto Japanese Academy source: Flickr
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
During you learning, knowing some Japanese slangs is a nice and fun way to deepen your vocabulary.
Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker. Moreover, slang gives you an interesting point of view on society. Let’s learn more about Japanese slang with the word “otsubone”.
The working place is not always kind to female workers. Particularly in Japan, it is proven to be difficult for a woman to have a career.
Indeed, traditionnally, a woman is expected to get married and have a family and this point of view is still strong. For many Japanese, after her marriage, an office lady will – should – quit her job to become a housewife.
But in those last decades, Japanese women are more and more willing to keep working, despite the few chances to get a promotion, and do not get married. In Japanese slang, they are called “otsubone“.
Otsubone is an archaism. Historically, the word was a title of honour given to a woman of high ranking, serving the Imperial Houshold or the Imperial Court. To tell the truth, an otsubone was a respected capable woman.
The word was diverted from its original meaning in the 90s, and became a Japanese slang word. Nowadays, an “otsubone” is an office lady over a certain age and level of seniority in a Japanese company who is often single.
Although she has worked in the office for a long time in the same division, she commands others. She is not interested in promotion or pay-raise, but she became influential from behind in the office.
She is perceived as intimidating and her coworkers feel she is frequently complaining. Even though she is a regular employee, coworkers will treat her with respect, just like they would with the head of the division. Not sure to get the idea yet?
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 …
A: Yukiguni sodachi otsu bone no eikyō ni yori, mada danbō o tsukeru koto ga dekimasen. Zen’in wa furuenagara shigoto o shite imasu… B: Uwaa, taihen desu ne!
A: Because Ms bossy pants got raised in a cold place, we cannot start the heater yet. Everyone has to work while shivering… B: Uhr, must be hard!
Translation of otsubone is not quite easy, but it would be close to “straw boss” or “Ms. Bossy Pants” in English.
The word ostubone has a negative image and is often used when gossiping behind someone’s back. It connotes spitefulness and a tendency to nag. You shall not used it for your senior coworkers that you look up to with respect.
Credit CC BY 2.0: Nestor Lacle Title: West Shinjuku Silhouettes source: Flickr
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
If you are interested in studying Japanese, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.
Who has never gone crazy over a new video game, an anime or a new phone? Like children, we can easily be absorbed by an exciting new item or activity. We unknowingly let time pass by when doing this activity, oblivious to our surroundings. Japanese people are no exception to that phenomenon and they too are attracted to new trends! Interested in a popular novelty they have heard about, some Japanese may even become completely consumed by it to the point they forget about everything else.
Well, becoming absorbed by something new and being crazy about it can be expressed in Japanese using the slang with hamaru【はまる】.
Originally, the verb hamaru means to “fit in” and can be used for situation like “to fit into the river” 「川にはまる」”fits into the trap” 「罠にはまる」 or to say that one is entangled in a bad situation.
However in Japanese slang, hamaru means “to be crazy into something”,”to be infatuated with”, or “totally absorbed by”. In that context, hamaru is not so far from its original meaning. It describes how you “fit” into that enthusiasm, and you cannot escape it. We know well of the addiction Japanese people have to online and smartphone gaming, which is easily noticeable on morning train!
「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.
Generally speaking, hamaru is mainly related to hobbies such as video games, animes, tv-shows and so on. Hamaru may also be used to describe a person in love, obsessed with the object of their affection.
Oddly, though hamaru may refer to pleasant things (activities or a person you are infatuated with), it can also be used for considerably less fun things… such as working and studying! Generally seen as troublesome activities, if one become crazy about his work or his study, you can also use hamaru. Crazy indeed!
≪Tomodachi doushi no kaiwa≫
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
“Conversation between friends”
A: It’s 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.
Another word used in the same way as the verb hamaru, is the Japanese-made English phrase, “my boom”, 「マイブーム」. Yes, in Japan, you will hear a lot of English phrases scattered into Japanese conversations that will make no sense to anyone who isn’t Japanese. We call it “wasei-eigo”, 「和製英語」or “Japanese-Made English”. To get back to our point, the expression “my boom” is translated by “I am into…”, “I am crazy about…”.
例: 最近オンラインゲームにハマってるの。（最近オンラインゲームがマイブームなの！）
rei: Saikin onrain geemu ni hamatteru no. (saikin onrain geemu ga mai buumu na no!)
Example: Lately I’m really into online games (Online games are my boom lately!).
The next time you will speak about your hobbies with your Japanese friends, you will know what to say!
Want to find out more about some other Japanese Slang? Damemoto is one of which you might be interested in!
Want to find out more about Coto Japanese Academy? Try taking a look at the various Japanese Language Courses we offer!
Credit CC BY- ND 2.0: We Make Noise！
Title: 發夢中 source: Flickr
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
When you are learning a foreign language, studying slangs is a funny way to deepen your vocabulary. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker. Moreover, slang gives you an interesting point of view on society. Let’s learn more about Japanese slang mattari (suru)!
