Fun Japanese Slang Words to Know

When you learn Japanese, you'll quickly realize the importance of formality and politeness. There are usually two different ways to say something—informal or polite (formal). Essentially, the words and phrases in the Japanese language change based on who you're talking to and what the situation is. However, that doesn't mean all Japanese words are strict and serious. Like any other language, Japanese slang words are common among native speakers—especially younger ones! So, to master some of the must-know Japanese slang words and help you sound more like a native, we've put together the following guide for you to save.

What's the Point of Learning Japanese Slang?

Japanese slang isn't usually in the dictionary or your average Japanese grammar book, but learning it can be a fun way to improve your fluency in real-world situations. It can help you connect with locals of your age or in social situations and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture without offending anyone. Plus, learning new Japanese words will add a layer of confidence and a stronger understanding of the language. Just make sure you take a minute to read the room before trying to impress people by repeating popular Japanese slang you read online!

An Important Distinction Between Slang and Formal Japanese

The Japanese language is rooted in formality and politeness, so slang is not always appropriate. Whenever you meet someone for the first time, it's better to use the polite form and make adjustments as you develop a relationship. You should also use polite speech when you're in a professional setting, speak with someone who has more authority than you, or speak with someone older than you. In Japanese culture, politeness is important, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. Still, several Japanese phrases and words are NSFW, and if you want to learn how to use them appropriately, download Tandem and match with a native speaker today.

Common Japanese Slang Used Across the Country

Native speakers use slang for greetings in Japanese, strong emotions, descriptions, and general abbreviations. However, the direct translation from Japanese to English isn't always clear. Instead, the slang is based more on context. Luckily, since slang is common enough to appear in reality shows, dramas, and even anime, you can practice listening to it naturally and pick it up quickly. So, to help you sound like a local, here are some of the most common slang terms used in Japanese culture.

やばい (yabai)

This is probably the most commonly used Japanese slang word in the language. It has several different meanings, ranging from "good," "awesome," and "amazing" to "bad," "crappy," "terrible," and even "dangerous." Essentially, it can be used to describe both good and bad things.

半端ない (hanpa nai)

When you want to stick to the positive side of things, try this slang word. It means"wild" or "awesome." 

オッス！(ossu!)

In English slang among certain crowds, you might hear someone say, "What's up, dude?" or "Yo!" This is the Japanese equivalent of this casual greeting.

キモい (kimoi)

This is a short-hand way of saying 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui), which you would say when something (or someone) gives you a bad feeling, repulses you, or just feels off. キモい is more reserved for repulsion. It's often used to mean "gross" or "disgusting." You may also hear it as a stand-alone word, like when someone is saying, "Ew!"

ウザい (uzai)

Japanese people use this if they want to say that someone is "annoyingly noisy" or "loud." It's often used to talk about frustration with a situation or person, but in some situations it's used to refer to someone as being "gloomy."

ムカつく (mukatsuku)

Alternatively, you can use this slang word. It's the Japanese equivalent of "irritating" or "pissed off." You can also use it as a complaint when something annoys you.

ずるい (zurui)

This is commonly used when you want to say that something is "unfair" or someone is being "sneaky." However, it may be used in a way that includes a bit of admiration for their slyness. It can also be used to tell someone, "You suck!" 

イケメン (ikemen)

Want to know how to call a man the equivalent of "tall, dark, and handsome?" This is the word for you. It's used to talk about good-looking boys or men.

微妙 (bimyō)

This is used to describe something "meh" or "questionable." For example, if you go to see a new movie and you neither love it nor hate it, this is the perfect word to describe its mediocrity.

ダサい (dasai)

This is similar to the English word "uncool." It's like a younger person telling their parents they're being uncool or "cringe."

おしゃれ (oshare)

To call someone fashionable, you can use this slang. It can also be used to say something is trendy.

ばか (baka)

If you want to call someone an "idiot" or "fool," this is the perfect Japanese swear word or insult to use. But be careful; it's not to be used lightly. This is used in the Western region of Japan, while あほ (aho) means the same and is used in the East.

わりーね (warii ne)

After a small altercation or miscommunication with a friend, you might want to casually apologize without getting too deep. If so, you can use this slang for "my bad."

奴 (yatsu)

This is a rude way of referring to someone and is considered an insult in standard Japanese. Never use it with elders, superiors, or strangers!

アマ (ama)

Another slang word that shouldn't be thrown around often is アマ, which means "bitch" and is usually reserved for women. It's considered a Japanese swear word and alsoo quite derogatory.

