22+ Japanese Slang Words That Japanese People ACTUALLY USE

You know how to say thanks in Japanese and you've got your basic greetings down, but something weird happens when you actually talk to Japanese people. They're using words that definitely weren't in your textbook, and half the time you're nodding along while having no clue what just happened.

That's because real Japanese is full of slang. In this post, we're diving into every Japanese slang words and phrases to help you understand what people really say. Let's begin!

What's the point of learning Japanese slang?

Without slang, you sound like a robot. Japanese people immediately peg you as a foreigner who learned from textbooks. You'll be saying "とても美味しいです" while everyone else says "マジうまい." Same meaning, completely different vibe.

Slang is how Japanese people show you're part of the group. Use it right and conversations flow naturally. Miss it and you're stuck in permanent tourist mode, getting the polite-but-distant treatment reserved for outsiders.

Commonly Used Japanese Slang Words and Phrases

Chotto matte (ちょっと待って) - Wait a moment

This phrase is commonly used to ask someone to wait for a short period of time. It's casual and can be used in various situations, such as when someone needs to finish a task before attending to another matter, or when someone is about to share something but needs a moment to gather their thoughts.

Maji de? (マジで?) - Really?

This expression is used to express surprise or disbelief. It's often used in response to something unexpected or shocking. It can also be used to seek confirmation or clarification about something that seems too good to be true.

Yabai (やばい) - Amazing, Terrible

This versatile word can have two opposite meanings depending on the context. It can be used to describe something impressive, cool, or exciting (e.g., "That concert was yabai!"), or it can express alarm, danger, or a sense of being overwhelmed (e.g., "I forgot my homework again, yabai!").

Uzai (うざい) - Annoying

This slang term is used to describe something or someone that is bothersome, irritating, or frustrating. It's commonly used among young people to express annoyance or exasperation with a situation or person.

Sonna koto nai (そんなことない) - That's not true

This phrase is used to dismiss or refute a statement that someone finds hard to believe or disagrees with. It's often used casually in conversation to express skepticism or to reassure someone that their concerns are unfounded.

Japanese Slang Idioms That Sound Completely Weird

Some Japanese slang works like idioms. The words mean one thing, but the phrase means something totally different. Master these and you'll sound like you actually get Japanese humor and culture.

沼にハマる (Numa ni hamaru) - "Fall into a swamp"

Real meaning: Get completely obsessed with something When someone says they "fell into the anime swamp" or "the idol swamp," they're not talking about actual water. They mean they got so obsessed with anime or idols that they can't escape. It's like falling down a rabbit hole, but muddier.

爆死 (Bakushi) - "Bomb death"

Real meaning: Fail spectacularly Your presentation bombed? You 爆死した. Your joke got zero laughs? 爆死. This isn't about actual explosions, it's about failing so hard it's almost impressive.

詰んだ (Tsunda) - "Checkmate"

Real meaning: You're screwed, no way out Borrowed from chess and shogi, but now used when you're in any hopeless situation. Forgot your homework? 詰んだ. Missed the last train? 詰んだ. Your mom found your browser history? Definitely 詰んだ.

フラグ立てる (Flag tateru) - "Raise a flag"

Real meaning: Set up a situation, usually for disaster Someone says "I'll definitely pass this test" right before failing? They raised a flag. It's like tempting fate, but with more gaming terminology.

塩対応 (Shio taiou) - "Salt treatment"

Real meaning: Cold, unfriendly service or attitude When a store clerk acts like they'd rather be anywhere else, that's 塩対応. The opposite is 神対応 (kami taiou), "god treatment," when service is so good it's divine.

病む (Yamu) - "Get sick"

Real meaning: Become mentally unstable or obsessed Not physically sick, mentally. When someone gets too deep into a fandom or relationship and loses perspective, they 病む. It's darker than just being obsessed.

空気読めない (Kuuki yomenai) - "Can't read the air"

Real meaning: Socially clueless, missing obvious social cues Someone who talks loudly in quiet spaces or brings up awkward topics? They can't read the air. This gets shortened to KY, which sounds like the English letters but means you're socially hopeless.

Workplace Slang In Japanese

Otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です) - Thank you for your hard work

This phrase is commonly used in Japanese workplaces as a polite way to acknowledge and appreciate someone's effort and hard work. It's often said at the end of the workday or after completing a task to express gratitude and mutual respect among colleagues.

Nomikai (飲み会) - Drinking party after work

In Japanese corporate culture, socializing outside of work is common and often encouraged as a way to build camaraderie and strengthen team bonds. "Nomikai" refers to a drinking party organized by colleagues after work hours. It's a relaxed and informal setting where coworkers can unwind, socialize, and build relationships in a more casual environment.

Kanban musume (看板娘) - Poster girl

This term is used to refer to an attractive woman who is often used as a promotional model or spokesperson for a company or product. It's derived from the idea of a woman being as eye-catching as a poster (kanban) and is sometimes used humorously or colloquially in workplace conversations.