Japanese people are known for their dedication to their work often to the detriment of their private life, working overtime, sometimes even on weekends. In some companies, things are so hectic and intense, that it makes us wonder if salarymen get any rest at all.
That being said, Japanese people care for their days-off. They will meet their friends, go see a popular exhibition or a movie. Or simply enjoying chilling out on their couch doing nothing. Being relaxed and laid-back is expressed by the Japanese slang word: mattari (suru) [まったりする].
Origins of Mattari
The word mattari belongs to the vocabulary of the gastronomy and has been around for a long time. It was originally used in the Kansai area to describe a “mild, but deep taste“. Not only was it describing the taste, but also the way this kind of flavor spreads slowly in your mouth.
It is around 1998 that the word was diverted from its original meaning in an anime, called “Ojarumaru”「おじゃる丸」, broadcasted by the NHK. In the anime, the word was used to describe the mood and attitude of someone.
Progressively, mattari became used to describe a state of laziness (being carefree or at ease). Used with this meaning, a sense of boredom is also implied. It can also be translated by “to lounge”, “to relax” or “to chill out“. It is close to other Japanese words such as “yukkuri (suru)”「 ゆっくり（する）」, “nonbiri shite iru”「のんびりしている」、”daradara (suru)”「ダラダラ（する）」, gorogoro (suru) 「ゴロゴロ（する）」.
With young people using it more commonly to say they are chilling out, the original meaning grew unusual and the Japanese slang mattari (suru) was born!
Example: ≪ Tomodachi no kaiwa ≫ A: Ne~e, chotto tsukare chatta. Dokka de mattari ocha demo shinai? B: Ī ne, sō shiyou.
Example: <<Conversation between friends>> 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.
Example: <<Conversation between a married couple or boyfriend and girlfriend>> A: What should we do this weekend? B: I’ve had to work a lot of overtime this week, so I want to stay home and take it easy.
Example: ≪ Koibito dōshi/ fūfu no kaiwa ≫ A: Shūmatsu wa dō shiyou ka? B: Konshū wa zangyō tsudzuki de tsukaretakara, ie de mattari shitai na.
例：≪友達の会話≫ A: GWはどうだった？ B: んー、特に何も。家でまったりしてた。
Example:≪ Tomodachi no kaiwa ≫ A: GW wa dōdatta? B: N- , tokuni nani mo. uchi de mattari shi teta.
Example: <<Conversation between friends>> A: How as Golden Week? B: I didn’t really do anything. Just stayed home and was lazy.
Japanese summers are so hot and humid, that you may not want to hang out with your Japanese friend when they invite you to go somewhere. Mattari offers you a nice way out. Now, you know what to say!
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.
One of the many ways to become more fluent in a foreign language is to study its slangs. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker.
Let’s see today, how you would say “shotgun wedding” in Japanese. Well, with the expression: “dekikon” 「できこん」「でき婚」!
This expression describes a wedding that is or was arranged to avoid embarrassment due to an unplanned pregnancy rather than out of the desire of the participants!
You can literally translate as “we already made (a baby) marriage”. Have you heard it before?
Now, let’s take a look at the interesting construction of this Japanese slang word. The first part, “deki” comes from the sentence 「（子どもが）できてしまった」 which means “got pregnant” or “gave birth”.
As the sentence carries a very negative nuance, it is closer in meaning to the expression ” to get knocked up”.
The second part, “kon” originates from the word “kekkon” 「けっこん」「結婚」 which means marriage. Finally, the both parts “dekikon” were combined as an abbreviation for the following sentence:
「（子どもが）できちゃった（から）結婚（する・した）」 [(kodomo) ga dekichatta (kara) kekkon (suru・shita)]
The literal translation is “to get / got married because of having conceived a child”. But we all now the underlying meaning: because you conceived a child before getting married, you have to get / had to get a quick wedding to save face”.
The Japanese slang “dekikon” appeared during the 90’s as for some various reasons, wedding triggered by pregnancy increased.
By 2000’s, marriages due to unplanned parenthood became popular among young Japanese of 19/20 years old, as several celebrities such as idols made it a trend in Japan. This way of getting married is also called 「ダブルハッピー」 “double happy” or 「マタニティウェディング」 “maternity wedding”.
If those words have a pretty obvious meaning, there is a third and quite euphemistic way to speak about shotgun wedding: 「おめでた婚」 “omedeta kon”: a “blessed” marriage.
Let’s see the word dekikon used in a conversation between two friends:
(Dansei no tomodachi dōshi no kaiwa) A: Jitsuwa, saraigetsu ni kekkon suru koto ni natta nda. B: E? Soreha omedetō. Zuibun kyūda na. Moshikashite, dekikon? A: Un,-sō…
English Translation (two male friends are discussing together) A：To tell the truth, in two months, I am getting married. B：Wow, that is a great news! Congratulations! That was pretty quick. Wait. Don’t tell me it’s a shotgun wedding? A：Actually… Yeah.
(Jyosei no tomodachi dōshi no kaiwa) A: Kiita? C san ha raigetsu kekkon suru sou desu. B: Ee. Dekikon rashidesune. A: E-, shiranakattan desu.
