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A

ABAYO >> Informal term for "good bye", this is not considered a polite way to say
goodbye.

ABUNE >> Slang, this is an exclamation take from "abunai". It is used as in, "That was
close!!!" (Thanks to Aussie boy)

ACHI ITTE >> Impolite phrase meaning "go over there!" which of course means that
you should "go away!"

ACHI KAERE >> Impolite phrase meaning "go back over there, far away". This is a
very direct way of saying "go away!".

AHO >> Impolite term meaning "dumb ass".

AHONDARA >> Slang, insult, related to "aho" but much stronger. (Thanks to Aussie
boy)

AH SO >> Informal phrase which means "Oh, I see...", but I would avoid using this
phrase as a "gaijin" because it may have been over-used by American movie studios as
a stereo-typical Japanese thing to say. I think that I have read somewhere that it may
even be offensive to some Japanese people.

AITSU >> Impolite term meaning "that thing over there" or "that dude over there".

AKUMABITO >> Informal term for "demon" or "spirit". The first "A" is not clearly
pronounced. "Akuma" means devil or demon, and "bito" refers to a person (HITO). The
"H" in HITO changes to "B" after certain vowels.

AMAI >> Informal term meaning "gullible" or "someone who is a real sap".

ANO >> Informal word which can mean "that thing over there", but the slang meaning
is more commonly "Uhhh..." or "Well..." and is used a lot in colloquial speech at the
start of a sentence or between sentences just like we use "Uhhh.." to slow down the
conversation so we can think.

APO >> Informal term referring to "an appointment for a date".

ARE ! >> used for exclamation such as : "Oh my !" "WTF?" etc.

B
BAITO >> Informal slang for someone who is working part-time.

BAKA >> Informal word meaning "stupid". This has to be the most commonly used
insult in Japan. Being called stupid is quite serious to the Japanese.
BECHA BECHA >> Slang used to describe a "chatterbox" or a really noisey
converation (see PECHA KUCHA)

BETSU NI >> Informal phrase meaning "nothing" or "nothing really". Normally used
in response to a question.

BIJIN >> Informal term meaning "beautiful woman" but actually is closer to "hot
babe!"

BISHONEN >> Informal term for "hunk" or "cute guy"

BOKE >> Impolite term meaning "knuckle head"

BONKURA >> Slang, insult, referring to your intelligence such as, "dimwit" or
"dumbass" (Thanks to Ahondara)

BOROI >> Slang, refers to something that is "old" or "worn out". Also see BORO
BORO (Thanks to Ahondara). Also, Slang for "making easy money" or "making money
dishonestly" (thanks to Mamingazetto).

BORO BORO >> Informal, refers to something that is "old" or "worn out". Also see
BOROI. (Thanks to Ahondara)

BOZU >> Informal term for "kid" and is kind of like saying "Hey squirt!".

BURU HAIRU >> An expression used when things aren't going right (Thanks to
chickendance)

BURU SERA >> You may need to know this, if you are a perv.......This is a business
which sells uniforms (usually for school girls )

BUSAIKU >> Slang, insult, refers to someone's appearance such as, "pretty damn
UGLY!!!" (Thanks to Aussie boy)

C
CHARA CHARA >> Slang for something that is too flashy in terms of style, or refers
to person who blatantly flirts.

CHAU CHAU >> Informal way of saying CHIGAIMASU which means "wrong" or
"it's something different (from what you think)". This phrase comes from the Osaka
dialect. Can be said once or twice depending on the tone or emphasis.

CHE >> Exclamation used to express disgust. It's kinda like saying "shiiit!"

CHINKE >> Slang, refers to something "cheap" and of "poor quality". (Thanks to
Ahondara)
CHOBERIBA >> Informal term which means "extremely bad". CHO means
"extremely", and the BERIBA actually comes from and sounds like "very bad".

CHOBERIGU >> Informal term which means "extremely good". CHO means
"extremely", and the BERIGU actually comes from and sounds like "very good". This
may now be heard as CHOBEGU. (Thanks to Ahondara)

CHODAI >> Informal term that is very close to KURE YO! and means "Please do this
for me".

CHOTTO II ? >> This is how you ask, "Can I ask you something quick?" this is a
friendly way, and is best used with people you know already.

CHOTTO MATTE >> Informalphrase which means "wait a minute" or "excuse me a


bit" and can vary according to the tone you use all the way up to "wait a damn minute!".

CHOUSHI HA DOU DESU KA? >> This is how you say : " How are you (feeling) ? "

D
DABO >> Slang, insult referring to your intelligence, like "complete idiot" (Thanks to
Mamingazetto)

DAI >> Colloquial for DESU KA example: Nan dai? = Nan desu ka?

DAME >> Informal term with many meanings. I can mean "no" or "it's bad" or "it's
not possible" or "you can't do that" etc. etc. It is word that signals a "no" answer.

DASAI >> Exclamation used to express disgust about something totally uncool.

DE >> Informal term that can have many meanings, but the slang usage is at the
beginning of a sentence. When a person starts a sentence with DE, it is more of an
interjection, and it's meaning is more like "So....(anyway)..."

DATTARA >> Informal phrase which means "if that is so..." and can be used as in
"so?"

DO- >> Colloquial prefix, used to add emphasis to words such as "total" or "absolute"
such as "Do-Aho!"

DO ITTA >> Informal phrase which means "move out of the way" but is basically a
way of saying "move it!"

DOUKA >> This is used at the beginning of a request. It is close in translation to


"Would you please....." EX: Douka...shashin o misete kudasai yo!

DO KASHITEIRU >> Informal phrase which means "Are you o.k.? (you seem kinda
out of it)"
DOKE >> Informal term used to say "get out of the way!". It is a slang version of the
word DOKERU.

-DONO >> Suffix added to names like "-san" to make it more polite, but "-dono" is
more like "Mr." In TENCHI MUYO, Washu addresses Tenchi as "Tenchi Dono" very
often and she is just being extra respectul to Tenchi by calling him "Mr. Tenchi".

DOSE >> Informal word used to express "Anyway......." in a somewhat negative way,
or used in a sentence to express doubt like when you user the word "afterall".
EXAMPLE: Afterall (doose).....it can't be true you know.

DORE DORE >> Informal phrase which loosely translates to, "Hello, what do we
have here?" or "What's this?"

DORO DORO >> Informal term for something that is gooey or muddy, or something
that is confusing. Consider the abstract concept of "muddiness". Also is used to imply
that someone is not getting along with someone else.

DOSHITA >> Informal phrase which can mean "what's wrong?" or "what?" or is used
to get a response, like when you say "well...?"

DOSHITA NO >> Informal phrase which can mean "what's wrong?" or "what
happened?" and is mostly used to express concern. The NO at the end doesn't really
change the meaning much, and is used in this case for emphasis.

E
ETO >> Interjection that is similar to "uhhh.." or "errr..." and can imply a phrase such
as, "well, actually...."

F
FAITO !!! >> Loan word which refers to a fighting spirit, kinda like GAMBATTE and
is said when you want to express that you must keep on going and hang in there.

FUKERU >> To play hooky from school, or something. This word is very similar to
saboru (Thanks to Sakura)

G
GAKI >> Informal term meaning "brat" or "young punk"

GAMAN SHIRO >> This is a simple way of saying , "..Just deal with it"

GARUTACHI >> Informal term which roughly means "partners in crime" and refers
to real hoodlums.

GE >> Exclamation meaning "yuck!" or "gross!"


GOCHA GOCHA SURU >> this means "to be confused"

GO KURO >> Informal phrase which means "good work" or "thanks for doing
something that inconveniences you" and is short for the more polite GO KUROSAMA
DESHITA.

GUZU >> Somebody who dawdles, wastes times, or goofs off.

GUZU GUZU >> Informal phrase which refers to something or someone that is lazy,
or an action which happens slowly and lazily.

