1. abunai- dangerous.

The term has a broader application in Japanese than a direct translation would suggest, being
employed in situations where an English speaker would say "Duck!" or "Look out!" Another
common usage is as a euphemism for "deviant," i.e. a "dangerous" relationship (abunai kankei).
2. ai- love.
If a native speaker wanted to specify romantic love, he would use the character pronounced koi
(or ren, depending on the context).
3. aite- opponent.
Be careful, the word has many applications that are counter-intuitive. A more literal reading of
the characters would be "the one whom I must face." As a result, the word can also refer to one's
dancing partner or the person whom you are addressing in a two-person conversation.
4. akuma- Satan, Devil.
As with it's English counterparts, this word can be used figuratively.
5. arigatou- Thanks.
The full formula is arigatou gozaimasu.
6. baka- an all-purpose insult denigrating the subject's intelligence.
Depending on tone of voice and other factors, it can range in severity from "silly" to "retard."
Other similar insults are aho and manuke, although manuke is more specifically "dolt, buffoon."
7. bakemono- monster.
8. be-da!- the sound made by Japanese when they perform akanbe,
a gesture of contempt made by sticking out the tongue and bringing down one lower eyelid. The
gesture is analogous to a Bronx cheer or "Nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah."
9. bijin- a beautiful woman.
In terms of frequency and usage, it's best likened to "babe." However, it's still acceptable in
formal speech registers, so is not inherently disrespectful.
10. chigau- a verb meaning "to deviate, be different."
In standard Japanese, it's used to declare that someone is wrong. When shouted as an explanation,
it's meaning is closer to "No way!" or "Don't be ridiculous!/You are SO off-base!"
11. chikara- strength, power.
12. chikusho- an exclamation of frustration,
equivalent to "Damn!" or "Shit!" Comparable exclamations are kuso (literally "shit") and
shimatta.
13. chotto- a little.
Differs from its English counterpart in that it can only be used as an adverb. (The adjectival form
is chiisai.) When exclaimed, it means "Hold it!" or "Cut it out!"
14. daijoubu- O.K.
Most often encountered in anime when one character inquires as to another's health.
15. damaru- be still, silent.
Most often found in its imperative form, Damare!, meaning "Shut up!/Silence!"
16. damasu- to deceive.
Often encountered in its passive form, damasareru, "to be tricked."
17. dame- bad, no good; no can do.
One very common usage is dame desu/dame da, uttered when refusing permission or indicating
that something is a bad idea.
18. dare- who.
Note that certain particles placed after the word will alter its meaning, i.e. dareka-someone,
anyone daremo-no one daredemo-everyone.
19. doko- where.
20. fuzakeru- to play games, fool around.
It can also be shaded by tone of voice to assume a harsher meaning, like "bullshitting" or
"screw/fuck around."
21. gaki- young, immature person.
Often translated as "brat" or "punk."
22. gambaru- a literal reading of the characters would be "to adhere to something with tenacity."
A very popular term used when encouraging someone is a difficult task. Some English
translations are "Hang in there!," "Don't give up!," "Do your best!," and "Give it your all!" Note:
the verb phrase shikkari suru has an overlapping meaning, but slightly different connotations.
Apparently, the latter term implies use of innate abilities as opposed to a conscious act of
willpower. The two are generally interchangeable, though. The command forms of "gambaru" are
"gambatte" and "gambare."
23. hayai- quick, fast, early.
The adverbial form hayaku means "Hurry up!" when exclaimed.
24. hen- strange, weird.
In compound noun phrases, it assumes an older meaning of "change, transformation." One such
compound that's especially popular in anime is henshin, meaning "physical transformation" a la
Sailor Moon and Voltron.
25. hentai-
although a hen compound, it merits a separate entry. Its classical meaning is "metamorphosis,
transformation." It later came to mean "abnormality," and in modern colloquial Japanese is used
almost exclusively to mean"pervert" or "perversion." When a woman insults a man in anime,
she generally uses on of three terms: hentai, sukebe, and etchi. Sukebe implies "oversexed" rather
than "deviant." Etchi can be quite mild in some contexts, comparable to "lewd" or "Fresh!" These
three terms are often used interchangeably, especially when someone is stringing together insults.
Though not as frequent, the word (o-)kama refers specifically to transvestitism and other gender-
bending actions associated with homosexuality.
26. hidoi- severe, harsh.
As an exclamation, it means "How terrible!" or "That's harsh/cold!" A spoken variant is "Hide-e!"
27. hime- princess.
28. ii- good.
An older variant, still current, is yoi. Yoku is the abverbial form. Yokatta is the familiar past
tense. When used as an exclamation, it can mean "That's great!," but is usually better translated as
"I'm so glad!"
29. iku- to go.
Common conjugated forms are ikimashou, ikou, (Shall we go?/Let's go), ike and ikinasai
(Go!/Begone!).
30. inochi- life.
There are a couple of words in Japanese which can be translated as "life," but inochi is the proper
term in the more dramatic situations common in anime, such as "to stake one's life," "to take a
life" and "more important than life."
31. itai- hurt, pain; painful.
A common explanation, it's equivalent to "Ouch!" A frequent spoken variant is Ite-e!
32. jigoku- Hell. Hades.
33. joshikousei- a female high school student.
That's the literal meaning, anyway. In Japan, it invariably refers specifically to a cute high school
girl in a sailor uniform. That Japanese has such a compact, productive phrase for this image
implies that it's an important archetype in the Japanese psyche.
34. kamawanai- regardless of.
When uttered as an exclamation, it means "I don't care!" Kamawan is a more brusque spoken
variant.
35. kami- God, god.
This term can also be applied to any supernatural being with a specific domain/charge/sphere.
36. kanarazu- an adverbial prefix indicating something will happen
 surely and/or inevitably. As an exclamation, it means "I swear it!" or "No matter the cost!"
37. kareshi- boyfriend.
Kanojo is the equivalent word for "girlfriend." Koibito can be applied to both sexes, but it implies
a more serious relationship.
38. kawaii- cute.
More than a mere adjective, kawaii qualifies as an aesthetic and an obsession in Japan. A less
common, secondary meaning is "cherished, beloved." Note: kawai sou means "How sad" or
"How pitiful."
39. kedo- but, but still.
More formal variants are keredo and keredomo. The latter form is generally restricted to writing
Japanese nowadays.
40. kega- wound, injury.
It's also possible to use this term to refer to a spiritual violation or defilement.
41. keisatsu- Police.
42. ki-
this term is used in countless compounds and idioms. Although there are too many to describe in