おつ (otsu)

When you want to thank someone for their hard work or tell them they did a good job, this is the word for you. It can also be written in kanji as 乙. There are several ways to say thank you in Japanese, but this is a good option for informal settings.

New Japanese Slang Words Used Today

Like many things in life, the Japanese slang words and phrases used in everyday language change with time. With the rise of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, some obscure Japanese internet slang has emerged. It's more commonly used among the Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids, but adding new Japanese words to your vocabulary is always fun. So, if you want to fit in with the younger crowd, brush up on this new Japanese slang.

• 羽ばたいている (habataiteru) — Cool
• 好ハオ (sukihao) — Like
• かわちぃ (kawachii) — cute
• ちょえ (choe) — wait!
• てぇてぇ (tētē) — valuable or precious

Some Japanese Slang That's Used Online

Some words in Japanese have been shortened to make them easier to use online, which is how the rise of Japanese internet slang came to be. Some of the most common shortcuts used to express yourself online include the following:

ググる (guguru)

How many times have you asked a question only to be told to "Google it?" Well, in Japanese, there's slang for that. To shorten it and use it online in a bit of a sassy way, you can type GGRKS.

リア充 (riajuu)

This one's interesting because it's mainly used amongst gamers or people who are very introverted and prefer depending on their online persona. It's used to describe someone who would rather be outside, enjoying life in the "real world" than the digital world.

W (or WW) (or WWWW)

This is used in Japan's internet culture as a way to say "lol." You can type as many "Ws" as you want, with more communicating a bigger response, similar to the difference between lol and lmao or lmfao.

もっさり (mossari)

This Japanese onomatopoeia describes something loading or working slowly online, like your internet connection or laptop.

WKTK

This is another onomatopoeia that's short-hand for wakuwaku tekateka, which means very excited. 

おk (ok)

This is a Japanese slang word that was developed to be used as a keyboard shortcut for "okay." It's kind of because the lettering looks like "ok." Other similar shortcuts are んp (np), which means "no problem," and うp (up), which is used to say "upload."

Some Fun Japanese Slang Phrases and Idioms

People also use a few different Japanese slang expressions or idioms in everyday language. Some of these include the following:

• 猫の手も借りたい (Neko no te mo karitai) — So busy that even a cat's help would be welcome
• 馬の耳に念仏 (Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu) — Preaching to the deaf (Like talking to a brick wall)
• 頭が切れる (Atama ga kireru) — Sharp-headed (Being very clever)
• 案ずるより産むが易し (Anzuru yori umu ga yasashi) — Giving birth is easier than worrying about it (Fear is greater than the danger)
• 石の上にも三年 (Ishi no ue ni mo sannen) — Three years on a stone (Perseverance prevails)
• 海老で鯛を釣る (Ebi de tai wo tsuru) — To catch a sea bream with a shrimp (Getting a big return for a small investment)
• 一期一会 (Ichigo ichie) — Once-in-a-lifetime meeting (Treasure every encounter)
• 見ぬが花 (Minu ga hana) — Not seeing is a flower (Reality can't compete with imagination)
• 七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki) — Fall seven times, get up eight (Persistence)
• 猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru) — Even monkeys fall from trees (Everyone makes mistakes)
• 十人十色 (Juunin toiro) — Ten people, ten colors (To each their own)
• 花より団子 (Hana yori dango) — Dumplings over flowers (Practicality over aesthetics)
• 蛙の子は蛙 (Kaeru no ko wa kaeru) — A frog's child is a frog (Like father, like son)
• __知らぬが仏 __(Shiranu ga hotoke) — Not knowing is Buddha (Ignorance is bliss)
• 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず (Nito wo ou mono wa itto wo mo ezu) — One who chases after two hares won't catch even one (Chase two rabbits, catch none)

How to Practice Using Japanese Slang Without the Risk

Using Japanese slang phrases and words in the wrong setting can create an uncomfortable situation, so how can you practice without the fear of offending someone? The best way is to make Japanese friends and develop a relationship that induces informality. But, if you're not living in Japan, doing so might be kind of difficult. Although there are always ways to make friends with native speakers in person, Tandem allows you to find like-minded individuals with similar language goals so you can share knowledge and engage in real-world conversations. 

Tandem offers a unique language learning experience that will help you deepen your understanding and improve your Japanese slang while learning when and how to use it in real conversations. You can also practice Japanese verb conjugation and using Japanese adjectives to create more colorful conversations. The difference is that Tandem incorporates intuitive messaging features and language tools to help individuals practice their target languages together. All you need to do is download the app, sign up, and find a native speaker of your target language. Once you match, you’ll begin communicating through language exchange and one-on-one teaching. To join our worldwide community, sign up for Tandem today!