GYOGI GA WARUI >> Informal phrase which simply means "bad manners"

HAI >> OK, this DOES NOT MEAN "yes", it means "I am paying attention, and I
understand what you are saying"

HAMATTA >> Expresses that something was funny. (Thanks Boozemonkey)

HANASHI ARU sounds like HAH NAH SHEE AH RU. Informal phrase which
means "I need to speak to you" although literally it means "a conversation exists".

HARA HETA sounds like HAH REH TAH. Informal phrase which means "To be
hungry" and literally translates as "My/your belly is in a bad condition".

HASSHIN sounds like HA SHEEN. Exclamation meaning "launch!".

HAZUI sounds like HAH ZEE. Informal term for "embarrassing" and is short for
HAZUKASHII.

HE ? >> This is how you say, "Huh?" or "WTF?"

HETCHI >> This refers to anything or anyone that is perverted

HEKI >> informal expression that loosely translates as "No problem!" "It's ok!"
"Forget about it!"
ex: Daijobu desu ka? Heki da yo! (Is it a problem? No problem, it's ok!!)

HIDOI sounds like HEE DEH. Informal term meaning "terrible" or "horrible" or
"grotesque"

HORA sounds like HO RAH. Informal term which kinda means "hey!" or "see?!"
when you want to get somebody's attention. Related to KORA

I
ICHIO sounds like ITCHY OH. Informal term meaning "anyway...." or "well...." and
can replace a direct answer with the meaning "Uhhh...kinda sorta...".

II DARO sounds like EE DAH ROH. Informal phrase meaning "it's a deal" or "it's
o.k. with me" or "it's probably o.k.".

II JA NAI BETSU NI >> This expression is used to say "It's o.k.! I don't mind!" but if
you use it when someone is being nosey, then it means, "It's none of your business
anyhow!!!"

II KAMO SHIRENAIsounds like EE KAH MO SHEE NIGH. Colloquial phrase that


is used to say that something is nice, good, or cool. II KAMO is used by itself alot to
simply say something is cool. "Shirenai" is literally translated as "I dunno..." so it
follows the polite way of expressing your thoughts by ending the phrase with an
expression of doubt. (Thanks to Greg C. Sharp for this valuable bit of info!)

IJO NASHI sounds like EE JOE NIGH SHH. Informal phrase meaning "functioning
normally". This is used a lot in futuristic anime in regards to equipment working
normally. Literally means "without abnormallity" and replaces the English version "all
systems normal".

IKEMEN >> Translates into something like "very handsome man" or "hot guy"

IKENAI sounds like EE KEH NIGH. Informal term meaning "something's wrong" or
"it's no good" or "you can't do that" or "it wont work". It is very close to the word
DAME and is short for IKEMASEN.

IKINARI >> This word means "suddenly" or "without notice" and is used to say that
something was unexpected and usually not welcome. For instance, if somebody visits
you without an invitation, that is the kind of feeling it expresses.

II KAGEN NI SHINASAI >> loosely translates as "don't be like that!" or "don't


behave like that!" and is usually used to scold kids.

II ZO sounds like EEE ZO. Informal phrase meaning "ready!" or "let's go for it!"

II YO >> This means, "It's OK, don't worry about it !"

IKU ZE sounds like EE KU ZEH. Informal phrase meaning "let's go!"

IYA sounds like EE YAH. Exclamation meaning "no way!" or something like "that's
terrible!"

J
JA sounds like JAH. Informal exclamation which can mean "well..." or "see ya!" or
"umm..." or can be used to stall for time when you don't want to answer a difficult
question. It is a very handy word and has many more meanings. It is also a very short
way of saying "bye!"
JIGEN sounds like GEE GHEN. Standard word for "dimension". It is commonly
heard in anime when referring to
an interdimensional tunnel which is called "JIGEN NO TUNERU"

JOUZU DESU NE ! >> OK, LISTEN CAREFULLY This is how you say, "My, you
are pretty good at (English or Japanese)".......but if Japanese people say this to you,
DONT LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD OK? They are just being polite.

JUNBI O.K. DESU >> This is a very modern way of saying, "I'm ready!" And it really
does use O.K. as in English.

K
KAI sounds like KIGH. Colloquial for DESU KA example: Nan kai? = Nan desu ka?

KAN KAN sounds like KAHN KAHN. Slang which means "pissed off" or "going
ballistic" or "enraged"

KEITA sounds like KAY TAH. Informal term for "cell phone"

KI GA TSUITA >> Informal phrase which translates as "to be awake" or "to be


conscious" and also means "I just noticed something"

KIMOCHI WARUI sounds like KEE MO CHEE WAH RU EE. Informal phrase
which means "feel sick" but is more often used to say "yuck!" or "gross!". I think that if
you say "Kimochi GA warui" then it refers to how sick you feel.

KIMOI sounds like KEE MOY. Informal term for " feel sick" or "makes me feel sick",
it is short for KIMOCHI WARUI.

KI NI SHINAI sounds like KEY KNEE SHEEN EYE. Informal phrase meaning
"don't worry" or "no problem". "Ki ni suru" means, "To worry".

KIDOU sounds like KEY DOH. Informal term which means "start to function" or "be
functional".

KISAMA sounds like KEY SAH MAH. Impolite term for "you" and will probably get
you into a fight if you use it (in Japan). Literally means "your honorable self".

KISHOI sounds like KEY SHEH. Informal term for "gross" or "nasty".

KOCHI KOCHI sounds like KO CHEE KO CHEE. Slang meaning "this way!" or
"over here!". It is short for KOCHIRA which is a polite way of saying "this way".

KOITSU sounds like KOYT-SUU. Informal term meaning "this thing" or "this
dude/chic" and can be considered rude.

KON ~ >> This is the friendly and cool way to say "Konnichi ha " in a chatroom.
KON'ARO sounds like CON ARROW. Impolite term for "you bastard!". It is short for
"kono yaro"

KONCHA >> Short for Konnichiwa and is very colloquial.

KONJYOYAKI >> Pressing a lit cigarette onto your own arm to prove you've got
"konjyo" (guts) Thanks to Boozemonkey for this one.

KONO YARO sounds like KO NO YAH ROH. Impolite phrase meaning "you/that
bastard!" even though "kono" refers to "this". ( see "YARO" )

KORA sounds like KO RAH. Informal term meaning "hey!" or close to "listen here!"
and is used to get someone's attention in a rough tone.

KOSO KOSO sounds like KO SO KO SO. Onomotopoeia which describes a


"sneaky" action or behavior.

KURE YO sounds like KUU REH YOH. Informal phrase meaning "please do this for
me" and is literally closer to "wont'cha do this for me?" and can also be used as in
"Gimmie!" (Thanks to Mamingazetto)

KORYA sounds like KO REE AH. Colloquial for KORE WA meaning "this"

KUSO sounds like KUU SO. Exclamation that means "shit!" and is used just like
anywhere in the world.

KUSOTARE sounds like KUU SO TAH REH. Slang term which is easily translated to
"shithead"

L THERE ARE WORDS THAT SOUND LIKE THEY START WITH L, BUT THEY
DON'T.

M
MAA sounds like MAH. Colloquial interjection that closely translates as "well..." or
"anyway..." and is included very often (I mean very often with some people) with no
intended meaning.

MAA MO NAKU (NAI) sounds like MAH MOW NAH KOO. Colloquial usage
which translates as "a short time" and more literally is "not even for a short amount of
time". You can use it to describe that something happened a short while ago, or that
something will happen shortly, or that something has been going on for only a short
amount of time.

MAGURO = Slang, refers to a woman who is rather less than enthusiastic during sex.
Like a "dead fish". (Thanks to Honen)

MAHO SHOJO sounds like MAH HO SHOW JOE. Informal term from anime which
refers to a female character that has magical powers.
MAJI sounds like MAH GEE. Informal phrase that means "really?" or "are you
serious?"

MAMA sounds like MAH MAH. Informal phrase meaning "calm down" or "there
there". It is also used to refer to something that is "same as usual"

MANIAKU sounds like MAH NEE AKKU. Slang word referring to someone who is a
know-it-all about a subject. It may be that this is a more positive term like an "otaku" is
a know-it-all about anime. (Thanks to Balaji from India for this suggestion!)