detail, "ki" is generally used in two senses. One is its literal meaning of "air." The other is its
figurative meaning of"spiritual essence." Many English speakers know this concept through the
Chinese loan word "chi." One common compound is kimochi, the chi one bears, hence "mood."
43. kokoro- heart.
Common extensions of this meaning are "sincerity" and "spirit/willpower."
44. korosu- to kill.
Often occurring in the passive past tense (korosareta) and imperative tense (Korose).
45. kowai- to be frightful, afraid.
The exclamation Kowaii! Can be translated as either "Scary thought!" or "I'm scared!," depending
on the context.
46. kuru- to come.
It's command form, Koi!, can mean either "Come here!" or "Come on!"
47. mahou- magic, magic spell.
48. makaseru- to place one's trust in someone or something,
to count on.
49. makeru- to lose.
The phrase Makeru mon ka! Means "I can't/won't give up!" or "I'll never give up!"
50. mamoru- to protect, guard.
The inflected form most commonly found in anime is mamotte ageru, "I'll protect you."
51. masaka- Can it be?; It can't be!, No!
52. matsu- to wait.
The shouted command "Wait" is "Matte (kudasai)!" or "Machinasai!" Mate! is an abbreviated
form of Matte!
53. mochiron- of course, without a doubt.
54. mou- already.
As an exclamation of frustration, it means "Enough!" or "Geez!"
55. musume- young woman.
As an epithet, ko musume is stronger than a literal translation of "little girl" would suggest. When
used in this sense, "girlie" or "bitch" come closer to capturing the meaning.
56. naka- a word referring to one's relations, both familial and platonic.
Nakayoku suru means "to get along." "Nakama" means "close friend(s)" or "trusted ally(-ies)."
57. nani- what.
58. naruhodo- I see.; So.
59. nigeru- to flee.
 Often used in the imperative form, Nigete! or Nigero!, in which case it's best translated as "Run!"
or "Get away!"
60. ningen- human; humanity.
Refers to mankind as a species, especially when contrasted with alien races, demons, elves, etc.
61. ohayou- abbreviated form of ohayou gozaimasu, "good morning."
Men have the option of using the reduced form ossu in casual speech.
62. okoru- to get angry.
63. onegai- truncated form of onegai shimasu, "I beg of you," "Please" or "Pretty please."
Without the o- prefix, it means "wish."
64. oni- demon, ogre, or any other supernatural life form inimical to mankind.
65. Ryoukai!- message received and understood-"Roger!"
66. Saa- a noncommittal reply indicating that one has understood a statement and given it serious
thought.
Some possible translations are "So!," "Well!," and "Beats me!" (A good English equivalent might
be the British "Innit?")
67. sasuga- a person is living up to his reputation or the speaker's personal expectations.
Yahari, on the other hand, refers to situations proceeding as expected or dreaded. (Yahari is often
translated as "I knew it!" when used in exclamatory mode.) Yappari is a more casual variant of
yahari. Other like terms are aikawarazu, "the same as always," and Sono touri, which means just
so when employed as a response to a question.
68. sempai- anyone who is one's senior in a hierarchical organization.
The term cuts across all classes and occupations, and must be translated according to context.
69. shikashi- however, but, nevertheless.
70. shikata ga nai- an expression meaning "No help for it," "No way to avoid it," "Nothing left but
to deal with it."
Shou ga nai is an abbreviated form.
71. shinjiru- to believe in.
The inflected form most frequently encountered in anime is shinjirarenai, "I can't believe it!"
72. shinu- to die.
The most common inflected forms are Shinda, "Dead.", Shinanaide!, "Don't die!", and Shi'ne!,
"Die!"
73. shitsukoi- persistent, relentless,
tenacious-at the very least a constant pain in the ass.
74. sugoi- one of three common superlatives that all happen to begin with su-.
The other two are suteki and subarashii. The three are generally interchangeable. However, sugoi
often expresses an admiration for someone else's power or talent, and may be mixed with a sense
of dread. It can straddle the line between "awesome" and "awful." Suteki is most often applied to
physical appearance. It's used most often by women, but it can be applied to both genders.
Subarashii is more neutral and can be translated as "great." Although lacking the su- beginning,
kakkoi is a superlative used mostly in describing people-"Cool!" Note: A spoken variant of sugoi
is Suge-e!
75. suki- affection, liking.
Also used to signify "love." If anything, the phrase "Suki da." is even more ambiguous than the
English "I like you."
76. suru- to do.
A frequently occurring phrase is "Dou shiyou?," meaning "(Oh,) What shall I do!"
77. taihen- when modifying an adjective, it means "extremely."
When it describes a situation without any other adjectives, it means "terrible."
78. tasukeru- to aid.
The exclamation "Tasukete kure!" = "Help me!/Save me!"
79. tatakau- to fight, do battle.
80. teki- enemy.
81. tomodachi- friend.
82. totemo- very, extremely.
It can be pronounced tottemo to indicate extra enthusiasm.
83. unmei- fate, destiny.
84. uragirimono- traitor.
85. ureshii- happy.
As an exclamation, Ureshii! Can be translated as "I'm so happy!" or even "Whee!"
86. urusai- noisy.
When used as an exclamation, it's best translated as "Be quiet!" and occasionally "Shut up!"
Usse-e! is a spoken variant.
87. uso- a lie.
As an exclamation, it can mean "You must be kidding!," "You lie!," or "No way!" Spoken
variants are Usso! and Ussou. The word usotsuki means "liar."
88. uwasa- rumor.
89. wakaru- to understand.
Common inflections are wakatta (understood) and wakaranai (don't understand). Note that the
abbreviated forms of wakaranai are gender specific, with women favoring wakannai and men
likely to say wakaran or wakanne-e.
90. wana- trap, snare.
91. yabai- miserable, wretched (situation).
As an exclamation, this can be translated as "This is bad!" or an emphatic "Uh-oh."
92. yakusoku- promise, oath.
93. yameru- to stop, quit, terminate.
The exclamation Yamero! can be translated as "Stop (it)!" or "Enough!"
94. yaru- this verb has several meanings.
It's a deferential form of the verb "to do." It's also a form of the verb "to give" reserved for gifts
made to social inferiors (and plants and animals). Finally, it can mean "to try, attempt."
95. yasashii-
although pronounced the same as the Japanese word for "easy," in anime it's more likely to refer
to the character for "splendid, exceptional." For example, yasashii seikaku means "good-
natured" and yasashii hito means "a great guy."
96. yatta-
probably originated as the past tense of yaru, but has long since taken on an independent
meaning. Used to proclaim victory or good fortune. Possible translations include "Hooray!,"
"Banzai!," "I did it!," and "Yay!"
97. yoshi- an exclamation used when readying oneself to take an important action.
Possible translations include "Here I come!," "All right (,then)!" Spoken variants are yosshi and
yo-oshi!
98. youkai- an occult monster.
Sometimes used as a general term for occult phenomena.
99. yume- dream.
100. yurusu- to forgive, pardon.