English translation (Two female friends are discussing together) A: Have you heard? C san is apparently getting married next month. B: Yeah. Seems to be a shotgun wedding. A: Eh? I didn’t know.
Of course, as it is used casually with friends, family, or those close to you, you should avoid using it in more formal conversation.
Credit CC BY 2.0: amira_a Title: Let love rule source: Flickr
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
When you are learning a foreign language, studying slang is a funny way to deepen your vocabulary. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker. Moreover, slang gives you an interesting point of view on society. Let’s see how Japanese people would casually speak about seduction and picking up someone!
Picking People up?
We frequently read in the news that Japanese people are becoming less and less interested in love stories and dating. That might be true, but picking up girls and boys is still a trend along Tokyo’s night districts. Just a quick search on the Internet, you’ll be quick to see how much the Japanese Youth love wandering about to invite someone on a date or even seduce them. You will also find that young Japanese people also tend to try their luck along the streets of Tokyo at night, attracting girls’ attention with pick-up lines. This type of flirtation is called in the Japanese slang would be known as “nanpa suru” 「ナンパする」 for men and “gyaku nan suru” 「逆ナンする」 for women.
If you have been in Japan and went out at night, you might have noticed those guys hanging on the street, calling girls. They are actually calling girls they don’t know with some pretty simple and common lines:
“do you wanna go to karaoke?”: 「カラオケ行かない？」
“do you wanna go for a drink?”:「一緒に飲みに行かない？」
“do you want to see my dog at home?” :「うちの犬、見に来ない？」
Where did the Word come from?
The word “nanpa” comes from the Japanese word for “moderate” 「軟派」. In Japanese slang however, nanpa 「ナンパ」 alone means “seducer“, “smooth talker” or even “ladies’ man”. When you add the verb suru「する」it refers to the action of picking up women.
Gyaku 「逆」means “reverse” or “opposite”. “Gyaku nan suru” refers to women picking men in the street, inviting them somewhere with similar techniques. When you are hit on by someone, you will say “nanpa sareru” 「ナンパされる」 or “gyaku nan sareru” 「逆ナンされる」. By doing nanpa/gyaku nan regularly, you might be taken for a shallow person.
Rei1: Otoko tomodachi no kaiwa 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 Two guy friends are having a conversation 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.
Rei2: Wakai on’nanoko dōshi no kaiwa A: Saikin, kareshi ga dekita nda. B: Doko de shiri atta no? A: Shibuya de gyaku Nan shita !?
English Translation
A conversation between two young women A: I got a boyfriend recently. B: Where did you meet him? A: I picked (gyaku nanpa) him up in Shibuya. So next time you are ready to party with your friends in Japan and looking for love… You know how to express it! Also, here’s how you can ask someone to go out on a date with you in Japanese! ;D
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.
Describing someone as Egocentric, Selfish or even Self-centered…
Jiko chuu「自己チュー」「自己中」「ジコチュー」!
It is a well known fact that Japanese society cares for selflessness and considers it to be an important value. For Japanese people, nothing is greater than to put others’ need before oneself. If you are familiar with Japanese movies, anime or manga, you understand how deeply self-sacrifice is rooted in Japanese popular culture.
You can feel that selflessness in the notion of omotenashi, the Japanese sense of hospitality. Tourists and foreigners living in Japan are often surprised by how Japanese people are thoughtful and extremely helpful even with no gain to themselves.
Jikochuu
Derivation of the Word 自己中 (Jikochuu)
That being said… Everyone has their selfish moment! And there is a perfect Japanese Slang word to express someone’s selfishness: Jiko chuu, 「自己チュー」「自己中」「ジコチュー」.
Not to be confused with Jikoshoukai, Jiko chuu is an abbreviation of the word 自己中心的 (jiko chuu shin teki) which means selfish, egocentric, or self-centered.
This Japanese slang word is used to talk about someone who thinks he/she is pretty much the most important person in the world and he/she couldn’t care less about doing things for other people.
Obviously, this word does not carry a positive meaning. As it belong to Japanese slang, jiko chuu should only be used casually with friends, family or those close to you. This expression can also be used with the characters for man, woman, or person as follows:
「自己チュー男」(jikochuu otoko)、selfish man
「自己チュー女」(jikochuu onna)、 selfish woman or
「自己チューな人」(jikochuu hito)、 selfish person
In Japanese society, as we said previously, one should pay attention to others and particularly be careful not to hurt their feeling. Spend too much time talking about you, and you will quickly look like a self centered person.
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.
In a Formal Context…
Now that you know the slang word for selfish, what would you say in a more proper language ? Well, if you wish to express the selfishness of someone in formal language, you will use instead “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.
Let’s see an example of a casual conversation between friends:
A : Ne kiite. Uchi no dannatte honto ni jikokchuu!
B : Doushita no?
A : Watashi ga terebi wo miteru no ni, nani mo iwanaide katte ni channeru wo kaetandayo.
B : Aa, sore ha tashika ni chotto jikochuu da ne…
Let’s take a look at the English translation:
(Two female friends are talking amongst each other)
A：Ugh, my husband is so selfish!