MATA NE ! >> This is how you say, "See you later !"

MAZUI sounds like MAH ZEE. Informal term that refers to something that tastes
terrible or something that sucks.

MECHA >> Slang word added for emphasis, kinda like "Ultra-...." so you could say
"Mecha muzukashi desu ne!" for "It's super difficult huh?!" (Thanks to Mina for this
suggestion!)

MECHA KUCHA >> means "very" as in "pretty f**king good!"

MENDOI >> Informal term for "troublesome". It is short for MENDO KUSAI which
literally means "stinks of trouble".

MISE MONO JA NAI YO ! >> Loosely means "what are you looking at buddy !?"

MUKATSUKU>> Informal term for "being irritated" or "pissed off"

MUKO >> Impolite term that literally means "opposite side" but it is used to refer to
someone else who is causing you to be angry and you are totally against of. Also refers
to something that you feel is not correct or unreasonable, Very close to "damn you!"

MURI SHINAI DE >> loosely translates as "take it easy!" or "don't kill yourself!"

MUYO sounds like MUU YOH. Informal term that means "unnecessary." It is also
used to say "(there is) no need" for something.

MUZUI sounds like MU ZEEH. Informal term for "difficult" and is short for
MUZUKASHII

N
NAMERU JA NAI sounds like NAH MEH RUU JAH NYE. Informalphrase which
translates as "don't mess with me!" or "don't underestimate me!". It is usually said in an
aggressive tone of voice.

NAME'N JA NE sounds like NAMEN JAH NEH. Informal phrase which is derived
from NAMERU JA NAI ("don't mess with me")
NANCHATTE sounds like NAN CHA TEH. Slang term that is popular with young
people, it is used in the same
way that "...just kidding!" is. It basically lets you know that somebody is just fooling
around jokingly, or being ironic about what they are talking about.

NANDAKKE >> This expression is used when someone mentions something that you
might have been told before but you forgot. Or, it is used to express " Um yeah, what
about that (thing you're talking about)?"

NAN DE sounds like NAN DEH. Colloquial term meaning "why?"

NANKA SA >> slangy term, can be used loosely as in "....oh yeah...by the way.."

...NA NO DA sounds like NAH NO DAH. Colloquial quirk, and I'll go out on a ledge
and say that it equals the words NO DESU and does not change the meaning of the
sentence otherwise.

NANPA sounds like NAN PAH. Slang term meaning "pick up line" or "to try and pick
someone up".

NANTE KOTO sounds like NAN TEH KO TO. Interjection which loosely translates
to "Oh my gosh!" and more literally means "what an experience!"

NANTO KA sounds like NAN TOH KAH. Informal phrase that means, "Somehow..."
It is usually use in the phrase, "Nanto ka na....." which is usually used when trying to
say," I guess I'll figure it out somehow...." or "I guess I'm not sure how it will work
out".

NARUHODO >> When you are speaking or chatting with a Japanese person, say this
often so they know you are still listening.

NE sounds like NEH. Informal interjection with many uses. It can mean "right?" or
"isn't it" or "hey!"

-NECHAN sounds like NEH CHAH NN. Informal suffix added to girl's names to add
respect but it doesn't add formality. It refers to an older sister but the person doesn't
have to actually be related. This is used alot in Tenchi Muyo by Sasami.

-NICHAN sounds like KNEE CHAH NN. Informal suffix added to boy's names to add
respect but it doesn't add formality. It refers to an older brother but the person doesn't
have to actually be related. This is used alot inTenchi Muyo by Sasami.

NYAKO sounds like NEE AH KO. Informal term for "kitty cat"

NYUUYOKU >> This means "take a bath" and is used as a pun because it sounds like
the Japanese word for New York. Get it?

O
OBOETE OKE sounds like OH BOY TOH KEH. Colloquial phrase which roughly
translates as "Remember this!" (Thanks to Greg C. Sharp for this definition). For
further clarification, I will add that "OKE" comes from "OKU" which means "to put"
or "to place" or "to keep", in other words, OBOETE OKE means that you should
take whatever information is being given to you and you better keep it in your thoughts.

OFKAI sounds like AH HH KIGH. Informalinternet term which refers to meeting an


internet acquaintance in person, face to face. (replace the "f" sound with an "h" sound)

OHA sounds like OH HAH. Exclamatory phrase for "good morning". Very short for
OHAYO GOZAIMASU.

OHISA~ >> This is the cool and friendly way to say, "Long time no see" and it is short
for "O-hisashiburi desu ne"

OI sounds like OY. Informal term meaning "hey!". Used to get somebody's attention.

OITOMA >> very common expressed used to say " I gotta go now!!!"

OMAE sounds like OH MAH YEH. Informal term for "you". This is not a term you
use to speak to people you respect.

OMAKE sounds like OH MAH KEH. Slang for "bonus" but is also an informal term
for "defeat" or "loss".

OMATA sounds like OH MAH TAH. Informal phrase which means "sorry to keep
you waiting" and is short for the more polite OMATASE SHIMASHITA.

OMOROI -Slang, short for omoshiroi

ONIGIRI I think it sounds like OH NEE GEE LEE. Standard word which means
"wrapped" but refers to a very common rice treat. Just in case you didn't know, this is
what you call the little rice cakes that you see kids eating in most anime. They look like
little white turnovers and are made of rice and maybe a little stuffing inside, usually
pickled plum. Sometimes they have a little piece of seaweed on the outside. This may
be called "MUSUBI" or "OMUSUBI" which means "tied up". By the way, in some
Pokemon episodes, onigiri is referred to as "donuts" which they obviously are not.

ONORE sounds like OH NO REH. Impolite term referring to "one's self" but is being
sarcastic in a way that makes the listener angry. It's like "KISAMA" means "your
honorable self" but is actually making a snide remark. (Thanks to Mamingazetto)

O SAKI NI sounds like OH SAH KEY KNEE. Informal phrase used to say "excuse
me for going ahead of you". It is a short way to say "Saki ni, shitsurei shimasu" which
means, "I am being rude for going ahead/before you".

OSSU sounds like OSSS. Slang term meaning "good morning". It is the very first and
last part of "ohayo gozaimasu".

P
PAKURU >> Slang meaning to steal something, or to steal someone's idea (related to
PAKURI) Thanks to Chicken dance for this one.

PECHA KUCHA >> This is the most commonly used term for someone who talks
alot, a real "chatterbox"

PIN PON sounds like PEEN PON. Onomatopoeia which means "ding!" as in "ding!
you're right!"

PURA MODERU sounds like PRUH MODURUH. Informal term for "plastic model".
the PURA- is from PURASUCHIKKU which means "plastic".

PURI PURI >> This is used to describe somebody's mood that seems to be grouchy or
moody.

Q THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT START WITH Q... I think....


R
RAKKI sounds like RAH KEY. Slang term that comes from the English word "lucky"
and is used to express that something really "cool" just happened that makes you feel
"lucky".

RYOKAI sounds like YO KIGH. Informal term meaning "roger!" as used in military
radio communications. The "R" is rarely noticeable. The literal translation is,
"agreement" or "understanding". Thanks to M. Fiorello for pointing out the proper
spelling for this one. The word "YOKAI" is standard for "ghosts" or "phantoms".

S
SABISU sounds like SAH BIS. Loan word meaning "service" but when you hear it
used in anime, usually at the end credits or previews, it refers to "fan service" which
means that the current video or the next video in the series will include bonus scenes or
artwork.

SADO sounds like SAW DOH. Informal term which means "operational" or "to
operate" in terms of operating equipment. Also, Slang, this meaning refers to a "sadist"
or "S&M" in general. (Thanks to Ahondara).

SAIKIN DOU ? >> This is how you say "Hows it goin lately ?" This is for people you
know already.

SAIKO sounds like PSYCHO. Slang word meaning "the best" or "the coolest!" or
"awesome!"