Most Commonly Used Phrases in Japanese Anime

Everything You Wanted to Know About the Language in Japanese Anime!
 Lain, Yahoo Contributor Network
Oct 6, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo websites. Start Here."
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Ever watched a Japanese anime and wondered what they were saying? Okay, well you've probably
watched it with subtitles, but what exactly do the words really mean? And how can you learn and
apply them? For many, learning Japanese is common, not only in the U.S where anime has taken off
with stunning alacrity since its debut in the 80s, but in many countries around the world. Still,
progress can be slow and catching on to exactly what your favorite character is saying can be harder
still with a large vocabulary, slang, and the speed of normal or accelerated speech. It certainly isn't
classroom learning. However, many people pick up a fair deal of Japanese just by watching anime or
other Japanese movies. The trouble comes in when learning the exact meaning or how to actually use
the terms or phrases. For this purpose I have created a guide on basic "anime Japanese" and tips on
how to use it.
Japanese is spoken with various degrees of formality depending on a person position, age, and
relation to you (the speaker). As such, casual phrases should be used among friends and people one's
own age. More formal speech should be take with elders, teachers, and the like.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it can and will prove extremely useful on the road to learning
and speaking basic conversational Japanese. That alone is enough to push you in your studies and
encourage practice with other Japanese speakers. Try getting a Japanese penpal. There are a great
many websites that deal with language exchange and your penpal can help you with Japanese and
expose you to a more comprehensive study of the language. In turn, you'll be able to expose them to
the same benefits of the English language. It's a win-win situation.

Pronouns:

Watashi: I (casual)
Anata: You (This isn't used often as it is usual in Japan to refer to people by their name
instead of you.)
Greetings:
Konbanwa: Good Evening
Konichiwa: Hello
Moshi Moshi!: Hello (said on the phone or used to get one's attention).
Ohayo Gozaimasu: Good morning. (Can be said without "gozaimasu" in casual speech).

Interjections:
Otto: Sorry! Oops!
Itai!: Ouch! It's painful!
Waa!: Wow
Yattaa!: I (we) did it! Yippee! (Can also be followed by "ne")
Uso!: You lie!

Commonly heard words:

Akunin: Villian, Enemy
Amai: Sweet
Baka: Stupid, foolish
Chiisai: Small
Dare: Who?
Doko: Where?
Kawaii: Cute
Kawaiku nai: Not cute
Neko: Cat
Omoshiroi: Interesting
Shikashi: But, however

Commonly heard expressions:

Abunai!: Danger! Dangerous. (Commonly used in the context of yelling to someone to
watch out. Ex: someone can use this phrase if a friend is walking close to the
road and a car is passing close by. To prevent injury they would say "abunai.")
Aho: Idiot
Arigatoo: Thank you! (Informal)
Arigatoo Gozaimasu: Thank you! (Formal)
Chigaimasu: No it isn't. It isn't true.
Chotto matte: Wait! Wait up! Wait a second.
Chotto ukagaimasu ga : I have a question
Daijyobu desu ka: Are you all right?
Daisuki Yannen: I like you! I love you! (Used to express a very strong like or love.)
Dakarananda: So what? Who gives a damn?
Damare!: Shut up!
Dame desu: It's no good.
Doo desu ka: How is it?
Doo iu imi desu ka: What does it mean?
Doo Shimashita ka: What happened?
Genki desu ka: How are you?
Hayaku: Hurry up!
Honto ni: Really? Is it true?
Ikimashoo ka: Shall we go?
Irashaimase: Welcome. (Usually used when entering a shop or restaurant.)
Itte kimasu: I'll be back
Kawaisooni: How pitiful. (Japanese kana literally translate the romaji into "kawaisouni"
the "o" sound is long and is as such spelt "kawaisooni" in many resources.)
Ki o tsukete kudasai: Take care. Be careful.
Mada desu: Not yet.
Mairimasu: I'll be back
Masaka: Ridiculous! It can't be!
Mita, mita: What a pain.
Mochiron: Of course!
Naruhodo: I see.
Oshisashiburi desu: Long time no see.
Shiranai yo: I don't know (Casual)
Shirimasen: I don't know. (A more polite form)
Shizukani shite kudasai: Please be quiet. (A more polite term)
Soo da to omoimasu: I think so.
Soo omoimasen: I don't think so.
Sore wan nan desu ka: What is that?
Uso deshoo: Are you kidding? Are you serious?
Urusai: Shut up! (Literally noisy or loud, but is used as a term for shut up in most animes.)
Wakarimasen: I don't understand. (A more polite form)
Wakatta: I understand. (Casual)
Wakatta no: Do you understand? (Casual. Said with a rising intonation)
Yamero!: Stop it!
Yare, yare: Well, well
Yokatta desu ne: How nice! I'm glad! (For future event)
Yoku Dekimashita: Well done.
Yorokonde: With pleasure.
Zannen desu ne: How disappointing, that's too bad. (For future events)
Zannen deshita ne: How disappointing, that's too bad. (For past events)

aa, ee, un, saa = yes (informal)