B：Whoa, what happened?
A：I was just watching TV when he came over and without saying anything, he changed the channel!
B：Oh, indeed. That is kinda selfish…
From now on, if you want to complain about the selfishness of your friend, you know what to say!
Credit CC-BY-SA: Martin Abegglen Title: egoist Flickr
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.
When you are learning a foreign language, studying slang is a funny way to deepen your vocabulary. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker. Moreover, slang gives you an interesting point of view on society.
If you have been to Japan and met with some Japanese friends, you might know by now how deeply they care to be on time. Indeed, one of the most important values of Japanese society is to respect others. Arriving on time or even better, early, is considered the polite thing to do when you meet with someone. Sadly, no one can always be one time, and sometimes even showing to the date might be impossible! What would you say the day you are stood up by a Japanese? Or what would you say if, at the last minute, you have to cancel a rendezvous with a friend?
Definition
Well, in Japanese slang, it would be “dotakyan (suru)“, 「ドタキャン(する）」, the meaning being “to cancel an appointment at the last minute”. This word is a construction between Japanese and English. The word “dotanba” means “last minute” in Japanese. It is joined with “kyan” short for the word “kyanseru” 「キャンセル」 made on the English “cancel“. Japanese slang words are often made by a combination of Japanese and English.
When you are the one canceling, you will use “dotakyan suru” but if you are the one who got stood up, you will use “dotakyan sareru” 「ドタキャンされる」.
Originally, this expression was a technical word used among those from the entertainment and travel industries. It became common to use it around the 1990’s and is now used by everyone. A quick search on the Internet shows many articles wondering about the reasons why someone would cancel at the last moment and how one should react!
Examples of usage
(1) A conversation with a friend Woman 1：あれ、どうしたの？何かあった？ Woman 2：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！
Roma-ji Woman 1：are? doshitano? nanika atta? Woman 2：Chotto kiiteyo. Ashita deeto no yakusoku shitetanoni mata dotakyan sarechatta.
English translation Woman 1 : Oh, what’s going on? Did something happen? Woman 2 : Listen to this. I had a date tomorrow, but it got canceled at the last moment again! (2) An email to a close colleague ごめん！急な仕事が入って、残業になってしまいました。。 今日の飲み会、残念ながら行けません。 ドタキャンで本当にごめんなさい！！
Roma-ji Gomen, kyuu-na shigoto ga haitte, zangyo ni natteshimaimashita. Kyoo no nomikai, zannen nagara ikemasen.. Dotakyan de hontoni sumimasen..
Email to co-worker I’m sorry! An urgent job just came in, so I have to work overtime It is really regrettable, but I will not be able to go to today’s drinking party. I’m really sorry to cancel at the last moment!
(3) Simple apologies 昨日はドタキャンしてすみませんでした。
Roma-ji Kinou ha dotakyan shite sumimasen deshita.
English translation I am sorry that I canceled at the last minute yesterday.
Of course, you should always be careful to not do “dotakyan” to someone. Of course, canceling a meeting or a date at the last minute is badly seen everywhere, but in Japan, you are considered as extremely rude, and you should always cancel with your deepest apologies. Remember that this expression can be addressed only if you are canceling right before the time given. For example, you cannot use it in an apology to cancel tomorrow’s appointment.
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.
If you are interested in studying Japanese, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.
Ever heard someone say, “Miso love you!” and get a laugh? Welcome to the world of dajare, or Japanese puns, that play on similar sounds and clever word twists. While these jokes are often groan-worthy, they are embedded in Japanese pop culture, daily conversations, and even advertising.
If you are learning Japanese, understanding dajare can give you insight into how language and humor go hand in hand in Japan. Whether you are just starting out or looking to level up your language game with some laughter, this guide introduces 20 of the most iconic Japanese puns to know!
What is Dajare?
The word 駄洒落 (dajare) refers to a kind of pun or joke that is based on wordplay. Think of it as a Japanese dad joke. Dajare can be found everywhere in Japan, from advertisements to variety shows and even children’s books. They are often delivered with a smirk or a dramatic pause.
Types of Japanese Puns
Of course, not all Japanese puns are created equal, much like the English equivalent. Check out a few common types of dajare before we dive right into some funny examples!
1. Homophones
Most probably, the most common types of puns, homophones, and multiple-meaning puns are jokes that use words that sound the same but have different meanings.
For example, the word かみ (kami) can mean “hair”, “paper”,or even “god” at the same time!
2. Similar sound and phrase substitution puns
Ever heard of Near-homophones or intentional substitutions that make a sentence funny or expected?
For example, the word すき (like) and スキー (ski) sound similar when you say them fast enough!
3. Kanji and visual wordplay
Sometimes dajare depend on kanji that look or sound alike, or even combine characters to form a joke.
Using our example before, the kanji for かみ (kami) can be written as 神 (god) vs 紙 (paper)
4. Onomatopoeic and sound symbolism puns
Japan is rich with sound-based words like ぴかぴか (sparkling). These are twisted for a funny effect.
