18 Funny Japanese Phrases That Make No Sense in English

If you’re a language learner who loves discovering the quirks of new dialects, you’ve probably stumbled across a few Japanese phrases that leave you puzzled—and maybe even giggling. Some Japanese expressions are so deeply rooted in cultural norms that their literal English translations make no sense. But these offbeat gems capture the heart and humor of Japanese culture, offering a unique way to understand how people in Japan view everyday life. Ready for a laugh? Let’s dive into our expanded list of funny Japanese phrases.

18 Fun Japanese Phrases to Use in Your Next Conversation

Japanese phrases aren’t just useful for sounding more natural—they can also lighten the mood and help you forge deeper connections. Below, we’ll explore 18 unique Japanese expressions, each with a literal translation and a quick explanation. Give them a try in your next conversation, and watch the smiles (or confusion!) unfold.

1. 猫に小判 (Neko ni koban)

Literal Translation: “Gold coins to a cat”
Meaning: Giving something valuable to someone who doesn’t understand its worth
It’s like the English saying “pearls before swine,” but with a cute twist. If you’re a language learner experimenting with Japanese, remember that many phrases—like this one—rely on context and cultural references that add a playful tone.

2. 一期一会 (Ichi-go ichi-e)

Literal Translation: “One time, one meeting”
Meaning: Cherishing each unrepeatable moment
This short phrase reveals a serious yet beautiful Japanese concept: Every encounter is once-in-a-lifetime, so treat it with respect and gratitude. From a comedic perspective, the literal translation might sound philosophical and mysterious. But it’s a staple expression in Japanese culture and worth memorizing.

3. 仕方がない (Shikata ga nai)

Literal Translation: “It cannot be helped”
Meaning: Accepting circumstances beyond your control
While it might come off as indifferent to English speakers, this phrase holds a certain Japanese calmness. It’s commonly used in daily conversation as a way to say “It is what it is.” If you’re hoping for a comedic angle, imagine a shrug and a grin alongside these words—perfect for moments when you just have to laugh off life’s troubles.

4. お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu)

Literal Translation: “You’re tired” or “You must be tired”
Meaning: A greeting to show appreciation for someone’s hard work
In English, greeting someone by highlighting their fatigue might sound odd. However, in Japanese workplaces or social settings, it’s a common phrase of respect and camaraderie. It signals acknowledgment of effort rather than pointing out someone’s exhaustion.

5. もったいない (Mottainai)

Literal Translation: “What a waste”
Meaning: Expressing regret over wastefulness
Beyond just “waste,” mottainai reflects a broader eco-friendly attitude, urging people not to throw things away so easily. In Japanese households, you’ll hear this often, like when someone tosses out leftover food or fails to reuse a plastic bag. For language learners, be prepared to hear this from a friend whenever you don’t finish your meal.

If you’re looking to build your confidence speaking Japanese, one fantastic option is Tandem. Our language exchange community connects you with native speakers around the world—an ideal way to practice all of these funny and useful phrases in real conversations. You can also check out our other language-learning resources, such as information on Japanese greetings or how to learn Japanese for beginners for more tips.

6. やばい (Yabai)

Literal Translation: This word is slang, so no direct translation
Meaning: Can mean “bad,” “awesome,” or “dangerous,” depending on context
Yabai is one of those Japanese phrases that can denote multiple emotions. Much like how “sick” can mean “cool” in English slang, yabai morphs to fit different situations. It’s a prime example of how understanding context is crucial in mastering Japanese.

7. がんばって (Ganbatte)

Literal Translation: “Persevere,” “Hang in there,” or “Do your best”
Meaning: A pep talk
Japanese culture encourages teamwork and collective spirit, and this phrase sums that up perfectly. If you’re learning new vocabulary, you’ll likely hear ganbatte often—especially when friends want to cheer each other on.

8. 魚にする (Sakana ni suru)

Literal Translation: “Make it a fish” or “Turn it into fish”
Meaning: Use something as an appetizer or snack while drinking
Talk about bizarre literal translations! This phrase basically means choosing a food or topic as a side dish, particularly with sake. In casual settings, if someone jokes about “turning it into fish,” they might just be picking a conversation starter for a drinking session.

9. 甘え (Amae)

Literal Translation: “Indulgent dependence”
Meaning: The act of depending on someone’s kindness, often between close relationships
Amae has no exact English equivalent but captures a specific feeling of comfort, trust, and reliance in Japanese culture—like when a child clings to a parent or a best friend looks for emotional support. It can be funny to think about how a seemingly simple concept in Japanese can take a paragraph to explain in English.

10. 腹八分 (Hara hachibu)

Literal Translation: “Stomach at eight parts out of ten”
Meaning: Eat until you’re 80% full
This is a health tip in phrase form, advising moderation at mealtimes. While it doesn’t sound humorous in Japanese, the direct English translation conjures up a funny image: someone with an imaginary gauge on their stomach, stopping at precisely eight tenths!