SAITE sounds like SIGH TEH. Slang word meaning "the worst" or "it's the pits" or
"crappy".
SA'NARA sounds like SAH NAH RAH. Colloquial term that is short for
SAYONARA.

SASUGA sounds like SAS GAH. Informal term, (not slang, but is used a lot in anime
so I'll include it) This is used to say that, "(somebody) did something good, or they did a
good job, just as you would expect"

SAYO sounds like SAH YO. Interjection meaning "it's true" and is another way of
saying SO KA if you use the words SAYO KA.

SHAKUHACHI = Slang, literal meaning is a "bamboo flute or clarinet" but is used to


refer to "oral sex given to a man" (Thanks to Honen)

SHIKKARI SHITE sounds like SHEEKAH REESH TEH. Informal phrase meaning
"be strong" or "get a hold of yourself" or "be confident".

SHIMATTA sounds like SHIH MAH TAH. Informal term simply meaning "damn it!"

SHINAI sounds like SHE NIGH. Informal word which usually means "don't do" but
actually in some uses, possibly more by women, it simply replaces NAI which means
"none or no". You mostly have to figure this out by using the context of what is being
said.

SHISHI-ODOSHI >> Standard term for the common garden water fountain that is
made out of bamboo seen in many anime movies. It means "deer scarer". This is the
thing that makes that "clack" sound.

SHOCK >> Loan word used to express "shock" or disbelief.

SHOGANAI DARO sounds like SHOW GAH NIGH DAH ROH. Informal phrase
that expresses the feeling that something is hopeless and you might as well stop
resisting and just go along with it. It is like saying, "OH, what's the use...?"

SHOKIN KASEGI sounds like SHOW KEEN KAH SEH GEEH. Informal phrase
meaning "bounty hunting". SHOKIN is "reward" and KASEGI is "earnings".

SHOKIN KUBI NI sounds like SHOW KEEN KUU BEE KNEE. Informalphrase
meaning "bounty" or "reward". KUBI is "neck" so it means that "there is a reward in
your neck".

SHUSSE HARAI sounds like SHOE SEH HA RYE. Informal phrase meaning
"success payment". It is used to indicate that you want to buy something on credit. It is
normally used as in "I'll pay you when I score big!".

SHINAKUCHA >> Colloquial usage, short for "shinakereba naranai" which means
"must" (Thanks to Ario Wibowo)

SO DESU NE sounds like SO DEZ NEH. Informal phrase with many meanings. The
first meaning can be "It is, isn't it?", another meaning can be "I see...", or "It seems to
be that way" or "I think it's true (because of what I know from other people)". Also, you
will hear this phrase a lot in television interviews, it seems to be a popular habit, and is
probably a polite way of letting the other person know you are listening to them.

SO KA sounds like SO KAH. Informal phrase which can mean "really?" or "I see..."

SON'NA sounds like SO NAH. Interjection which means "no way!" or "that can't be!".
This word is normally found in dictionaries, but doesn't seem to include this translation.

SORE GA, DOSHITA? sounds like SOREH GAH DOSH TAH. Informal phrase
which translates as "so what?!"

SORO SORO.... >> This is a somewhat polite way to say "Umm....I gotta get goin ok?
" The complete phrase is "Soro soro oitoma o....."

SO SO sounds like SOH SOH. Interjection usage translates as "Indeed!" "By the
way!..." "Come to think of it!"

SUGE sounds like SUU GEH. Slang term meaning "cool!" or "awesome!". It is slang
for SUGOI

SUKOSHI WARUI NO JA NAI sounds like SKOSH EE WAH RU EE NO JAH


NIGH. Informalphrase which best translates as "not too shabby". Literally means "it's
not a little bit bad"

SUMMAN sounds like SUU MAH. Informal term, short for SUMIMASEN.
SUMIMASEN can mean "I'm sorry" or "thank you", but SUMMA is generally used to
express regret.

T
TAKO sounds like TACO. Informal term for "stupid jerk" with emphasis on the
stupid. It literally means "octopus".

TAKU sounds like TAH KU. Slang term which closely means "damn it!", probably
from the word MATTAKU.

TAKURU >> Slang which means to catch a taxi (Thanks to MacGyver)

TAOSU sounds like TAOS. Informal term for "drop" or "defeat" but slang usage
means "kill"

TASHIKA NI sounds like TASH KAH KNEE. Informal phrase that means "certainly"
or "without a doubt"

TEME sounds like TEH MEH. Informal and extremely rude way to say "you". Very
popular word in anime. Using this word means you're looking for trouble.

TTE BA sounds like TEH BAH. Informal phrase ending used when you have to repeat
yourself when you think someone is not listening to you. EXAMPLE: "Yamete! yamete
tte ba!" "Stop! Stop! I said!" It took a long time to find out what this meant! It
emphasizes that you just said something.

TTE KA >> very slangy phrase, and can be used for just about anything like....."you
know....." "....oh yeah..." "..by the way...." "in other words"

-TTE KANJI sounds like TEH KAN GEE. Slang inserted in phrases or at the end of
words to express "it's something like" or "you know what I mean....?" or ".A

ABAYO >> Informal term for "good bye", this is not considered a polite way to say
goodbye.

ABUNE >> Slang, this is an exclamation take from "abunai". It is used as in, "That was
close!!!" (Thanks to Aussie boy)

ACHI ITTE >> Impolite phrase meaning "go over there!" which of course means that
you should "go away!"

ACHI KAERE >> Impolite phrase meaning "go back over there, far away". This is a
very direct way of saying "go away!".

AHO >> Impolite term meaning "dumb ass".

AHONDARA >> Slang, insult, related to "aho" but much stronger. (Thanks to Aussie
boy)

AH SO >> Informal phrase which means "Oh, I see...", but I would avoid using this
phrase as a "gaijin" because it may have been over-used by American movie studios as
a stereo-typical Japanese thing to say. I think that I have read somewhere that it may
even be offensive to some Japanese people.

AITSU >> Impolite term meaning "that thing over there" or "that dude over there".

AKUMABITO >> Informal term for "demon" or "spirit". The first "A" is not clearly
pronounced. "Akuma" means devil or demon, and "bito" refers to a person (HITO). The
"H" in HITO changes to "B" after certain vowels.

AMAI >> Informal term meaning "gullible" or "someone who is a real sap".

ANO >> Informal word which can mean "that thing over there", but the slang meaning
is more commonly "Uhhh..." or "Well..." and is used a lot in colloquial speech at the
start of a sentence or between sentences just like we use "Uhhh.." to slow down the
conversation so we can think.

APO >> Informal term referring to "an appointment for a date".

ARE ! >> used for exclamation such as : "Oh my !" "WTF?" etc.

B
BAITO >> Informal slang for someone who is working part-time.

BAKA >> Informal word meaning "stupid". This has to be the most commonly used
insult in Japan. Being called stupid is quite serious to the Japanese.

BECHA BECHA >> Slang used to describe a "chatterbox" or a really noisey


converation (see PECHA KUCHA)

BETSU NI >> Informal phrase meaning "nothing" or "nothing really". Normally used
in response to a question.

BIJIN >> Informal term meaning "beautiful woman" but actually is closer to "hot
babe!"

BISHONEN >> Informal term for "hunk" or "cute guy"

BOKE >> Impolite term meaning "knuckle head"

BONKURA >> Slang, insult, referring to your intelligence such as, "dimwit" or
"dumbass" (Thanks to Ahondara)

BOROI >> Slang, refers to something that is "old" or "worn out". Also see BORO
BORO (Thanks to Ahondara). Also, Slang for "making easy money" or "making money
dishonestly" (thanks to Mamingazetto).

BORO BORO >> Informal, refers to something that is "old" or "worn out". Also see
BOROI. (Thanks to Ahondara)

BOZU >> Informal term for "kid" and is kind of like saying "Hey squirt!".

