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Japanese Slang
Slang is the non-standard use of words in a language of a particular social group, and sometimes the creation of new words or importation of words from another language. Slang is a type of socio-dialect aimed at excluding certain people from the conversation. But that's not all. It develops with ordinary interaction in a subset of ordinary language development. Slang initially functions as encryption, so that the non-initiate cannot understand the conversation, or as a further way to communicate with.Below you will find some words of Japanese slang:
- Ano: Informal word which can mean "that thing over there", but the slang meaning is more commonly "Uhhh..." or "Well..." and is used a lot in colloquial speech at the start of a sentence or between sentences just like in English "Uhhh.." to slow down the conversation so we can think.
- Apo: Informal term referring to "an appointment for a date".
- Baito: Informal slang for someone who is working part-time.
- Betsu ni: Informal phrase meaning "nothing" or "nothing really". Normally used in response to a question.
- Buru hairu: An expression used when things aren't going right.
- Dame: Informal term with many meanings. I can mean "no" or "it's bad" or "it's not possible" or "you can't do that" etc. It is word that signals a "no" answer.
- Do Kashiteiru: Informal phrase which means "Are you o.k.?
- Gachoon: It means nothing, but you can say it to express surprise.
- Gu-tara suru: To do nothing. To be lazy. Parents may tell their children, "Gu-tara suru na! (Don't be lazy).
- Hazui: Embarassing, short form of "hazukashi"
- Hara Heta: Informal phrase which means "To be hungry" and literally translates as "My/your belly is in a bad condition".
- Ichio: Informal term meaning "anyway..." or "well..." and can replace a direct answer with the meaning "Uhhh...kinda sorta...".
- Junbi O.K. Desu: This is a very modern way of saying, "I'm ready!" And it really does use O.K. as in English.
- Kochi Kochi: Slang meaning "this way!" or "over here!". It is short for Kochira which is a polite way of saying "this way".
- Kora: Informal term meaning "hey!" or close to "listen here!" and is used to get someone's attention in a rough tone.
- Mama: Informal phrase meaning "calm down" or "there there". It is also used to refer to something that is "same as usual"
- Muri Shinai de: loosely translates as "take it easy!" or "don't kill yourself!"
- Nandake: This expression is used when someone mentions something that you might have been told before but you forgot. Or, it is used to express " Um yeah, what about that (thing you're talking about)?"
- Ne: Informal interjection with many uses. It can mean "right?" or "isn't it" or "hey!"
- Oha: Exclamatory phrase for "good morning". Very short for Ohayo Gozaimasu.
- Rakki: Slang term that comes from the English word "lucky" and is used to express that something really "cool" just happened that makes you feel "lucky".
- Sugee!!: A different way of saying, "sugoi (super, extra-ordinary, or great)."
- uccho--n: It basically means "kidding." You can use this to tease someone.
- Yoseyo!: If someone is bothering you, you can say this. It means, "Quit it!!"