abayo = casual goodbye, kinda like "see ya"
abunai = dangerous, threatening; when shouted as a command it translates to "look out!"
aburi = fried tofu
ahou = moron
ai = love
aisatsu ni = to greet, say hello to
aishteru = I love you (romantic love)
aisuru = love, sweetheart, beloved
akari = light
aku = evil, wicked, bad, etc.
aku soku zan = literally "kill evil instantly" (from Rurouni Kenshin)
ane-ue = respectful word for "older sister"; you would use this to talk about your sister when
she's not in your presence. If you were talking to her, you would use "onee-san"
ani-ue = respectful word for "older brother"; you would use this to talk about your brother
when he's not in your presence. If you were talking to him, you would use "onii-san"
ano/sono/kono/dono/ = basically means "this" when referring to people. In order: "that
over there", "that", "this", and "which one?"
ano hi = "this day"
ano hito = literally "that person"
ano toki = literally "that time"; often translates to "back there", "back then", etc.
anou = "well..."
ara/are = oh, or "huh?" ; "Ara" is used by women, "Are" by men.
are/sore/kore/dore = means "this" when referring to objects. Meanings are the same as
listed above for "ano/sono/kono/dono"
arigatou gozaimasu = "thank you very much"; the more formal version is "domo arigatou
gozaimasu"; the casual verion is "arigatou" (thanks, thank you)
arimasen/imasen = isn't ("arima****a" = was, were)
asagohan/hirugohan/bangohan = in order: breakfast/lunch/dinner/meal
a****a = tomorrow
asoko/soko/koko/doko = means "this" when referring to locations. In order: "there" (far
away), "there", "here", "where?"; both "doko wa" and "koko wa" can translate as "where am
I?" (literally "where is this place?")
atama = head
atarashii = new
atsui = hot (temperature or weather)

baka = idiot, fool, stupid, etc. (all-purpose insult)

bakaga = impossible
bakemono = monster
bento = a box lunch
betsu ni = a multi-purpose negative phrase, usually translated as "nothing" or "not really"
bishonen = beautiful boy
bishoujo = beautiful girl (sometimes translated as "pretty"; the word itself is a combination
of "bi" = beautiful and "shoujo" = girl)
bouzu = kid (often used as an insult)
budo = a set of goals/morals for martial artists, such as a philosophy that goes with your
particular style, such as "protect the weak" or "revitalize people" or something of that sort.
bushido = the "warrior's code", or code of honor among samurai. One of the main rules of
Bushido seems to be "death before dishonor"
busu = ugly girl (a pretty rude insult)

chibi = little; can be a noun or adjective

chichi-oya = formal, respectful word for "father"; this is how you would refer to your father
outside of his presence. If you were talking to him you would use "otou-san"
chikyuu = Earth (as in the planet)
chigau = different (can also be used as "no" as in "no, it's something different" or "that's
wrong"). The verb form is "chigaimasu" ("to be different/wrong")
chiisai = small (as in "small in size"); I've also heard the variation "chisana", which may be
the noun version, I'm not %100 sure on that.
chotto matte = "wait a minute!" ("matte" is the gerund from of "to wait" which is "matsu");
"chotto" = "for a short time". "chotto" actually has many different meanings, it varies
according to context and I don't have a full understanding of this word yet.
clothing nouns: kimono, yukata (summer kimono), obi (sash), haori (coat), hanten (jacket),
hakama (skirt pants), tabi (split-toed socks), gi (short men's kimono), zori (sandals for
kimono), geta (wooden sandals), warajii (sandals with many woven straw straps for keeping
it on your foot securely), manto (cloak)

da = as in "no da", a phrase used by Chichiri of Fushigi Yuugi. This is an example of a

character using archaic Japanese; he ends almost everything he says with "no da". Chichiri
says this to put more emphasis into his arguments and statements, it means something like
"what I'm saying is true."
daga = however/but
daijoubu = don't worry, I'm okay, I'll be all right, etc. "daijouka" is "are you okay?"
daikon = large Japanese radish
daimyo = fuedal lord; these people were the next rank above samurai in Japan's fuedal era
and were the major landowners.
daisho = traditional pair of swords carried by samurai, consisting of a katana (long sword)
and wakizashi (short sword)
daisuki desu/da = I love you. This has more emphasis than "suki desu/da" which means "I
love you/I like you" (this refers to boyfriend/girlfriend type love, not romantic marraige-
type love. Important difference!). "daisuki" can also describe your favorite things.
dakara = so, therefore
damare = means "be quiet", often translates as "shut up!" or "silence!"
dame = this actually means "bad" or "it's no good" (the opposite of "ii", which means
"good") but it's often used (and translated) as "no" (as in "don't do that!")
de gozaru = a "polite phrase" that can be added to the ends of sentences. Only Himura
Kenshin of Rurouni Kenshin uses this. It's a very outdated, archaic form of the polite "de
gozaimasu" and would almost be like someone walking up to you and saying stuff like "thou
art" and other Shakespearan-era English. You know what it means, but you would never use
it in regular converstion. Kenshin's just odd
desu = this has many complicated uses in speech, but basically it's a polite modifier, and is a
more casual form of "de gozaimasu". See a grammar dictionary for how to properly translate
"desu", I could never explain it properly
demo/datte = but
densetsu = legend, legendary
dewa = an interjection, has various meanings including "Then...","Well...","Now..." etc.
dim sum = pork buns (a Chinese dish)
do-iu koto da = "what do you mean?"
dojo = school (as in a maritial arts training hall)
doki doki = a phrase meaning "sometimes/from time to time"; it also describes a heartbeat
domo = This word has so many uses I couldn't possibly list them all. One common use is
"thank you", functioning as the short version of the full (i.e. very formal) version of "thank
you very much" ("domo arigatou gozaimasu")
doozo = here you go, here you are (giving someone something)
dou = how, in what way?; "dou da?" is "how about it?"
dou ****e = why?/why not?/how come?; "dou****a" can mean "what's wrong?"

eeto... = like saying "um..." or "erm...", that sort of thing

expletives: mou, che, chikuso, kuso, shimatta (all meaning damn, ****, crap, etc.)

