Yomi わんぱたーん Rōmaji wanpatān Type Japlish Literal Meaning one pattern Meaning very predictable; always following the same pattern; lacking in variation; dull; one-note; a one-trick pony Additional Info It originates from the English phrase “one pattern”. It can describe various things, such as a novel/film plot, strategies in games/sports, or one’s fashion/response/behaviour/jokes. Synonym お決まりの Example 毎日料理を作っていると、メニューがワンパターンになる When I cook every day, I always cook the same meals. Related Post アホの一つ覚え アホの一つ覚え (aho no hitotsu oboe) 脊髄反射 脊髄反射 (sekizui hansha, “spinal reflex”)Read More
ネトスト (netosuto)
Yomi ねとすと Rōmaji netosuto Type slang Literal Meaning Internet stalking Meaning to stalk someone on social media; to meticulously check someone’s posts (and their replies to someone else) on social media Additional Info It’s short for インターネットストーキング (internet stalking). Typically, people do this to obtain a large (and frightening at times) amount of knowledge about their “beloved” persons or someone they’re strongly interested in, such as their crush, exes (and their current partner), or the members of their favourite idol group. Most of them stalk casually and surreptitiously, paying as much attention as possible so that they won’t accidentally click the posts from ages ago. Others do this more enthusiastically…Read More
マンネリ (manneri, “mannerism”)
Yomi まんねり Rōmaji manneri Type Japalish Meaning a rut Synonym 飽きる Additional Info It comes from “mannerism”. It is usually used as “マンネリ化(か)する” meaning “to get stuck in a rut”. It is often used to describe a couple who gets stuck in a relationship rut. Example 最近、彼氏とマンネリ化している気がする。 Recently, I feel stuck in a relationship rut with my boyfriend. 日本語の勉強が マンネリ化 して、やる気(き)が出(で)ない I feel stuck in a rut with studying Japanese and I don’t feel motivated. Related Post Japanese Wasei-Eigo List (“Japlish”) and Their MeaningsRead More
オーバー (ōbā, “over”)
Yomi おーばー Rōmaji ōbā Type Japlish Literal Meaning over Meaning overreacting; over-acting; exaggerated Synonym 大袈裟 Additional Info It is a loanword from “over”, as in over-act. For instance, オーバーな反応 means “overreaction”. Example あのサッカー選手(せんしゅ)は、ファールを受(う)けるといつもオーバーな演技(えんぎ)をする That soccer player always overacts whenever he is fouled. Related Post List of Confusing “Japlish/Janglish” (Japanese English)Read More
センス (sensu, “sense”)
Yomi せんす Rōmaji sensu Type Japlish Literal Meaning sense Meaning a knack/talent taste/sense (especially in fashion) Synonym 才能 Additional Info 扇子 (せんす) is a homophone, which means “a Japanese hand fan”. Example センスがないとプロサッカー選手にはなれない You cannot become a professional soccer player if you don’t have a talent for it. 彼はセンスが良いから、ユニクロを着ても高級ブランドのように見える He has good taste in fashion, so even if he wears UNIQLOs they look like luxury brands. Related Post List of Confusing “Japlish/Janglish” (Japanese English)Read More