BURU HAIRU >> An expression used when things aren't going right (Thanks to
chickendance)

BURU SERA >> You may need to know this, if you are a perv.......This is a business
which sells uniforms (usually for school girls )

BUSAIKU >> Slang, insult, refers to someone's appearance such as, "pretty damn
UGLY!!!" (Thanks to Aussie boy)

C
CHARA CHARA >> Slang for something that is too flashy in terms of style, or refers
to person who blatantly flirts.

CHAU CHAU >> Informal way of saying CHIGAIMASU which means "wrong" or
"it's something different (from what you think)". This phrase comes from the Osaka
dialect. Can be said once or twice depending on the tone or emphasis.

CHE >> Exclamation used to express disgust. It's kinda like saying "shiiit!"
CHINKE >> Slang, refers to something "cheap" and of "poor quality". (Thanks to
Ahondara)

CHOBERIBA >> Informal term which means "extremely bad". CHO means
"extremely", and the BERIBA actually comes from and sounds like "very bad".

CHOBERIGU >> Informal term which means "extremely good". CHO means
"extremely", and the BERIGU actually comes from and sounds like "very good". This
may now be heard as CHOBEGU. (Thanks to Ahondara)

CHODAI >> Informal term that is very close to KURE YO! and means "Please do this
for me".

CHOTTO II ? >> This is how you ask, "Can I ask you something quick?" this is a
friendly way, and is best used with people you know already.

CHOTTO MATTE >> Informalphrase which means "wait a minute" or "excuse me a


bit" and can vary according to the tone you use all the way up to "wait a damn minute!".

CHOUSHI HA DOU DESU KA? >> This is how you say : " How are you (feeling) ? "

D
DABO >> Slang, insult referring to your intelligence, like "complete idiot" (Thanks to
Mamingazetto)

DAI >> Colloquial for DESU KA example: Nan dai? = Nan desu ka?

DAME >> Informal term with many meanings. I can mean "no" or "it's bad" or "it's
not possible" or "you can't do that" etc. etc. It is word that signals a "no" answer.

DASAI >> Exclamation used to express disgust about something totally uncool.

DE >> Informal term that can have many meanings, but the slang usage is at the
beginning of a sentence. When a person starts a sentence with DE, it is more of an
interjection, and it's meaning is more like "So....(anyway)..."

DATTARA >> Informal phrase which means "if that is so..." and can be used as in
"so?"

DO- >> Colloquial prefix, used to add emphasis to words such as "total" or "absolute"
such as "Do-Aho!"

DO ITTA >> Informal phrase which means "move out of the way" but is basically a
way of saying "move it!"

DOUKA >> This is used at the beginning of a request. It is close in translation to


"Would you please....." EX: Douka...shashin o misete kudasai yo!
DO KASHITEIRU >> Informal phrase which means "Are you o.k.? (you seem kinda
out of it)"

DOKE >> Informal term used to say "get out of the way!". It is a slang version of the
word DOKERU.

-DONO >> Suffix added to names like "-san" to make it more polite, but "-dono" is
more like "Mr." In TENCHI MUYO, Washu addresses Tenchi as "Tenchi Dono" very
often and she is just being extra respectul to Tenchi by calling him "Mr. Tenchi".

DOSE >> Informal word used to express "Anyway......." in a somewhat negative way,
or used in a sentence to express doubt like when you user the word "afterall".
EXAMPLE: Afterall (doose).....it can't be true you know.

DORE DORE >> Informal phrase which loosely translates to, "Hello, what do we
have here?" or "What's this?"

DORO DORO >> Informal term for something that is gooey or muddy, or something
that is confusing. Consider the abstract concept of "muddiness". Also is used to imply
that someone is not getting along with someone else.

DOSHITA >> Informal phrase which can mean "what's wrong?" or "what?" or is used
to get a response, like when you say "well...?"

DOSHITA NO >> Informal phrase which can mean "what's wrong?" or "what
happened?" and is mostly used to express concern. The NO at the end doesn't really
change the meaning much, and is used in this case for emphasis.

E
ETO >> Interjection that is similar to "uhhh.." or "errr..." and can imply a phrase such
as, "well, actually...."

F
FAITO !!! >> Loan word which refers to a fighting spirit, kinda like GAMBATTE and
is said when you want to express that you must keep on going and hang in there.

FUKERU >> To play hooky from school, or something. This word is very similar to
saboru (Thanks to Sakura)

G
GAKI >> Informal term meaning "brat" or "young punk"

GAMAN SHIRO >> This is a simple way of saying , "..Just deal with it"

GARUTACHI >> Informal term which roughly means "partners in crime" and refers
to real hoodlums.
GE >> Exclamation meaning "yuck!" or "gross!"

GOCHA GOCHA SURU >> this means "to be confused"

GO KURO >> Informal phrase which means "good work" or "thanks for doing
something that inconveniences you" and is short for the more polite GO KUROSAMA
DESHITA.

GUZU >> Somebody who dawdles, wastes times, or goofs off.

GUZU GUZU >> Informal phrase which refers to something or someone that is lazy,
or an action which happens slowly and lazily.

GYOGI GA WARUI >> Informal phrase which simply means "bad manners"

HAI >> OK, this DOES NOT MEAN "yes", it means "I am paying attention, and I
understand what you are saying"

HAMATTA >> Expresses that something was funny. (Thanks Boozemonkey)

HANASHI ARU sounds like HAH NAH SHEE AH RU. Informal phrase which
means "I need to speak to you" although literally it means "a conversation exists".

HARA HETA sounds like HAH REH TAH. Informal phrase which means "To be
hungry" and literally translates as "My/your belly is in a bad condition".

HASSHIN sounds like HA SHEEN. Exclamation meaning "launch!".

HAZUI sounds like HAH ZEE. Informal term for "embarrassing" and is short for
HAZUKASHII.

HE ? >> This is how you say, "Huh?" or "WTF?"

HETCHI >> This refers to anything or anyone that is perverted

HEKI >> informal expression that loosely translates as "No problem!" "It's ok!"
"Forget about it!"
ex: Daijobu desu ka? Heki da yo! (Is it a problem? No problem, it's ok!!)

HIDOI sounds like HEE DEH. Informal term meaning "terrible" or "horrible" or
"grotesque"

HORA sounds like HO RAH. Informal term which kinda means "hey!" or "see?!"
when you want to get somebody's attention. Related to KORA
I
ICHIO sounds like ITCHY OH. Informal term meaning "anyway...." or "well...." and
can replace a direct answer with the meaning "Uhhh...kinda sorta...".

II DARO sounds like EE DAH ROH. Informal phrase meaning "it's a deal" or "it's o.k.
with me" or "it's probably o.k.".

II JA NAI BETSU NI >> This expression is used to say "It's o.k.! I don't mind!" but if
you use it when someone is being nosey, then it means, "It's none of your business
anyhow!!!"

II KAMO SHIRENAIsounds like EE KAH MO SHEE NIGH. Colloquial phrase that


is used to say that something is nice, good, or cool. II KAMO is used by itself alot to
simply say something is cool. "Shirenai" is literally translated as "I dunno..." so it
follows the polite way of expressing your thoughts by ending the phrase with an
expression of doubt. (Thanks to Greg C. Sharp for this valuable bit of info!)

IJO NASHI sounds like EE JOE NIGH SHH. Informal phrase meaning "functioning
normally". This is used a lot in futuristic anime in regards to equipment working
normally. Literally means "without abnormallity" and replaces the English version "all
systems normal".

IKEMEN >> Translates into something like "very handsome man" or "hot guy"

IKENAI sounds like EE KEH NIGH. Informal term meaning "something's wrong" or
"it's no good" or "you can't do that" or "it wont work". It is very close to the word
DAME and is short for IKEMASEN.

IKINARI >> This word means "suddenly" or "without notice" and is used to say that
something was unexpected and usually not welcome. For instance, if somebody visits
you without an invitation, that is the kind of feeling it expresses.

II KAGEN NI SHINASAI >> loosely translates as "don't be like that!" or "don't


behave like that!" and is usually used to scold kids.

II ZO sounds like EEE ZO. Informal phrase meaning "ready!" or "let's go for it!"