fuku = uniform
fureru = "to touch"
furo = bath
futon = the thin, soft mattresses some Japanese sleep on (most people use Western beds
nowadays). They are folded and stored in cabinets when not in use.
fushigi = mystery, wonder, mysterious, etc.

gaijin = refers to any foreigner

gakkou = highschool
gambatte ne! = "do your best!"
genki da = cheer up, be well, take care, etc. ("genki" literally means energy)
gochisousama! = said at the end of mealtimes, means "thank you for the meal/I'm finished"
gomen nasai = I'm sorry

ha = the cutting edge of a sword (just one of many meanings for "ha")
haha-oya = respectful word for "mother"; this is how you would refer to your mother outside
of her presence. If you were talking to her you would use "okaa-san"
hai = yes
hajime = beginning, start, the first time, etc. The verb "to begin" is "hajimeru" (with the
often-heard command form "hajimete")
hajimema****e = "I'm pleased to meet you (for the first time)"
hakubaikou = white plum (the scent and the flower)
han = half; examples are "hanbun" ("half of me" or "part of me") and "hanyou" ("half-
demon")
hana = there are a few meanings for this, including "flower" and "nose"
hanase = imperative form of "to release", it often translates as "release me!" or "let me go!";
the dictionary form is "hanasu"
hanashi = as a noun it means "news, account, story", etc. The dictionary from of the verb "to
talk" is "hanasu"; "hanasu also means "to release" (see above)
hane = spring (as in the season)
hayaku = means "faster"; also translates as "hurry up" or "quickly" when used as a
command.
hen = weird or strange
hentai = literally "strange", though it's often used in such a way as to get the translation
"pervert"
henshin = transform or change
hidari = left
hidoi = mean, cruel
hikari = light, energy (as in a glare, gleam, or ray)
hime = princess
himitsu = secret
hito = man, person
hitokiri = assassin; "hito" means "man" and "kire" is a form of the verb "to cut" ("kiru"), so
"hitokiri" literally means "Man-Slicer" or "ManSlayer", hence why it's an appropriate job
title for an assassin
hitomi = to see, eye
hitotsu no = a part of something (a, one, etc.)
honorifics: the Japanese "honorific" has no English equivalent. They are a way of showing
your status in relation to another person and so, depending on how they are used, they can
be either respectful or insulting. In rank from highest respect to lowest they are: -sama, -
san, -dono, -kun, -chan. They are used as suffixes attached to the ends of words. There has
been some debate amongst myself and others about the exact usage of "-dono" as it occurs
in anime and manga; it's an older honorific and seems to imply that the speaker is in the
service of another person, but this isn't always true in context. As far we can tell its usuage is
on a case-by-case basis.
honto = really ("honto desu ka" = "really?")
houshi = priest

ichiban = first, the best, favorite, etc.; "ichi" is "one" and when the Japanese count things
they use different classifiers along with the number (kind of like the way we say "two pieces
of bread" instead of "two breads"). "-ban" is used specifically for counting numerical order.
ie = house
ii = good, nice; "ii desu ka" means "is it okay?", the casual version is "ii ne/na"; the past
tense of "ii" is "yokatta" (yup you grammar-seekers, it's an irregular. I hate irregulars )
iie, iya = no; the first is more formal, the second more relaxed and conversational
iinazuke = fiancee
ikari = fury
ikenai = "oh no!"
iku = the dictionary form of "to go"; often you hear it as "ikuzo" meaning "let's go!" This
form isn't in my grammar book, so I'm guessing it's some sort of ultra-casual slang version
of the verb, but I can't be sure about that.
ima = now
imouto = younger sister
inochi = life
inu = dog
irrashimase! = welcome! (used in restaurants to greet customers)
itachi = weasel
itadakimasu = said at the start of meals, means "let's eat!", "here's to good food", etc.
ite = ouch, ow
itte kimasu = "I'm taking off!" or "I'm leaving now!"; the "itte" part of this is the gerund form
of the verb "to go" ("iku") but there is no conjugation with "kimasu" on the end of it, so I'm
wondering if I'm not hearing the phrase correctly...
istu = when; "istu mo" means "always, constantly, forever", etc.

ja ne/ja na = see you later/see you then

ja matta/mattana = casual "goodbye"
-ja nai/-nai = a suffix that gives an adjective a negative meaning. Japanese "adjectives" don't
fully correspond to the English ones, you need to see a grammar book for a proper
explanation of negative forms.
janken = the Japanese version of "rock, paper, scissors"; the phrase is "Janken, Janken,
Pon!"
jibun = one's self, yourself/himself/herself
jikai = next time
jinchuu = Earthly justice (is also sometimes translated as "revenge")
jitsu wa = "actually..."
jou-chan = "little missy"
joudan janai ="this is no joke!" or "you've got to be kidding!", etc.
juunishi = Japanese version of the Chinese Zodiac (featured in the anime Fruits Basket)

ka = a particle that indicates a question

kakkoii! = "cool!"
kami = some common meanings for this word are "spirit" ("Kami-sama" is God), "hair", and
"paper"
kamiya = flower; this isn't the generic word for "flower" so I'm thinking it refers to a specific
species, I have no idea which one though...
kanai = wife
kanji = perception, feeling. Also refers to the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing.
kanojo = girlfriend
kao = face
kaoru = scent
kare/kareshi = boyfriend
kawaii/kawaiku ne = cute/uncute (from Ranma 1/2)
kaze = wind
keisatsu = police
ken = sword; there are many words for sword according to their type (usually determined by
length). Examples: wattou (long battle katana, usually greater than 30 inches in length),
katana (generally 25-30 inches long), wakizashi (short sword), kodachi (short sword
between a wakizashi and katana in length), tanto (long dagger), kunai (short throwing
knives), sakabatou (a fictional reverse-bladed sword), zanbatou (giant sword used to cut
down both horse and rider), bokken (wooden sword), and shinai (bamboo practice sword).
The sheath or scabbard for a sword is called a "saya".
kenjutsu = swordsmanship
kenkaku = swordsman
kenshin = devotion, dedication; in Rurouni Kenshin it's written with the kanji reading
"Heart of Sword"
keredo/kedo = though, although, but
ki/chi = the Asian concept of a life force or life spirit; it's mentioned a lot in martial arts
anime. "Ken-ki" is used in Rurouni Kenshin in reference to swords, and in Inuyasha "youki"
is used to describe demon energy. "Ki" also means "tree". "Chi" is closer to the Chinese
pronuciation of the word.
kimochi = feeling, emotion, pleasure
ki o tsukete = The gerund (command) form of "be careful"; dictionary form is "ki o tsukeru"
kitsune = fox
kirei = pretty, lovely; unlike in English, the Japanese word for "pretty" can also be a noun,
and so sometimes you hear it as an affectionate nickname for someone.
kizu = wound (physical cut)
kodomo = child
koekeishiya = successor
koishii, koibito = beloved, lover, sweetheart, etc.
koi = this words has a ton of meanings, including love, goldfish, and "come here!" (the
imperative form of the verb "to come", which is "kuru")
kokoro = heart, mind, soul, etc.
konbanwa = good evening
koneko = kitten
konnichi wa = hello, good afternoon
korosu = "to kill"
kotaeru = "to answer"; you'll hear it in various forms in anime, often as a command:
"answer me!"
koto wa = thing, what, affair/matter
kotowaru = "to decline" (to refuse do something, such as fight)
kowai = scared, fear, afraid
kumo = a couple meanings, including "spider" and "cloud"