Explanation: This is probably one of the most iconic Japanese puns. It plays on the sound similarity between futon and futtonda, creating a rhythmic, rhyming phrase. It is funny, not because of the deep meaning, but because of the satisfying alliteration. Kids learn this early on, and it is often used in comedy routines.
2. Arumikan no ue ni aru mikan (アルミ缶の上にあるミカン)
Romaji: Arumi-kan no ue ni aru mikan
Meaning: A mikan on top of an aluminum can.
Wordplay: Arumi-kan (aluminum can) + aru mikan (there’s a mikan)
Explanation: This pun is more visual when written out. It sounds like a Japanese tongue twister, and it uses a classic structure by breaking up compound words into separate words. While the sentence is perfectly grammatical, the absurdity of putting a mikan on a can is what makes it fun.
3. Ika ga ii ka? (イカがいいか？)
Romaji: Ika ga ii ka?
Meaning: Is squid okay?
Wordplay: Ika (squid) + ii ka (is it okay?)
Explanation: The joke relies on how ii ka flows naturally after ika. It is the kind of question you would hear at a sushi restaurant, but it sounds so funny when you realize you are asking “Is squid good?” and saying “squid is good?” in the same exact breath. This is a Japanese pun that doubles as a useful phrase.
4. Sukii wa suki (スキーは好き)
Romaji: Sukii wa suki
Meaning: I like skiing.
Wordplay: Suki (like) + sukii (ski)
Explanation: This dajare is straightforward and super useful for learners. You are saying you like skiing, but because suki and sukii sound so close, it creates a mini echo. This is also a common line used in various Japanese shows or textbook jokes.
5. Kaeru ga kaeru (カエルが帰る)
Romaji: Kaeru ga kaeru
Meaning: The frog is going home.
Wordplay: Kaeru (frog) + kaeru (to return)
Explanation: Here, the humor comes from kaeru, which can mean both “frog” and the Japanese verb “return” depending on the kanji used. It is a favorite among children and language learners because it demonstrates how Japanese homophones work and makes vocabulary learning fun.
6. Toire ni itto ire (トイレに行っといれ)
Romaji: Toire ni itto ire
Meaning: Go to the toilet.
Wordplay: Toire (toilet) + itto ire (go and come back – Kansai dialect)
Explanation: This pun is especially fun because it uses a Kansai dialect twist. It blends toire (toilet) with itto ire, a way of saying “go and come back.” It is almost like saying, “Go to the toilet and return.” The phrase mimics everyday language but swaps the expected ending for a sound-alike.
7. Sanda ga chitta (サンタが散った)
Romaji: Santa ga chitta
Meaning: Santa scattered.
Wordplay: Santa + chitta (cattered/fell apart)
Explanation: This pun has a dark humor twist. Santa is just Santa Claus, and chittameans “scattered” or “broken apart.” It sounds like the poor Santa Claus exploded into pieces, giving an oddly funny image. The unexpected violence in such a cheerful context is what makes it hilarious in Japanese comedy shows or manga with dramatically exaggerated reactions.
Explanation: This joke uses kaminari (lightning) and turns it into a pseudo-verb kaminarimashita, which is a made-up version of “it lightning-ed”. Even though kaminari is not actually a verb, the sentence still feels grammatically correct, which makes it funny. It is a classic example of how dajare can bend grammar rules to create humor.
9. Kani ga kansha (カニに感謝)
Romaji: Kani ni kansha
Meaning: Thanks to the crab.
Wordplay: Kani (crab) + kansha (gratitude)
Explanation: This pun rhymes kani (crab) with kansha (gratitude). The sentence literally means “I am thankful to the crab,” which sounds a bit absurd but polite. You might imagine someone bowing to a crab on a dinner plate, saying “Kani ni kansha.” It’s a polite pun that could be used in food-related contexts.
10. Ikura wa ikura? (いくらはいくら？)
Romaji: Ikura wa ikura?
Meaning: How much is the salmon roe?
Wordplay: Ikura (salmon roe) + ikura (how much)
Explanation: Ikura can mean both “salmon roe” (a sushi topping) and “how much.” The full sentence is an actual question you might ask at a sushi restaurant: “How much is the ikura?” The double meaning makes it comedic because you repeat the same sound with different meanings.
11. Neko wa nekoronda (ねこはネコロンダ)
Romaji: Neko wa nekoronda
Meaning: The cat is lying down
Wordplay: Neko (cat) + nekoronda (to lie down)
Explanation: This pun uses the word neko, meaning “cat,” and nekoronda, meaning “laid down.” It sounds like you are repeating “neko” in a fun way — neko wa nekoronda, making it catchy and rhythmic. This one is light and silly, used mostly in kids’ books or nursery rhymes, and it plays with both vocabulary and sound to create a funny mental image: a lazy cat flopped over, doing what cats do best. It is also a great one for learners to practice pronunciation and see how word roots repeat in Japanese verbs.
12. Hae ga haee (ハエがはえー)
Romaji: Hae ga haee
Meaning: The fly is fast!