II YO >> This means, "It's OK, don't worry about it !"

IKU ZE sounds like EE KU ZEH. Informal phrase meaning "let's go!"

IYA sounds like EE YAH. Exclamation meaning "no way!" or something like "that's
terrible!"

J
JA sounds like JAH. Informal exclamation which can mean "well..." or "see ya!" or
"umm..." or can be used to stall for time when you don't want to answer a difficult
question. It is a very handy word and has many more meanings. It is also a very short
way of saying "bye!"

JIGEN sounds like GEE GHEN. Standard word for "dimension". It is commonly
heard in anime when referring to
an interdimensional tunnel which is called "JIGEN NO TUNERU"

JOUZU DESU NE ! >> OK, LISTEN CAREFULLY This is how you say, "My, you
are pretty good at (English or Japanese)".......but if Japanese people say this to you,
DONT LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD OK? They are just being polite.

JUNBI O.K. DESU >> This is a very modern way of saying, "I'm ready!" And it really
does use O.K. as in English.

K
KAI sounds like KIGH. Colloquial for DESU KA example: Nan kai? = Nan desu ka?

KAN KAN sounds like KAHN KAHN. Slang which means "pissed off" or "going
ballistic" or "enraged"

KEITA sounds like KAY TAH. Informal term for "cell phone"

KI GA TSUITA >> Informal phrase which translates as "to be awake" or "to be


conscious" and also means "I just noticed something"

KIMOCHI WARUI sounds like KEE MO CHEE WAH RU EE. Informal phrase
which means "feel sick" but is more often used to say "yuck!" or "gross!". I think that if
you say "Kimochi GA warui" then it refers to how sick you feel.

KIMOI sounds like KEE MOY. Informal term for " feel sick" or "makes me feel sick",
it is short for KIMOCHI WARUI.

KI NI SHINAI sounds like KEY KNEE SHEEN EYE. Informal phrase meaning
"don't worry" or "no problem". "Ki ni suru" means, "To worry".

KIDOU sounds like KEY DOH. Informal term which means "start to function" or "be
functional".

KISAMA sounds like KEY SAH MAH. Impolite term for "you" and will probably get
you into a fight if you use it (in Japan). Literally means "your honorable self".

KISHOI sounds like KEY SHEH. Informal term for "gross" or "nasty".

KOCHI KOCHI sounds like KO CHEE KO CHEE. Slang meaning "this way!" or
"over here!". It is short for KOCHIRA which is a polite way of saying "this way".

KOITSU sounds like KOYT-SUU. Informal term meaning "this thing" or "this
dude/chic" and can be considered rude.
KON ~ >> This is the friendly and cool way to say "Konnichi ha " in a chatroom.

KON'ARO sounds like CON ARROW. Impolite term for "you bastard!". It is short for
"kono yaro"

KONCHA >> Short for Konnichiwa and is very colloquial.

KONJYOYAKI >> Pressing a lit cigarette onto your own arm to prove you've got
"konjyo" (guts) Thanks to Boozemonkey for this one.

KONO YARO sounds like KO NO YAH ROH. Impolite phrase meaning "you/that
bastard!" even though "kono" refers to "this". ( see "YARO" )

KORA sounds like KO RAH. Informal term meaning "hey!" or close to "listen here!"
and is used to get someone's attention in a rough tone.

KOSO KOSO sounds like KO SO KO SO. Onomotopoeia which describes a


"sneaky" action or behavior.

KURE YO sounds like KUU REH YOH. Informal phrase meaning "please do this for
me" and is literally closer to "wont'cha do this for me?" and can also be used as in
"Gimmie!" (Thanks to Mamingazetto)

KORYA sounds like KO REE AH. Colloquial for KORE WA meaning "this"

KUSO sounds like KUU SO. Exclamation that means "shit!" and is used just like
anywhere in the world.

KUSOTARE sounds like KUU SO TAH REH. Slang term which is easily translated to
"shithead"

L THERE ARE WORDS THAT SOUND LIKE THEY START WITH L, BUT THEY
DON'T.

M
MAA sounds like MAH. Colloquial interjection that closely translates as "well..." or
"anyway..." and is included very often (I mean very often with some people) with no
intended meaning.

MAA MO NAKU (NAI) sounds like MAH MOW NAH KOO. Colloquial usage
which translates as "a short time" and more literally is "not even for a short amount of
time". You can use it to describe that something happened a short while ago, or that
something will happen shortly, or that something has been going on for only a short
amount of time.

MAGURO = Slang, refers to a woman who is rather less than enthusiastic during sex.
Like a "dead fish". (Thanks to Honen)
MAHO SHOJO sounds like MAH HO SHOW JOE. Informal term from anime which
refers to a female character that has magical powers.

MAJI sounds like MAH GEE. Informal phrase that means "really?" or "are you
serious?"

MAMA sounds like MAH MAH. Informal phrase meaning "calm down" or "there
there". It is also used to refer to something that is "same as usual"

MANIAKU sounds like MAH NEE AKKU. Slang word referring to someone who is a
know-it-all about a subject. It may be that this is a more positive term like an "otaku" is
a know-it-all about anime. (Thanks to Balaji from India for this suggestion!)

MATA NE ! >> This is how you say, "See you later !"

MAZUI sounds like MAH ZEE. Informal term that refers to something that tastes
terrible or something that sucks.

MECHA >> Slang word added for emphasis, kinda like "Ultra-...." so you could say
"Mecha muzukashi desu ne!" for "It's super difficult huh?!" (Thanks to Mina for this
suggestion!)

MECHA KUCHA >> means "very" as in "pretty f**king good!"

MENDOI >> Informal term for "troublesome". It is short for MENDO KUSAI which
literally means "stinks of trouble".

MISE MONO JA NAI YO ! >> Loosely means "what are you looking at buddy !?"

MUKATSUKU>> Informal term for "being irritated" or "pissed off"

MUKO >> Impolite term that literally means "opposite side" but it is used to refer to
someone else who is causing you to be angry and you are totally against of. Also refers
to something that you feel is not correct or unreasonable, Very close to "damn you!"

MURI SHINAI DE >> loosely translates as "take it easy!" or "don't kill yourself!"

MUYO sounds like MUU YOH. Informal term that means "unnecessary." It is also
used to say "(there is) no need" for something.

MUZUI sounds like MU ZEEH. Informal term for "difficult" and is short for
MUZUKASHII

N
NAMERU JA NAI sounds like NAH MEH RUU JAH NYE. Informalphrase which
translates as "don't mess with me!" or "don't underestimate me!". It is usually said in an
aggressive tone of voice.
NAME'N JA NE sounds like NAMEN JAH NEH. Informal phrase which is derived
from NAMERU JA NAI ("don't mess with me")

NANCHATTE sounds like NAN CHA TEH. Slang term that is popular with young
people, it is used in the same
way that "...just kidding!" is. It basically lets you know that somebody is just fooling
around jokingly, or being ironic about what they are talking about.

NANDAKKE >> This expression is used when someone mentions something that you
might have been told before but you forgot. Or, it is used to express " Um yeah, what
about that (thing you're talking about)?"

NAN DE sounds like NAN DEH. Colloquial term meaning "why?"

NANKA SA >> slangy term, can be used loosely as in "....oh yeah...by the way.."

...NA NO DA sounds like NAH NO DAH. Colloquial quirk, and I'll go out on a ledge
and say that it equals the words NO DESU and does not change the meaning of the
sentence otherwise.

NANPA sounds like NAN PAH. Slang term meaning "pick up line" or "to try and pick
someone up".

NANTE KOTO sounds like NAN TEH KO TO. Interjection which loosely translates
to "Oh my gosh!" and more literally means "what an experience!"

NANTO KA sounds like NAN TOH KAH. Informal phrase that means, "Somehow..."
It is usually use in the phrase, "Nanto ka na....." which is usually used when trying to
say," I guess I'll figure it out somehow...." or "I guess I'm not sure how it will work
out".

NARUHODO >> When you are speaking or chatting with a Japanese person, say this
often so they know you are still listening.