maa, maa = "now, now" ; a phrase used to placate someone

maa na = "I guess"
maboroshi = means "illusion", as in a dream or illusion constructed by someone;
figuratively it means "mystic" or "mystical". In Escaflowne "Maboroshi no tsuki" means
"The Mystic Moon."
machigainai = there's no mistake! (like when you recognize someone, or verify information)
mada = not yet, still
mamoru = "to protect"
masaka = "of course not!", "impossible", "it can't be!", "not really", etc.
massushiro = a phrase, means "clean and white"
mattaku = sheesh, yeesh, jeez, "oh for heaven's sake", etc. General expression of annoyance.
miko = priestess
minna = everyone
miru = "to see"
miso = Japanese soy-based soup
mizu = water
mochi = a Japanese dessert: rice dough (kinda marshmallow in texture) stuffed with ohagi
(sweet bean paste)
moko-dono = from Ranma 1/2, means "son-in-law"
mon = family crest, often seen on formal kimono. In the Meji era a "mon" was also a form a
currency that was worth less than a "sen".
mononoke = vengeful spirit
mooto = increases the amount of something. An example is "hayaku, hayaku, mooto
hayaku" (a phrase from a Spirited Away image song) which means "faster, faster and faster"
but "mooto" doesn't mean "and"; it's simply increasing the amount of "hayaku"
mori = forest
moshi moshi = hello (on the phone)
mou ii = a phrase, means "no more" or "that's enough!"
mune = the dull edge of a Japanese sword. It also means "heart"
musume = daughter (in Rurouni Kenshin "itachi musume" = "weasel girl" or literally the
daughter of a weasel. Obviously in this case it's being used as in insult)
muzukashii = difficult
myuun = the sound a cat makes, they also make a "nyaa nyaa" sound

na ha = a very impolite and abbreviated way to ask someone their name. "O-namae wa" is
standard-polite; if you wantto be even more formal you would use "O-namae wa nan to
iimasu ka" or "O-namae wa nan to osshaimasu ka" (the latter is very polite ^^)
nakanai de = don't cry, the negative form of the verb "to cry" ("naku"). "nakanaide kudasai"
= "please don't cry"
nan da/nan de = why, what. "nan da to" is an extreme version of "what", sort of like
"WHAT?!"
nan de sute = "what did you say?"
nan = what; a common casual version of this is "nani"
nani yatten no = "what are you doing?"
nani-mo = nothing
naruhodo = I see (as in "I understand")
naze = why (an extreme why, as in "why did you do that?!")
ne = when put as a question, means "right?" (as in "correct"). This is just one of the many
meanings of "ne"
neko = cat
nezumi/onezumi = mouse/rat
nigeru = "to run"
nihon, nippon/nihongo = Japan/Japanese (language)
nikuma = pork buns
ningen = human
nidoto = never (as in "I'll never do that again")
no = serves several purposes, often as a particle marking a possessive ("Akane no iinazuke"
would be "Akane's fiancee" for instance)
numbers: ichi (one), ni (two), san (three), shi or yon (four), go (five), roku (six), shichi or
nana (seven), hachi (eight), kyuu or ku (nine), juu (ten), etc.

obasan = aunt
obaasan = grandmother. It's important to note that this word is very different from "obasan"
above (which only has one "a" in romanji or a short "a" sound in speech). The "a" sound in
"obaasan" is held twice as long.
obaba = great-grandmother, or a fairly rude way of saying "old woman"
obou = monk
oden = a mixed meat/vegetable stew
ohagi = sweet bean paste
oi = hey!
oishii = delicious, tasty
ojisan = uncle, or "mister" when used by a non-relative. The Japanese have the habit of
sometimes referring to strangers or aquaintances with familial terms. This is one such
example.
ojiisan = grandfather. Just as with "obasan" it's important to note the difference in spelling.
You hold the "i" sound longer when you want to say "grandfather" as opposed to "uncle".
okaa = mother; in speech this word is almost always used with an honorific. "Okaa-sama" is
very respectful, "Okaa-san" is general respect (this is the usual form you hear), "Okaa-chan"
is informal and is sort of like saying "mommy".
okari nasai = welcome home
okashira = commander or boss
okonomiyaki = Japanese "pizza" (it's similar to a pancake with sauce and other toppings
added. Yum ^_^)
ohayou gozaimasu = good morning (just "ohayou" is like "morning!")
ohisashiburi = "it's been a long time" or "long time no see!"
omoshiroi = interesting or amusing
onna = woman
onegai = please (the full version is "onegai-shimasu" when you're being really polite; if used
like a command I've seen it translated as "I beg of you!")
onee = older sister (informal: onee-chan, polite: onee-san
oni = ogre or demon
onii = older brother (informal: onii-chan, polite: onii-san)
onigirii = rice ball
onsen = hot spring
ooji = prince
ookii = big
osuwari = the command form of "to sit" ; actually this is technically a dog command...
otaku = in Japan this words simply refers to a fan of anything, in America it's come to
describe an fan of anime specifically.
otoko = man
otou = father; in speech, just as with "okaa", this word is almost always used with an
honorific. "Otou-sama" is very respectful, "Otou-san" is general respect (this is the usual
form you hear), "Otou-chan" is informal and is sort of like saying "daddy".
otouto = younger brother
otto = husband
ougi = succession technique for a sword or martial arts school, literally means "deep act"
owari = "the end", as in the end of a show or story. The verb "to end" is "owaru"
oyaji = "old man", as in your dad (often used as an insult in anime)
oyasumi nasai = good night