Shacho (社長) - Company president

In Japanese business culture, titles and honorifics are often used to show respect and hierarchical structure within an organization. "Shacho" is a shortened form of "shachō" (社長), which means company president or CEO. It's commonly used to refer to the highest-ranking executive in a company or organization.

Kaisha (会社) - Company, Workplace

This term simply refers to a company or workplace in Japanese. It's used in various contexts, such as discussing employment, referring to the organization where someone works, or talking about business matters. In casual conversation, "kaisha" can also be used to refer to the concept of work or the working world in general.

Regional Slang In Japanese

Dochira kaimashita ka? (どちら買いましたか？) - Where did you buy that?

This phrase is commonly used in casual conversation to inquire about the place where someone purchased an item. It's a polite way to express interest in a product or to seek recommendations for shopping locations.

Nandemo nai (なんでもない) - It's nothing

This expression is used to downplay a situation or to reassure someone that their actions or words did not cause any inconvenience or trouble. It's often said in response to expressions of gratitude or apologies to indicate that the matter is of little significance.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) - Nice to meet you, Please take care of me

This phrase is a versatile expression used in various contexts, including when meeting someone for the first time, when requesting assistance or cooperation from others, or when expressing gratitude in advance for future favors or cooperation.

Nanka (なんか) - Something, Kind of

This word is used as a filler or hedge in conversation to express vagueness or uncertainty about a statement or description. It can also be used to soften the tone of a statement or to indicate that the speaker is unsure or hesitant about their words.

Nandaka (なんだか) - Somehow, In some way

Similar to "nanka," this expression is used to convey vagueness or uncertainty about a situation or feeling. It can also be used to express a sense of ambiguity or indistinctness about something that is difficult to articulate clearly.

Japanese Internet Slang

W (ダブリュー) - Double, Laugh

In Japanese internet culture, "W" is often used as an abbreviation for the English word "double," indicating laughter or amusement. It's commonly used in online chats, social media, and messaging apps to express amusement or laughter in a concise and informal manner.

JK (ジェイケー) - High school girl

This abbreviation stands for "joshi kousei" (女子高生) in Japanese, which translates to "high school girl." It's often used in online forums, social media, or casual conversations to refer to teenage girls who are still in high school. This term is sometimes associated with certain fashion styles and trends popular among high school girls.

Gyakugire (逆ギレ) - Reverse anger

This term describes a situation where someone becomes angry or upset in response to being accused or criticized, even if they were initially the one at fault. It's a phenomenon often observed in online interactions, where individuals may react defensively or aggressively when faced with criticism or negative feedback.

Wakaranai (わからない) - I don't understand

This phrase is used to indicate confusion or lack of comprehension. It's commonly used in online chats, social media comments, or text messages when someone encounters something they don't understand or find unclear. It can be used both humorously and genuinely to express confusion or uncertainty about a topic or situation.

Itadakimasu (いただきます) -"Let's eat (used before meals)

This phrase is a traditional Japanese expression used before starting a meal to express gratitude for the food and to show respect for the efforts of those involved in preparing it. While not exclusive to internet slang, it's commonly used in online discussions about food, cooking, or dining experiences to convey enthusiasm or anticipation for a meal.

Tips for Using Japanese Slang Appropriately

Understand the context:

Like any form of language, Japanese slang is heavily influenced by context. Pay attention to the situation, the people you're speaking with, and the overall atmosphere. Some slang may be more appropriate in casual settings among friends, while others may be suitable for informal workplace conversations. Understanding the context will help you use slang in a way that is relevant and effective.

Pay attention to age and social status:

In Japanese culture, age and social status play a significant role in language use. Certain slang terms may be more commonly used among younger generations, while others may be more prevalent among older or more formal groups. Additionally, be mindful of the social dynamics within a group and adjust your language accordingly to avoid any unintended offense or misunderstanding.

Use slang sparingly and appropriately:

While slang can add flair and authenticity to your language, it's essential to use it sparingly and in appropriate situations. Overusing slang, especially in formal or professional settings, can come across as unprofessional or disrespectful. Instead, use slang judiciously to enhance your communication and connect with others in a natural and authentic way.

By following these tips, you can navigate the diverse landscape of Japanese slang with confidence and skill, effectively incorporating it into your language repertoire while respecting cultural norms and social conventions.

Wanna Learn Japanese With Lingopie Through Anime?

Ready to learn Japanese in a fun and relaxed way? Lingopie's got you covered! Dive into a world of Japanese TV shows, movies, and anime, handpicked to help you learn the language naturally.

With Lingopie's easy-to-use platform, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment while picking up new words and phrases. Whether you're into dramas like "Terrace House," classic films like "Spirited Away," or popular anime series like "My Hero Academia," Lingopie has something for everyone. Start learning Japanese today with Lingopie and have fun while doing it!

Download Lingopie from the App Store or Play Store now and get a FREE 7-day trial!