11. 今日はあれだね (Kyo wa are da ne)

Literal Translation: “Today is that, isn’t it?”
Meaning: A vague way to say something like “Today feels different” or “Today has that vibe.”
Nothing sums up Japanese indirectness like this phrase. It’s deliberately unclear—yet everyone somehow gets it from context. In English, saying “Today is that, right?” would raise eyebrows if you didn’t clarify what “that” meant.

12. 空気読めない (Kuuki yomenai or KY)

Literal Translation: “Can’t read the air”
Meaning: Describes a person who’s oblivious to social cues
The acronym KY was coined for people who just can’t gauge the mood or pick up on hints. It’s a playful way of calling someone clueless about the group atmosphere. In English, the direct translation might sound like an insult to someone’s psychic abilities, adding to the phrase’s humor.

13. 十人十色 (Juu nin to iro)

Literal Translation: “Ten people, ten colors”
Meaning: Everyone has their own preferences or individuality
This phrase emphasizes that everyone is unique, with different tastes, opinions, and personalities. While the direct translation might sound picturesque in English, the concept is universal—celebrate what makes each person unique!

14. 三日坊主 (Mikka bouzu)

Literal Translation: “Three-day monk”
Meaning: A person who doesn’t stick to anything for long
Ever started a new hobby only to give up after a few days? Then you might be a mikka bouzu. The term humorously calls out short-lived enthusiasm—something most of us can relate to.

15. 口が滑った (Kuchi ga subetta)

Literal Translation: “My mouth slipped”
Meaning: I accidentally said something I shouldn’t have
It’s a lighthearted way of admitting you put your foot in your mouth. In English, we don’t typically describe it as a “slip” of the mouth, which makes this Japanese phrase all the more amusing.

16. 猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru)

Literal Translation: “Even monkeys fall from trees”
Meaning: Everyone makes mistakes
This proverb reminds us that no matter how skilled you are, errors can happen to the best of us. Picture a confident monkey suddenly toppling out of a tree—it’s both amusing and enlightening!

17. 寝耳に水 (Nemimi ni mizu)

Literal Translation: “Water in a sleeping ear”
Meaning: A sudden shock or unexpected news
Like being startled awake by water in your ear, this phrase vividly describes the jolt you feel when you learn something completely unexpected.

18. 石の上にも三年 (Ishi no ue ni mo sannen)

Literal Translation: “Three years on a stone”
Meaning: Perseverance pays off
It suggests that if you sit on a cold stone for three years, it eventually warms up. Similarly, any difficult situation can improve if you keep at it. The literal image is quite funny, but the message is all about patience and persistence.

Why These Funny Japanese Phrases Matter

Learning funny Japanese expressions doesn’t just make you sound more fluent—it immerses you in the cultural context of the language. These phrases reveal how people in Japan think, joke, and relate to each other day to day. Incorporating them into your vocabulary also offers an instant ice-breaker when chatting with Japanese speakers.

Common and Useful Japanese Phrases

Even though we’ve covered plenty of quirky expressions, it’s also helpful to have some everyday basic Japanese phrases on hand for regular conversations. Here are a few must-know words and phrases to add to your repertoire:

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — Hello
• ありがとう (Arigatou) — Thank you
• すみません (Sumimasen) — Sorry/Excuse me
• お願いします (Onegai shimasu) — Please (or politely asking for a favor)
• どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) — You’re welcome
• はい/いいえ (Hai/Iie) — Yes/No
• おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) — Good morning
• こんばんは (Konbanwa) — Good evening
• おやすみなさい (Oyasumi nasai) — Good night
• またね (Mata ne) — See you later
• いくらですか (Ikura desu ka) — How much is this?
• どこですか (Doko desu ka) — Where is…?
• もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegai shimasu) — Please say it again
• ゆっくり話してください (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai) — Please speak slowly
• これは何ですか (Kore wa nan desu ka) — What is this?
• 分かりました (Wakarimashita) — I understand
• 分かりません (Wakarimasen) — I don’t understand
• 大丈夫ですか (Daijoubu desu ka) — Are you okay?
• はじめまして (Hajimemashite) — Nice to meet you
• 久しぶり (Hisashiburi) — Long time no see
• 行ってきます/行ってらっしゃい (Ittekimasu / Itterasshai) — I’m leaving / Please go and come back (commonly used among family members)

Use these short expressions to smoothly navigate daily interactions—whether you’re asking for directions, thanking someone for a favor, or just being polite.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Quirks and Keep Practicing

Mastering a language is about more than memorizing grammar rules; it’s also about discovering local humor and nuance. Each of these Japanese phrases tells a tiny story about Japanese culture, from their attitude toward work to their love of indirectness. So, the next time someone says “Neko ni koban,” you’ll not only understand the context but also share in a laugh about how nonsensical it sound

Ready to immerse yourself in real-time conversations and confidently use these funny Japanese phrases? Download Tandem now and connect with native Japanese speakers who can help you perfect your pronunciation, provide cultural insights, and share even more language-learning tips. It’s the ideal way to bring your new vocabulary to life!