dictionary

Here are some useful Japanese words and phrases for the anime lover. If you'd like to learn more than what's here, check out the Japanese Language Club.

Vocabulary
Arigato - Thanks
Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much (formal)
Baka - An all-purpose insult meaning stupid, silly, idiot, and the like... (Tendou Akane's word of choice)
Bishoujo - Pretty girl
Bishounen - Pretty guy
-chan - Used at the end of a name, it denotes familiarity; used for friends, children and pets
Chotto - A little; when exclaimed, means "Hold it!" or "Cut it out!"
Daijoubu - OK; usually used regarding one's health
Dame - Bad, no good.
Dame da - Said when refusing something
Dare - Who
Doko - Where (a very common Hibiki Ryouga word)
Eigo - English
Gaijin - Foreigner
Hai - Yes; affirmative
Hayaku! - Hurry up!
Hentai - Perverted
Honto - Really?
Iie - No, negative
Itai! - Ouch!
Kami - God, god
Kawaii - Cute
Kawai sou - How pitiful
Ki - Air or spiritual essence
-ko - Used at the end of a name, it denotes familiarity with a female
Konnichi wa - Hello
-kun - Used at the end of a name; used among guys who grew up together and are good friends; girls use it with male classmate
Manga - Comic book
Manga-ka - Comic book artist
Matte! - Wait!
Moshi moshi - Hello (informal); usually used on the telephone when answering
Mou - When exclaimed, it's like "Enough!" or "Geez!"
Nani - What
Neko - Cat (If you've seen Fruits Basket, you know baka neko means "stupid cat"!)
Ohayou gozaimasu - Good morning
Oneechan - Older sister (more affectionate than oneesan)
Oni - Demon, ogre
Otaku - Usually used for those obsessed fans. Of course, the more traditional meaning is house...
Oniisan - Older brother
Ryoukai - "Roger!"
Saa - Noncommital reply to something indicating that it was heard and understood.
-sama - Used at the end of a name, it denotes great formality and respect.
-san - Used at the end of a name, it denotes formality, like 'Miss/Mr/Mrs'
Sempai - Anyone who is higher up in an organization, like upperclassmen
Shinigami - God of death (like Risky in Risky/Safety)
Shitajiki - Pencil board
Sugoi! - Said in admiration of someone's power or talent
Tomodachi - Friend
Urusai - Noisy.
Urusai! is more like "Be quiet!"
Usotsuki - Liar
Wakatta - Understood
Wakaranai - Not understood
Watashi - I (polite); Young men say 'boku' whereas overtly masculine guys say 'ore'. 'Atashi' is strictly feminine and 'watakushi' is an older form of 'watashi'
Yankii - Yankee. Reserved for Americans... not always all that nice

Random Manga Sounds (We have 'boom' 'crash' and 'thud', but what sounds do they have?)
chuu chuu- sound a mouse makes
kero kero - sound a frog makes
pachi pachi - crackling sound
para para - pitter patter sound
pata pata - flapping sound
pika pika - flashing sound
piyo piyo - sound a baby chick makes
poto poto - dripping sound
wan wan - sound a dog makes

Useful Sentences
Ogenki desu ka? (How are you?)
Ee, okagesamade genki desu. Anata wa? (I'm fine, thank you. And you?)
Sou desu ka? (Is that so?)
Watashi wa seito desu. (I am a student)
Anata no senkou wa nan desu ka? (What is your major?)

Syntax and Other Notes
In Japan, the family name is given first. Like Usagi Tsukino (from 'Sailor Moon') would be written Tsukino Usagi.

Miscellaneous Anime Terms (Ever feel like you're in the dark during an anime technical discussion?)
Dubbed - Original Japanese language dialogue has been recorded over with English or another language
Fansubs - Original Japanese language dialogue with subtitles (see subbed) done by an anime club or fan group; Technically illegal, but sometimes the only way we Americans get to see certain shows!
OAV/OVA - Original Animated Video/Original Video Animation - They both mean the same thing and are used interchangeably
Raw - Original Japanese language dialogue with no subtitles
Subbed - Original Japanese language dialogue with English or another translation appearing on screen

Miscellaneous
Want to learn how to use chopsticks? Grab a pair and check out this page with graphically enhanced instructions or this page with instructions and descriptions of the traditions surrounding chopsticks- you'll be a pro in no time! Did you know sticking chopsticks vertically in rice is only done in ceremonies honoring the dead? If you have already mastered handling chopsticks, check out some etiquette tips.

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