NE sounds like NEH. Informal interjection with many uses. It can mean "right?" or
"isn't it" or "hey!"

-NECHAN sounds like NEH CHAH NN. Informal suffix added to girl's names to add
respect but it doesn't add formality. It refers to an older sister but the person doesn't
have to actually be related. This is used alot in Tenchi Muyo by Sasami.

-NICHAN sounds like KNEE CHAH NN. Informal suffix added to boy's names to add
respect but it doesn't add formality. It refers to an older brother but the person doesn't
have to actually be related. This is used alot inTenchi Muyo by Sasami.

NYAKO sounds like NEE AH KO. Informal term for "kitty cat"

NYUUYOKU >> This means "take a bath" and is used as a pun because it sounds like
the Japanese word for New York. Get it?
O
OBOETE OKE sounds like OH BOY TOH KEH. Colloquial phrase which roughly
translates as "Remember this!" (Thanks to Greg C. Sharp for this definition). For
further clarification, I will add that "OKE" comes from "OKU" which means "to put"
or "to place" or "to keep", in other words, OBOETE OKE means that you should
take whatever information is being given to you and you better keep it in your thoughts.

OFKAI sounds like AH HH KIGH. Informalinternet term which refers to meeting an


internet acquaintance in person, face to face. (replace the "f" sound with an "h" sound)

OHA sounds like OH HAH. Exclamatory phrase for "good morning". Very short for
OHAYO GOZAIMASU.

OHISA~ >> This is the cool and friendly way to say, "Long time no see" and it is short
for "O-hisashiburi desu ne"

OI sounds like OY. Informal term meaning "hey!". Used to get somebody's attention.

OITOMA >> very common expressed used to say " I gotta go now!!!"

OMAE sounds like OH MAH YEH. Informal term for "you". This is not a term you
use to speak to people you respect.

OMAKE sounds like OH MAH KEH. Slang for "bonus" but is also an informal term
for "defeat" or "loss".

OMATA sounds like OH MAH TAH. Informal phrase which means "sorry to keep
you waiting" and is short for the more polite OMATASE SHIMASHITA.

OMOROI -Slang, short for omoshiroi

ONIGIRI I think it sounds like OH NEE GEE LEE. Standard word which means
"wrapped" but refers to a very common rice treat. Just in case you didn't know, this is
what you call the little rice cakes that you see kids eating in most anime. They look like
little white turnovers and are made of rice and maybe a little stuffing inside, usually
pickled plum. Sometimes they have a little piece of seaweed on the outside. This may
be called "MUSUBI" or "OMUSUBI" which means "tied up". By the way, in some
Pokemon episodes, onigiri is referred to as "donuts" which they obviously are not.

ONORE sounds like OH NO REH. Impolite term referring to "one's self" but is being
sarcastic in a way that makes the listener angry. It's like "KISAMA" means "your
honorable self" but is actually making a snide remark. (Thanks to Mamingazetto)

O SAKI NI sounds like OH SAH KEY KNEE. Informal phrase used to say "excuse
me for going ahead of you". It is a short way to say "Saki ni, shitsurei shimasu" which
means, "I am being rude for going ahead/before you".

OSSU sounds like OSSS. Slang term meaning "good morning". It is the very first and
last part of "ohayo gozaimasu".
P
PAKURU >> Slang meaning to steal something, or to steal someone's idea (related to
PAKURI) Thanks to Chicken dance for this one.

PECHA KUCHA >> This is the most commonly used term for someone who talks
alot, a real "chatterbox"

PIN PON sounds like PEEN PON. Onomatopoeia which means "ding!" as in "ding!
you're right!"

PURA MODERU sounds like PRUH MODURUH. Informal term for "plastic model".
the PURA- is from PURASUCHIKKU which means "plastic".

PURI PURI >> This is used to describe somebody's mood that seems to be grouchy or
moody.

Q THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT START WITH Q... I think....


R
RAKKI sounds like RAH KEY. Slang term that comes from the English word "lucky"
and is used to express that something really "cool" just happened that makes you feel
"lucky".

RYOKAI sounds like YO KIGH. Informal term meaning "roger!" as used in military
radio communications. The "R" is rarely noticeable. The literal translation is,
"agreement" or "understanding". Thanks to M. Fiorello for pointing out the proper
spelling for this one. The word "YOKAI" is standard for "ghosts" or "phantoms".

S
SABISU sounds like SAH BIS. Loan word meaning "service" but when you hear it
used in anime, usually at the end credits or previews, it refers to "fan service" which
means that the current video or the next video in the series will include bonus scenes or
artwork.

SADO sounds like SAW DOH. Informal term which means "operational" or "to
operate" in terms of operating equipment. Also, Slang, this meaning refers to a "sadist"
or "S&M" in general. (Thanks to Ahondara).

SAIKIN DOU ? >> This is how you say "Hows it goin lately ?" This is for people you
know already.

SAIKO sounds like PSYCHO. Slang word meaning "the best" or "the coolest!" or
"awesome!"
SAITE sounds like SIGH TEH. Slang word meaning "the worst" or "it's the pits" or
"crappy".

SA'NARA sounds like SAH NAH RAH. Colloquial term that is short for
SAYONARA.

SASUGA sounds like SAS GAH. Informal term, (not slang, but is used a lot in anime
so I'll include it) This is used to say that, "(somebody) did something good, or they did a
good job, just as you would expect"

SAYO sounds like SAH YO. Interjection meaning "it's true" and is another way of
saying SO KA if you use the words SAYO KA.

SHAKUHACHI = Slang, literal meaning is a "bamboo flute or clarinet" but is used to


refer to "oral sex given to a man" (Thanks to Honen)

SHIKKARI SHITE sounds like SHEEKAH REESH TEH. Informal phrase meaning
"be strong" or "get a hold of yourself" or "be confident".

SHIMATTA sounds like SHIH MAH TAH. Informal term simply meaning "damn it!"

SHINAI sounds like SHE NIGH. Informal word which usually means "don't do" but
actually in some uses, possibly more by women, it simply replaces NAI which means
"none or no". You mostly have to figure this out by using the context of what is being
said.

SHISHI-ODOSHI >> Standard term for the common garden water fountain that is
made out of bamboo seen in many anime movies. It means "deer scarer". This is the
thing that makes that "clack" sound.

SHOCK >> Loan word used to express "shock" or disbelief.

SHOGANAI DARO sounds like SHOW GAH NIGH DAH ROH. Informal phrase
that expresses the feeling that something is hopeless and you might as well stop
resisting and just go along with it. It is like saying, "OH, what's the use...?"

SHOKIN KASEGI sounds like SHOW KEEN KAH SEH GEEH. Informal phrase
meaning "bounty hunting". SHOKIN is "reward" and KASEGI is "earnings".

SHOKIN KUBI NI sounds like SHOW KEEN KUU BEE KNEE. Informalphrase
meaning "bounty" or "reward". KUBI is "neck" so it means that "there is a reward in
your neck".

SHUSSE HARAI sounds like SHOE SEH HA RYE. Informal phrase meaning
"success payment". It is used to indicate that you want to buy something on credit. It is
normally used as in "I'll pay you when I score big!".

SHINAKUCHA >> Colloquial usage, short for "shinakereba naranai" which means
"must" (Thanks to Ario Wibowo)
SO DESU NE sounds like SO DEZ NEH. Informal phrase with many meanings. The
first meaning can be "It is, isn't it?", another meaning can be "I see...", or "It seems to be
that way" or "I think it's true (because of what I know from other people)". Also, you
will hear this phrase a lot in television interviews, it seems to be a popular habit, and is
probably a polite way of letting the other person know you are listening to them.

SO KA sounds like SO KAH. Informal phrase which can mean "really?" or "I see..."

SON'NA sounds like SO NAH. Interjection which means "no way!" or "that can't be!".
This word is normally found in dictionaries, but doesn't seem to include this translation.

SORE GA, DOSHITA? sounds like SOREH GAH DOSH TAH. Informal phrase
which translates as "so what?!"