Wordplay: Hae (fly) + hayai (fast) pronounced haē
Explanation: Hae means “fly” and haee is a casual pronunciation of the Japanese adjective hayai (fast). The phrase sounds like a complaint someone might make after being scared off by a buzzing fly. The humor lies in how natural yet goofy the line sounds, especially when said quickly.
13. Tou-san ga tousan shita (父さんが倒産した)
Romaji: Tousan ga tousan shita
Meaning: Dad went bankrupt.
Wordplay: Tousan (father) + tousan (bankruptcy)
Explanation: In this pun, tousan can mean both “bankruptcy” and “dad”, depending on context. The phrase goes from serious to sympathetic, which adds emotional depth. It shows how dajare can combine both humor and real-world situations.
14. Tousa, katsura katta ka na? (父さん、カツラ買ったかな？)
Romaji: Tousan, katsura katta ka na?
Meaning: Did Dad buy a wig?
Wordplay: Katsura (wig)
Explanation: This joke involves tou-san (dad) and katsura (wig). It is funny because it is phrased like a serious question, but ends on a silly note with imagining your dad secretly buying a wig. It is great for playing with everyday vocabulary as well as poking fun at family.
15. Ana o hooru (穴をホール)
Romaji: Ana o hooru
Meaning: Dig a hole.
Wordplay: Ana (hole) + hooru (hole)
Explanation: The sentence literally means “Dig a hole,” but it sounds like you are saying, “Hole a hole.” In Japanese, ana is the native word for “hole,” and hooru is a katakana loanword from English with the same meaning. The joke is subtle and plays on bilingual wordplay with a double “hole” that does not sound like much in English, but in Japanese, it is a cute and silly joke that is guaranteed to get some laughs.
16. Kono okashi, okashii (このお菓子、おかしい)
Romaji: Kono okashi, okashii
Meaning: This sweet is weird.
Wordplay: Okashi (sweets) + okashii (weird)
Explanation: This dajare can be used as both a critique of a dessert and a punny observation. It is often used when trying unusual Japanese snacks and giving a review. The pun is perfect for describing things such as wasabi Kit Kats or squid ice cream.
16. Megane ga nai to, me ga ne (ガネがないと、目がね…)
Romaji: Megane ga nai to, me ga ne
Meaning: Without glasses, my eyes… well…
Wordplay: Megane (glasses) + me ga ne… (my eyes are…)
Explanation: Megane means “glasses,” and me ga ne… could be interpreted as “my eyes are…” trailing off. The pun is both visual and verbal, and the ellipsis adds a dramatic pause that makes it funnier when it is spoken. It is relatable for anyone who wears glasses!
17. Kono kanji, ii kanji (この漢字、いい感じ )
Romaji: Kono kanji, ii kanji
Meaning: This kanji, looks good.
Wordplay: Kanji (Japanese kanji) + kanji (feeling/looks)
Explanation: This pun relies on kanji (Chinese characters) and kanji (feeling). It is a meta-joke about the kanji looking aesthetically pleasing. The repetition makes it catchy and great for textbook humor or classroom jokes.
18. Dajare o itta no wa dajare? (ダジャレを言ったのは誰じゃ？)
Romaji: Dajare o itta no wa dare ja?
Meaning: Who says the pun?
Wordplay: Dajare (pun) + dare ja (who?)
Explanation: Dajare means “pun” in Japanese, and dare ja means “who is it?” Said in an old-man or samurai-style accent, it becomes a silly accusation: “Who made the pun!?” It is often used after someone tells a bad joke, making it the perfect follow-up pun and a more lighthearted follow-up than silence.
20. Tako ni tako ga dekita (タコにたこができた)
Romaji: Tako ni tako ga dekita
Meaning: The octopus got a blister.
Wordplay: Tako (octopus) + tako (blister)
Explanation: Tako means both “octopus” and “blister.” So this sentence sounds like “A blister formed on the octopus.” It is a cute and clever use of a double meaning that creates an unexpected and funny visual. It is especially beloved by elementary school students and pun enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Dajare, or Japanese puns, may be groan-worthy, but they are an iconic and creative part of Japanese humor. Whether it is a quick pun in daily conversations or a full-on gag in a TV skit, mastering these jokes adds a fun layer to your language learning.
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FAQ
What does dajare mean in Japanese?
Dajare is a pun or joke based solely on wordplay. There can be different types of dajare, but all are based on the concept of playing around with words and their different meanings.
Why are puns so common in Japan?
Japanese is full of homophones and similar-sounding words because of its limited set of syllables. This makes it easy to come up with puns. They are also a simple way to break the ice or make people smile.
What is the difference between a dajare and a joke?
A dajare is a specific type of joke that hinges entirely on wordplay, usually a pun based on sound similarities. Regular jokes might involve storytelling, sarcasm, or situational humor.
Are Japanese puns used in anime or manga?
Absolutely, puns are a staple in anime and manga. Characters might crack puns during dialogue to lighten the mood, make others groan, or even help teach kids new vocabulary.