paku = the sound a fish makes

pan = bread
particle: the Japanese "particle" refers to the short syllables (no, to, ni, mo, etc.) sprinked in
Japanese sentences. The meaning and uses of particles are many and varied. They often
serve as object and topic markers, identifying the subject of the sentence (first person
pronouns are nearly always followed by a particle. Examples would be "watashi no", "sessha
mo", etc.). They also serve a function similar to English preposition "filler" words such as:
of, and, the, from, to, etc. To understand particles you need a Japanese grammar dictionary
and/or a good textbook.
piyo = the sound a bird makes
pronouns: watakushi (formal "I"), watashi (standard "I"), atashi (young woman's "I"), ore
(informal men's "I"), boku ("I" for kids or when you're being submissive), sessha ("this
unworthy one"), washi (used by old people) anata (formal "you", or "beloved" if used
between a married couple), kimi (standard "you"), omae (casual men's "you"), onushi ("you"
used by old people), temee (rude version of "you"), kisama (really rude version of "you", as
in "you bastard!")

Notes on pronoun use: generally used in pairs.

Complementary I/you pairs by politeness level! There are a lot of ways of referring to
oneself, depending on gender, age, social position, and relation to the person being
addressed. Usually, a person who habitually uses a given first person pronoun will use a
complementary second person pronoun to address others.

Ore/omae. Ore is the tough-guy way of saying I, and a guy who says ore usually addresses
other (men) as omae. Omae *used* to be polite, it literally means something like honorable-
one-in-front-of-me, but usage tends to drag down second (and sometimes first) person
pronouns to lower and lower politeness levels. Anime characters who use it: Sanosuke,
Yahiko, Battousai, Ranma, Ryouga -- tough guys in general.

Boku/kimi. Boku is the boy's I, used almost from the time a boy becomes aware that he is a
boy, up until he decides he's a M-A-N and starts using ore. Kimi is the complementary you;
most boku-users seem to use it. Boku-users in anime usually tend to be softer-spoken --
though why Tatewaki Kunou uses it is a mystery, since most of the rest are nice guys: Tenchi
Masaki, Tonbo in Kiki's Delivery Service, Hakkai in Gensoumaden Saiyuuki.

Watashi/anata. Standard-polite, used by nearly all adults who don't talk tough.

Atashi/anta. This is a young girl's version of standard-polite and is a little more casual.
Akane Tendou uses this.

Washi. I don't remember the complementary you for this; it's a form used by old people.
Happousai, Cologne, and Genma use it (even though Genma's not that old).

Sessha/onushi. This unworthy one... and onushi means something like honored lord. Again,
both are around 300 years out of date. And we all know who uses these! ^_^x

Then there are two other words for you that I should mention. At least technically they
mean you -- they're usually used as epithets: kisama and temee (that's the rough-masculine
pronunciation, but it's the only one I ever see). In Japanese, most curses, epithets and
insults are simply very rude ways of saying you.
R

rei = soul
rounin = masterless samurai
rurouni = vagabond or wanderer (it's important to note that this word was made up by the
creator of Rurouni Kenshin, combining "rounin" (masterless samurai) and "rurou"
(vagabond). It doesn't actually exist in the Japanese language)
ryu = school or style (for example, a sword style such as "Hiten Misturugi Ryu").
ryuu = dragon

sake = rice "wine" (it's brewed like a beer)

sakura = cherry blossom
samurai = Japan's ancient warrior class (one step above peasants), officially abolished at the
start of the Meji era (1868)
sashimi = sliced raw fish
sasuga ha = "nothing less from", as when someone lives up to his/her reputation or does
something cool that you expected
satsujinhan-nin = killer/murder; "satsujin" is a shorter version.
sayounara = farewell (as in "goodbye forever" or for a long time)
seiyuu = voice actor/actress
sen = a breakdown of Japanese currency, in today's money I believe 100 sen = 1 yen (not
%100 sure though)
sensei = teacher; it's often used as a suffix after someone's name and indicates that they are
very knowledgeble in a certain area (doctors, teachers, and writers often get a "-sensei" after
their name). In America "sensei" has a more limited definition as a "martial arts
instructor".
shishou = old term for "master" in the martial arts
senshi = soldier
sempai = upperclassmen/predecessor; essentially someone who has studied or been there
before you
sepukku = ritual suicide
shakkin = debt (as in money)
shihondai = assistant master
shikari ****e = generally translated as "hang in there! or "snap out of it!". "shikari shiro" is
the informal male speech version. The literal "snap out of it" is "ii kagen ni shinasai/ii kagen
ni shiro" (male speech); it kind of means "behave yourself!"
shikashi = however/but
shinda = "died"; this is the plain past tense of "shinu", which means "to die".
shinji = form of the verb "to believe" ("shinjiru"). You hear the verb in its various forms
everywhere in anime, but I've only heard "shinji" as a name (from Evangelion). I'm not sure
of its precise meaning in that form.
shinjitsu = truth
shinma = literally "gods" + "demons", used to describe the supernatural beings in Vampire
Princess Miyu
shinpai = worry
Shinto/Shintoism = the native religion of Japan. Shintoism consists mainly of ancestor
worship and the worship of various animal spirits. Shinto temples are distinguished by the
large orange-red "Tori" gates placed outside the main temple (these are commonly seen in
anime).
****sure shimasu = lit. "please excuse what I am about to do". It's what you say when you
enter someone else's house.
shogun = warlord
shoji = the sliding rice paper doors in Japanese houses
shounen = boy
shoujo = girl
sonna = such
soo = so (the one word that's the same in Japanese and English)
sore = that
soredemo = however/but
soro soro = soon, "it's almost time", "it is time for...", etc. This phrase has a lot of
translations, it's hard to pin down a precise meaning.
so****e = and
sou ka = I see or "do I?" (the ka indicates a question)
sou na = no, as in "no, that can't be!" or "no way!"
sou desu ne = yes it is; "sou sou" can mean "oh yeah..."
so-yo = that's true, that's right!
subete = all, everything
sugoi! = awesome!, cool!, wow!, etc.
suhama = rice cake
sukoshi = literally "to a small degree"; usual translations: a bit, few, slight, slightly, little,
some, any
sumanu/sumanai/sumimasen = "pardon me" or "excuse me", also translates to "I'm sorry"
or even "thank you"; this word has so many variations.
suru = "to do"; "nani o suru?" = "what are you doing?"
sushi = we all know this one, rice topped with raw fish (or some other kind of sea life) and
wrapped in seaweed