SORO SORO.... >> This is a somewhat polite way to say "Umm....I gotta get goin ok?
" The complete phrase is "Soro soro oitoma o....."

SO SO sounds like SOH SOH. Interjection usage translates as "Indeed!" "By the
way!..." "Come to think of it!"

SUGE sounds like SUU GEH. Slang term meaning "cool!" or "awesome!". It is slang
for SUGOI

SUKOSHI WARUI NO JA NAI sounds like SKOSH EE WAH RU EE NO JAH


NIGH. Informalphrase which best translates as "not too shabby". Literally means "it's
not a little bit bad"

SUMMAN sounds like SUU MAH. Informal term, short for SUMIMASEN.
SUMIMASEN can mean "I'm sorry" or "thank you", but SUMMA is generally used to
express regret.

T
TAKO sounds like TACO. Informal term for "stupid jerk" with emphasis on the
stupid. It literally means "octopus".

TAKU sounds like TAH KU. Slang term which closely means "damn it!", probably
from the word MATTAKU.

TAKURU >> Slang which means to catch a taxi (Thanks to MacGyver)

TAOSU sounds like TAOS. Informal term for "drop" or "defeat" but slang usage
means "kill"

TASHIKA NI sounds like TASH KAH KNEE. Informal phrase that means "certainly"
or "without a doubt"

TEME sounds like TEH MEH. Informal and extremely rude way to say "you". Very
popular word in anime. Using this word means you're looking for trouble.
TTE BA sounds like TEH BAH. Informal phrase ending used when you have to repeat
yourself when you think someone is not listening to you. EXAMPLE: "Yamete! yamete
tte ba!" "Stop! Stop! I said!" It took a long time to find out what this meant! It
emphasizes that you just said something.

TTE KA >> very slangy phrase, and can be used for just about anything like....."you
know....." "....oh yeah..." "..by the way...." "in other words"

-TTE KANJI sounds like TEH KAN GEE. Slang inserted in phrases or at the end of
words to express "it's something like" or "you know what I mean....?" or "....like, you
know...."

TTE YANDE sounds like TEH YAH NN DEH. Slang phrase used to express that what
has just been said has made the listener angry. Related to YAGARU and -TTE
YAGANDE.

TOKO sounds like TOH KOH. Slang for "male" "boy" or "man". It is used often
enough in anime, but I haven't seen it in any dictionaries yet. It seems to be just a
shortened word for "OTOKO".

TOMA sounds like TOH MAH. Informal expression which I am still looking into.

TOTTO TOTTO sounds like TOTO TOTO. Informal phrase meaning "oops! oops!"
or "whoa! whoa!"

TSUBO NI HAITTA >> Expresses that something was funny (Thanks to


Boozemonkey)

TSUKIATTE sounds like SKEE AH TEH. Informal term meaning "to date" or "to go
out with".

TURE-SHON >> Slang which means to go to the bathroom with a friend(s) (Thanks to
Mokuren)

U
UKETA >> Expresses that something was funny. (Thanks to Boozemonkey)

UNCHI >> Slang referring to anyone who sucks at sports. (Thanks to Chickendance)

URUSAI sounds like UUH RUU SIGH. Impolite term that can mean "shut up!" or
"damn! that's annoying!" or can describe something that is really obnoxious. The literal
meaning is closer to "noisy"

URUSSE sounds like UH RUH SEH. Slang term that means "shut up!" and is related to
URUSAI.

USANKUSAI sounds like UUH SAN KUH SIGH. Informal term which means
"suspicious". Could come from USSO KUSAI which means "reeks of a lie". KUSAI by
itself can be used to mean suspicious, and is similar to our use of "something smells
funny about this".

USSE sounds like UUH SEH. Slang for URUSAI, this more often means "shut up!"

UZATTAI sounds like UUH ZA TEH. Impolite term related to URUSAI, but this
more specifically refers to someone or something that is really obnoxious or
troublesome.

VTHERE ARE NO WORDS THAT START WITH V...I think....


W

WAKE sounds like WAH KEH. Informal word which means "reason, or meaning"
This is one word which requires a little extra study. In some cases it is inserted just to
express emphasis on what is being said. Be sure you study as many uses of this word
because sometimes it changes what is being said completely.

WARI >> informal way of saying "sorry" and you may hear it more often as "Wari
wari !"

WASHA >> Informal colloquial term which simply replaces WATASHI meaning
"me" or "I".

X THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT START WITH X ...REALLY! Except maybe a


Japanese underground punk band ^^ LOL

Y
YABAI sounds like YAH BYE or YAH BEH. Informal term for "Oh shit!" or "I blew
it!" or "I'm in trouble!"

YADA sounds like YAH DAH. Slang term meaning "no" or "no way!"

YAGANDE sounds YAH GAN DEH. Slang for YAGARU NO DESU, YAGARU
refers to something that causes contemptuous feelings, usually something that has been
said. Basically, if you add YAGARU to a sentence, you are being a "bad ass".

YAGARU sounds like YAH GA ROO. Impolite term added to a sentence to convey
contempt or insult.

YARE YARE sounds like YAH REH YAH REH. Exclamation that is close in
meaning to "my goodness!"
YARO sounds like YAH ROH. Impolite term for "bastard!". It literally means "farm
hand" which in Japan seems to be pretty bad.

YARU KA sounds like YAH RUU KAH. Informal phrase which roughly translates as
"do you wanna piece of me?!" or "you want some?!" in an aggressive tone. Of course,
in a romantic tone of voice, it can mean "do you want to have sex?"

YARU NA sounds like YAH RUU NAH. Informal phrase meaning "not bad". It is
more often used in a fight when an opponent makes a skillful move.

YATSU sounds like YACHT SUU. Slang for "that person" or "that dude". It is not
necessarily rude, and can be used in a familiar way. YATSURA is the plural form.

YATTSUKERU >> To knock someone out, but slang uses means to finish something
up (Thanks to Miyagisan)

YAWA sounds like YAH WAH. Informal word for something that is "weak" or
"whimpy" or "flimsy". It is not commonly written this way in many dictionaries, it is
short for YAWARAKA.

YO >> Colloquial usage, besides the usage for emphasis, it can be used as a greeting
such as "Hey!" (Thanks to RadicalNIGHTS)

YOKAI see RYOKAI

YOROSHII sounds like YO ROH SHEE. Slang for "alright!" or "O.K!"

YOROSHIKU TANOM sounds like YOH ROSH KU TAH NUM. Informal phrase
which means "I have a favor to ask from you". It is short for YOROSHIKU
TANOMIMASU.

YUPPA sounds like YUP PAH. Slang term for "yup" or "yeah".

Z
ZAKKENAYO sounds like ZAH KEN EYE YO. Exclamatory phrase that means
"don't mess with me!" and is very harsh. It comes from the phrase FUZAKERU NAI
YO.As you can see, it is just a shortened version of FUZAKERU. I have seen this term
translated as "Don't F**K with me!" but I think that would depend more on the tone and
the circumstances, because FUZAKERU is actually better translated as "fool around" or
"joke around".

ZAMA MIRO sounds like ZAMA MEE ROH. Informal phrase meaning "serves you
right!" or "you had it coming!" and can imply a "in your face!" type of comeback.

ZANNEN NAGARA sounds like ZAN NEN NAH GAH RAH. Colloquial phrase used
to express regret, such as sympathy when something bad has happened. It can also be
used playfully such as "Nyah! Nyah! Too bad for you!"
ZEN IN sounds like ZAIN. Common phrase that means,"everyone" or "all the people
mentioned". I have included this word because I could not find it anywhere spelled the
way it sounded..... this is common as you probably know.

ZURAKARU ZE sounds like ZUU RAH KAH RUU ZEH. Exclamatory phrase
meaning "let's scram!" or "let's get the hell outta here!"

ZURUI >> expression used when someone thinks someone is playing dirty or unfair.
The normal phrase is "Zurui shita !" which means, "You cheated !" or "You played dirty
!"

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