Whether you’re just beginning your Japanese study or already at an advanced level, chances are you will still encounter unfamiliar words that leave you reaching for a Japanese dictionary. Whether it’s through an app or a traditional paper dictionary, having the right tool can make all the difference.
As interest in the Japanese language continues to grow, despite its reputation as one of the most challenging languages to learn does the number of available Japanese dictionaries. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? In this article, we will be reviewing the most popular Japanese dictionaries across categories, from paper dictionaries to smartphone apps.
What Makes a Good Japanese Dictionary?
A good Japanese-to-English dictionary is a must-have tool for all Japanese learners. It helps us to learn Japanese faster and more efficiently. It must have 100% accuracy and be up-to-date, meaning that it must be updated every few years. Looking at the learner level the dictionary is at is also very important, as a beginner isn’t going to be using or learning the same words as someone getting ready to take the JLPT N1.
And lastly, having key features in the dictionary to help users retain more of what they are reading will be useful. This could include having some basic grammar worksheet usage. So, depending on what you are looking for, these key distinctions will help you in deciding which dictionary it is that you may need and can get the most use out of.
Traditional paper dictionaries have been used by people for many years. Because they are printed, they are a reliable source of the most accurate and detailed explanations for words and sentences. Here are our recommended paper dictionaries for Japanese learners.
Widely referenced as the most comprehensive English-Japanese dictionary available. It has an all-inclusive word bank of 22,000 words with the support of 190,000 sample questions. It includes Japanese translations for common words, technical terms, and even slang. Additionally, phrasal verbs, specific expressions, idioms, and related grammar points are also included. Most importantly, there is furigana to ensure users the ease of reading. In conclusion, this is a well-rounded paper dictionary suitable for all levels of Japanese learners.
2.Oxford Beginner’s Japanese Dictionary (Multilingual Edition)
This highly rated dictionary was designed to help English-speaking learners have a comprehensive and straightforward introduction to Japanese. It covers vocabulary needed within the first year of study, has notes on grammar, and overall helps guide readers on the culture of Japan. They provide clear examples to show how the language will be used in varying contexts, and is overall well-organized. One of its key features, too, is that the dictionary is split into two sections: The first, where words are organized alphabetically in Japanese, then the second part is organized alphabetically in English.
If you are an absolute beginner in Japanese and would like a dictionary that matches your beginner level. We recommend you use this. It is a basic English-Japanese and Japanese-English dictionary with 30,000 applicable basic Japanese words. As its name suggests, there is always furigana on top of every kanji in the dictionary to assist the user as they read. Despite having a smaller word bank, the explanations for each term are precise and comprehensive. For example, words are explained with thousands of examples of sentences. Differences in the usage of similar words are clarified in the dictionary. In conclusion, this is the first Japanese dictionary for beginners.
If you feel that it is too troublesome flipping through thousands of pages on a paper dictionary, you may consider getting an electronic one. Electronic Japanese dictionaries are portable, fast and with useful features such as kanji writing recognition and integrated audio. Some may also have multiple dictionaries stored. This allows you to avoid the trouble of carrying a heavy book around.
Electronic dictionaries have one big weakness – most Japanese electronic dictionaries are built for Japanese English learners. Therefore, the user interface is in Japanese most of the time. If you are a beginner in Japanese, we do not recommend you to get one.
The price of an electronic dictionary depends on its features and the number of dictionaries stored. While older models with basic functions cost less than 40 US dollars, some newer models have more features and bigger word banks are priced up to $500.
Because of the convenient translation websites and apps today, it is almost pointless to spend money on simple electronic dictionaries. As such, we advise you to purchase a newer model with better features. Specific models we recommend is Casio’s ED 9800 Series. It is the comprehensive English-Japanese dictionary series with the latest features. The latest model has the largest word bank supported by 20 English-Japanese dictionaries and 11 Japanese-Japanese dictionaries. Some online dictionaries have audiobooks attached to them, so users are able to double-check what they are saying sounds the same (or similar) to native speakers.
Best Online Japanese Dictionaries and Apps
If you are looking for an easy solution that is also free, we recommend you use an online dictionary and ap dictionary. Online dictionaries and apps only require your phone or laptop and an internet connection (some are even available totally offline). They are extremely convenient, easily accessible, and suitable for most people. Here are our recommended online dictionaries and apps.
1. Weblio
Weblio
Weblio is the largest Japanese dictionary website with about 11,370,000 words recorded. You can simply search for the English explanation of a Japanese word or vice versa. Detailed explanations from different dictionaries will be listed with example sentences, phrases, and related words. However, because of the Japanese UI, this website is only recommended to upper beginners and above.
This is a powerful English Japanese online dictionary with a simple user interface and easy-to-use functions. Advanced search options allow you to search for Japanese translations, Kanji, example sentences, and names. You can also look for words by their radicals, drawings, and even voice input in both Japanese and English. And what is really great for Japanese learners is that you can identify words based on their JLPT level. Kanji from the words will also be listed on the right with their pronunciations and meanings. This online dictionary is extremely suitable for self-learners.
