Japanese slang words – 10 common Japanese slang words
Slang words are a part of the language system in the world. There are slang words in every country and language. Japanese slang words are sometimes metaphorically based on the figurative meaning or sometimes are puns. In the slang language, “slang words” are used to show a friendly manner in close relationships, especially among young people.
Today, LearnJapanesedaily will introduce to you 10 common Japanese slang words in 2015 as well as their meanings and usage.
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じわる (ji waru)
Abbreviated form of じわじわ笑う (Jiwajiwa warau) used as a verb meaning “can’t stop laughing”, “lol – laugh out loud”.
For example: あの芸人の一発ギャグはじわる (Ano geinin no ippatsugyagu waji waru): What that artist said makes me lol so much.
セルフィー (Serufī)
Meaning taking a selfie, derived from the English word “selfie”.
The word is used as a noun, close to 自分撮り (Jibundori – self-portrait photograph)
For example: セルフィーしましょ！(Serufī shimasho!) : Let’s take a selfie!
ずっとも (zuttomo)
Supposedly abbreviated form of ずっと友達 (zuttotomodachi), means BFF (Best friends forever).
For example: わたしたち、ずっともだよね！(Watashitachi, zuttomoda yo ne!): Let’s be best friends forever!
チキる (chikiru)
Derived from チキン (chikin – chicken) English spelling used to say someone is a coward, tends to chicken out.
This word is used as a verb, means “to chicken out”.
For example: 私、チキって何もできなかった！(Watashi, chikitte nanimo dekinakatta!): I don’t dare to do anything because I’m too coward.
おこ (oko)
Abbreviated form of 怒る( おこる – okoru) means “to rage” or “to fume”. These words are used as a joke when the speaker isn’t really mad.
For example: ひろしの返信まじおそい。おこだわ。(Hiroshi no henshinmaji osoi. Okoda wa.)
Hiroshi is responding too slowly, how irritating!
つらたん (tsuratan)
Derived from つらい (tsurai : hurt) means “difficult, hard, hurt”.
For example: 明日朝６時に起きなきゃ。まじつらたん。(Ashita asa 6-ji ni okinakya.Maji tsura tan.) I have to wake up at 6 a.m. Life is so hard!
神ってる (kami tteru)
An adjective used similarly to 絶妙 (Zetsumyō – delicate, wonderful), Kamitteru can be perceived as to be magnificent, heaven-sent, a masterpiece.
For example: NBAのコービーのプレーはいつも神ってるな！(Nba no kōbī no purē wa itsumo kami tteru na!) : Kobe’s plays have always been a masterpiece.
ディスる (Disuru)
Close to 失敬 (shikkei – Impolite) used to show the disrespect, misbehaviour.
For example: あなたは人の悪口を言いすぎ！そんなにディスったらダメだよ！(Anata wa hito no waruguchi o ii-sugi! Son’nani disu ttara dameda yo!)
You always badmouth people, that’s disrespectful.
秒で (Byō de)
Used in the words １秒で (1 second) implies something happens really briefly, immediately. This is used as an adverb.
For example: あなたに遊びにさそわれたら、どこでも秒で行くよ！
Anata ni asobi ni sasowa retara, doko demo byō de iku yo!
If you ask me to hang out, I’ll go immediately.
とりま (Torima)
Abbreviated form of とりあえずまあ (Toriaezu mā – anyways..) used as a linking word.
For example: とりま今日は眠いから帰るわ！(Tori ma kyō wa nemuikara kaeru wa!)
I’m going home anyways since I’m sleepy.
Just like other languages, slang words in Japanese are very diverse and varied. New words are born every day through communication then gradually become widely known and used, especially in young people. The parents are worried not knowing what their children are talking about.
In this article, LearnJapanesedaily has only introduced to you 10 common Japanese slang words in 2o15. Update your own slang vocabulary to understand Japanese better and to make yourself sound “cool”. More interesting words to be coming up next, stay tuned!
