Learning a new language opens the door to not just a new way of speaking, but a new way of thinking and understanding culture. Japanese, in particular, is rich with unique slang and colloquial expressions that can give you insight into the everyday life and attitudes of Japanese people. These expressions can often be humorous, succinct, and sometimes quite poetic. Here, we’ll explore some popular Japanese slang and colloquial expressions that can spice up your conversations and make you sound more like a native speaker.
チョー (chō)
Derived from “超” which means “super” or “ultra,” チョー is used as a prefix to emphasize something extreme or to a high degree.
このピザ、チョー美味しいね！
うざい (uzai)
Short for “うるさい” (urusai), which means noisy or annoying, うざい is a casual and somewhat harsh way to say someone or something is annoying.
彼の話はいつもうざい。
ヤバイ (yabai)
This versatile slang term can be used to describe something that’s extremely good or bad, depending on the context. It can mean “awesome” or “terrible.”
その映画、ヤバかったね！
ダサい (dasai)
Derived from “ださい” which is an informal term for uncool or outdated. It’s often used to describe someone’s unfashionable appearance or actions.
その服、ちょっとダサいよ。
モテる (moteru)
This verb means to be popular or attractive, especially in a romantic sense. It is often used to describe someone who is good at attracting the opposite sex.
彼はモテるから、彼女がすぐできるよ。
サボる (saboru)
To skip or cut corners, originally derived from the French word “sabotage.” It’s commonly used when talking about skipping class or work.
明日、学校サボって映画に行かない？
わかる (wakaru)
While わかる traditionally means “to understand,” in slang usage, it’s often used to express strong agreement or empathy with someone else’s situation or feelings.
それ、めっちゃわかる。
きもい (kimoi)
A contracted form of “気持ち悪い” (kimochi warui), which means “gross” or “creepy.” It’s used to describe something that makes you feel uncomfortable or disgusted.
あの人の行動、本当にきもい。
ぶっちゃけ (bucchake)
A colloquial expression meaning “frankly” or “to be honest.” It is used to introduce a candid opinion or confession.
ぶっちゃけ、そのアイデアあまり好きじゃない。
まじで (majide)
Equivalent to “seriously” or “really” in English, まじで is used to express surprise or emphasize sincerity.
まじで？それ本当に起こったの？
疲れた (tsukareta)
Literally means “tired,” but in slang, it can be used to express being fed up or done with a situation.
もう、疲れた！今日はもう帰る。
ググる (guguru)
Derived from “Google,” this verb means to look something up online. It’s a testament to how global brands can influence local language.
わからないことがあったら、ググってみて。
Understanding and using these slang terms can make your Japanese sound more natural and expressive. It also helps you to better understand the nuances of everyday conversations when interacting with native speakers. Remember, language is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about cultural context and expression. So, dive into these colloquialisms and enjoy the vibrant, dynamic nature of spoken Japanese!