Rated the highest on Google Play, this is one of the best free offline Japanese dictionaries for Android. You can search for words using romaji, kana, kanji or alphabets. You can also search for the translation of complete sentences – just like jisho.org, you can search for kanji by their radicals. Other useful features, such as flashcards and custom word lists, make it even more convenient for use by learners. If you are using an Android device, we highly recommend this app.
A wordplay on the Japanese phrase, “What’s the meaning?” Imiwa is a popular free offline multilingual Japanese dictionary for iPhone. Like the one introduced above, this app also has a strong search engine that allows you to search by meaning, romaji, kanji or alphabet. Of course, you can also search for a kanji by radicals or by drawing it out. Animated stroke order diagrams, pronunciations, and definitions of the kanji will be shown in many languages. For revision, you can review the words in your search history and create your vocabulary lists. It is very highly rated and often suggested online.
“Japanese” is a comprehensive offline Japanese dictionary for both Android and iPhone. It compiles every useful feature you can find in other Japanese dictionary apps. There are over 175,000 entries and 58,000 example sentences in this app, covering every Japanese word you would see. Moreover, it is more than just a dictionary. For users sitting for the JLPT or the Kanji Kentei, it has ready-built study lists for each level, getting you prepared for the tests.
ALC is a well-established name in Japan’s language-learning world, known for its dependable and comprehensive resources. Its flagship online dictionary, Eijirou (英辞郎), is especially popular among professionals, including translators, thanks to its extensive database of example sentences, collocations, idiomatic phrases, and technical terms that are often missing from other dictionaries.
It’s particularly strong when you’re dealing with specialized vocabulary or need to understand how a term is used in different contexts.
If you’re learning Japanese and use a phone or iPad, Nihongo is one of the best dictionary apps you can get your hands on. Created by developer and Japanese learner Chris Vasselli, the app is designed with learners in mind.
What makes Nihongo stand out is its seamless mix of dictionary and study tools. It automatically creates flashcards from words you look up, lets you add photos to help with memory, and shows whether a word is common, uncommon, or rare.
There are also some clever features that make learning smoother. The app includes a Safari extension that adds furigana to kanji on websites, a handwriting tool for when you don’t know a kanji’s reading, and a “Clippings” feature that lets you save real Japanese text and study it later. You can even trace words you’ve saved back to the original content they came from.
Kotobank is a Japanese-language online encyclopedia that lets you search across a wide range of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and databases.
It’s a go-to tool when you want quick, reliable definitions or need to better understand the deeper meaning of a Japanese term. The definitions often provide more nuance and cultural context than you’d get from a simple translation.
Linguee is a free online dictionary that supports multiple language pairs, including Japanese, German, Spanish, and more, translated from English. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require an account or login, which makes it a convenient tool for quick lookups.
What really sets Linguee apart is its vast number of example sentences. In addition to basic, tool-generated examples, it pulls real-world sentences from external sources like multilingual websites. These examples provide richer context and help you see how a word or phrase is actually used in natural writing. While not every translation is perfect—since most aren’t manually reviewed—it’s still an excellent resource for learners.
Tagaini Jisho is a free Japanese-English dictionary app available for both Mac and Windows. While its interface may look a bit old, it’s packed with features that are especially useful for serious learners. You can filter vocabulary by JLPT level, parts of speech, or kanji elements, making it great for targeted study. It even includes kanji stroke order animations to help with writing practice.
Other standout features include the ability to add custom tags and notes to entries, create flashcards, and even print out study booklets using foldable templates. These print-friendly sheets are perfect if you prefer offline learning or want something to carry around in your pocket.
“Shirabe Jisho” is owned by the same users who made Jisho.org, so now having a mobile interface that can be used in both Japanese-English or English-Japanese makes it all the better in our books. Its reliability stands out for users as well, with it having 4.9 stars out of 5 with over 7,500 ratings.
There are many ways to go about learning Japanese, let alone many options for dictionaries. Take time for yourself and think about what will work best for you and your learning needs before you purchase your next dictionary. What are some features that you think will help you better comprehend Japanese? You could maybe trial a few to see what works best for you before totally submitting to one!
If you’re looking for in-person practice or one-on-one help from a native speaker, Coto Academy may be what you need! With in-person classes or private online courses, Coto has a variety of options based on your needs to help you learn Japanese culture and language with ease!
If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below. Courses can be found here.
FAQ
How do I translate Japanese words into English?
While it may vary dictionary-to-dictionary, most Japanese to English dictionaries have it so you can type or paste in the search box to be provided an instant search result. When it comes to physical dictionaries though, you can look it up alphabetically with the Japanese word.
How do I search for Japanese words and kanji?
There are many ways of doing this, especially depending on if it’s a physical or e-book. Sometimes you can look it up using a search box, by category, stroke count, or by radicals.
Should you take the JLPT N5 exam?
Through studying Japanese, taking the JLPT N5 exam may be a great way to stay motivated and see your hard work get good use. It is a good learning experience regardless of the score received, and helps to build structure in your learning goals and skills.
What is the Japanese word for dictionary?
The Japanese word for dictionary is 辞書（じしょ / jisho).