tabun = probably
taberu = "to eat"
-tachi = when added to things, makes them plural ("hito-tachi" = "folk, people" for
example). When used with first and second person pronouns -tachi can make words that
mean we/our and "you guys"; ore/boku/watashi-tachi all mean "we/our" and "omeatachi"
means "you guys", essentially referring to a group of people (see notes on pronoun use
above).
tadaima = I'm home, I'm back, etc.
taichou = captain, commander
taisetsu na/ni = important (as in "this is very important/special to me")
tamago = egg
tamashii = soul; In Inuyasha "Shikon no Tama" means "Jewel of the Four Souls"
tanuki = raccoon (the Japanese raccoon dog, actually)
taousu = defeat (in battle)
tasukete = help
tataku = to hit, beat, or knock.
tatami = the straw mats that cover floors in traditional Japanese homes
tattaka = fight/battle
tatte = command form of "to stand up"; dictionary form is "tatsu"
tempura = deep-fried vegetables
tenchuu = divine or heavenly justice (from Rurouni Kenshin)
tenshi = angel
to = a particle, means "and" when linking two words
tori = bird, also refers specifically to a chicken or rooster; "tori no atama" = "rooster head"
(from Rurouni Kenshin)
tsubasa = wings; a single wing is called a "hane"
tsuee = strong, as in "he's strong"
tsugi = next
tsuki = moon (as in the satellite)
tsuzuku = a phrase, "to be continued"
tsuyoi = strong, powerful

udon = a kind of Japanese noodle

unmei = fate or destiny
usagi = rabbit
urasai! = "shut up!" or just "be quiet"
ureshii = happy
uso = lie
W

wai! = yay!
wakaru/wakatta/wakarima****a = various forms of "to understand" ("wakaru")
wakaranai = common negative form of "to understand"
wan = the sound a dog makes
writing: the Japanese written system is very complicated and consists of three separate
scripts that are used together: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

Hiragana is the Japanese native script and consists of 46 basic characters. Hiragana is a
syllabary rather than an alphabet (ka, ki, ko, ku, etc.) so English words cannot be neatly
transcribed into Hiragana or vice versa. "Romanji" is the Japanese term for native words
written in the English alphabet. Several systems exists for transcribing Japanese words into
English script, the most common of which is the Hepburn system.

Katakana is also 46 characters and has the same sounds as Hiragana, but is used primarily
for writing foreign words and for emphasis (similar to the way we use bold or italic
characters).

Kanji are Chinese characters that have been adapted for the Japanese language. There are
literally thousands of different Kanji, and much of Japanese is written in them. Kanji are
often used for proper nouns (such as names and places) and also distinguish between
homonyms (which are very common in Japanese). Earlier in this glossary I mentioned that
"koi" is a homonym word with many meanings. In speech, the meaning is determined by
context, in writing a different Kanji will be used for each meaning of koi so you know exactly
which one the author means (not a bad system, actually). In manga that are read by kids,
you'll often see the Kanji written with tiny Hiragana symbols (called "furigana") on the side.
This is because children in Japan gradually learn their Kanji as they go through school, and
so if they come across an unfamiliar one they need to know how to pronounce it (hence the
Hiragana, which they already know). Full literacy in Japan is very difficult, which is why
reading and writing is so imporant to them. Japanese kids spend most of your primary
education learning Kanji, and they're so stringent about it Japan has one of the highest
literacy rates in the world (96%!) For a fantastic and extremely informative site on Kanji
and the Japanese writing system in general, please visit The Kanji SITE.

yahari/yappari = literally "as expected"; usally translated as "as I thought", "just as I

suspected", "you really are", "can it be that you're?", etc.
yakisoba = pan-fried noodles ("soba" are buckwheat noodles)
yakitori = skewered barbecured chicken
yakusoku = promise
yamete/yamero = casual command forms of "to stop"; "yamete" is feminine usage, "yamero"
masculine
yare yare = oh well, "oh brother", etc.
yarou = very casual way of saying "guy"; often it's used as insult, in which case it's translated
as "you jerk" or "bastard!", etc.
yatta! = he/she/I did it!
yatto = finally
yen = Japanese money; although the exact exchange rate varies day by day, 100 yen usually
equals 1 U.S. dollar. In the 19th century (i.e. the Meji era) a yen, much like our dollar, was
worth considerably more, around 100 dollars!
yo = just as in English, this is a really casual greeting. As a particle in Japanese speech, "yo"
adds emphasis to a word or statement (in some cases, it acts like an exclamation point as far
as meaning's concerned)
yokai = "roger!"
yokatta = an expression of relief, this is the past tense of "ii" ("good); it literally means "that
was good" but it usually translates as "I'm so glad" or "thank goodness"
yosha! = "all right", "let's go", "let's do it!", etc.
youma/youkai = demon
yowai = weak
yume = dream
yuurei = ghost
yuki = snow
yurusenai! = "I won't allow/permit it!", "I can't forgive this!", etc.; "to forgive/pardon" is
"yurusu"

zenzen = a negative modifier, basically means "at all", in use is translates as "that wasn't
good at all" or "that was a bad/unfortunate thing"
zettai! = absolutely!/definitely! This phrase can be translated many, many ways; it basically
acts as empahsis to make another word seem stronger.ko