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# Takashi's Japanese Dictionary

A blog for learning Japanese that introduces Japanese slang words and Idioms!

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://takashionary.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Meaning and Usage of なんでやねん (nandeyanen) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/nandeyanen/) - Meaning of なんでやねん (nandeyanen) and detailed examples of how to use nandeyanen in a Japanese conversation: An essential phrases in Osaka
- [Myth and Meaning of "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/the-moon-is-beautiful/) - TRUE and FALSE information about "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" in Japanese: the meaning, origin, and possible responses to it
- [What 賢者タイム (Kenja Time) Means in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/kenja-taimu/) - Meaning of the Japanese internet slang "kenja time" (賢者タイム), literally meaning "sage time" or "wise man time" in English and 현자타임 in Korean.
- [Meanings of Toka, Kana, and Kamo in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/kana-toka-kamo/) - Japanese people often use vague expressions such as とか (toka), かな (kana) and でも (demo) to sound casual and modest. Let's learn their meanings with examples!
- [4 Meanings of ノリ (Nori) in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/nori-meaning/) - This post explains four meanings of ノリ (nori) (e.g. ノリでやった) and 悪ノリ (waru nori) in Japanese with plenty example sentences!
- [15 Interesting Japanese Portmanteau Words](https://takashionary.com/15-unique-japanese-portmanteau-words-with-example-sentences/) - This post provides a list of unique Japanese portmanteau words, i.e. かばん語 (kabango) with their meanings and example sentences! Japanese slang included
- [とにかく (Tonikaku) Means MORE THAN "Anyway"](https://takashionary.com/meaning-tonikaku/) - とにかく (tonikaku) in Japanese is often translated as "anyway", but it also means "so/very", "before anything else" e.g. とにかく可愛い (tonikaku kawaii) means "so cute"
- [Words that Rhyme Both in Japanese and English](https://takashionary.com/rhyming-japanese/) - This article provides a list of such words and phrases that coincidentally rhyme both in English and Japanese. (e.g. lovey-dovey/ラブラブ, wishy-washy/うじうじ)
- [40 Japanese Words for "Many/Much" (Ooi, Ippai, Takusan, ...)](https://takashionary.com/many-in-japanese/) - A list of Japanese words and phrases (e.g. ooi, takusan, ippai) meaning "many" and their subtle differences
- [Real Meanings of "Hentai" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/hentai/) - This post explains the real meaning of 変態 ("hentai") in Japanese, and also its slang and academic senses like "hentai goal" and "hentai of insects".
- [Essential Japanese Words About Drinking/Sake](https://takashionary.com/essential-japanese-words-about-drinking/) - This post introduces important Japanese words and cultures about drinking!
- [20 Japanese X (Twitter) Slang Words](https://takashionary.com/20-japanese-twitter-slang-words/) - This post introduces Japanese slang words used on Twitter, e.g. 裏垢 (uraaka), ファボる (faboru); some are used on other social media like Instagram as well.
- [10 Japanese Internet Slang Words in Parentheses](https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-in-parentheses/) - This post introduces a list of interesting Japanese internet slang expressions put in parentheses, such as (笑) (warai) and (白目) (shirome)
- [イチロー (Ichiro): What He Means to Japanese Baseball Fans](https://takashionary.com/ichiro/) - Success story of Ichiro Suzuki, a Japanese baseball superstar and future MLB Hall of Famer; covering his career at Orix BlueWave to Seattle Mariners.
- [How to Make Puns (dajare) in Japanese Using だけに (dakeni)](https://takashionary.com/how-to-use-dake-ni/) - Meaning of だけに (dakeni) & Its usage to make a pun (ダジャレ, dajare) in Japanese,
- [Japanese Slang & Idioms About Oni (鬼)](https://takashionary.com/oni/) - Meaning of 鬼 (oni) in Japanese and 鬼-related slang/Idioms, including 鬼のように (oni no youni), 鬼の目にも涙 (oni no menimo namida), 鬼かわいい (oni kawaii).
- [30+ Essential Japanese Words to Describe Food](https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-for-food/) - A comprehensive list of Japanese words/idioms related to food, covering +30 words and idioms. Let's master them to sound like a food connoisseur in Japanese!
- [Japanese Kanji Words with Multiple Meanings and Readings](https://takashionary.com/puzzling-japanese-kanji-words-with-2-reading-meanings/) - A list of confusing Japanese kanji words that have two different readings and meanings, like 辛い reading "karai" or "tsurai" and meaning "spicy" or "tough", resp.
- [Japanese Words and Phrases About Love](https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-about-love/) - A comprehensive list of useful and interesting Japanese words, phrases and idioms about love and relationship; constructed by a native Japanese speaker
- [Boku, Ore, Watashi, Atashi: 15 Japanese Person Pronouns](https://takashionary.com/differences-of-japanese-personal-pronouns/) - This article explains the meanings and differences of boku vs ore vs watashi vs atashi and many other Japanese personal pronouns.
- [Meaning of 二刀流 (Nitouryu) "Expert of Two Things" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/nitoryu/) - This post explains the meaning of 二刀流 (にとうりゅう, Nitoryu/Nitōryū) and how it is related to the Japanese baseball player Shoei Ohtani (大谷翔平).
- [Meaning and Difference of ガチ (gachi) and マジ (maji) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/gachi-maji/) - ガチ (gachi) and マジ (maji) are Japanese slang terms that mean "seriously/very". For example, "マジ/ガチでうまい" and means "very/seriously tasty".
- [Meaning of プロ驚き屋 ("Professional Surprised Man") in Japanese Slang 2023](https://takashionary.com/prosup-slang-2023/) - puro odoroki ya; Meaning: a person who excitedly shares state-of-the-art tools/technologies like ChatGPT on social media with hyperbole and also with hallucination/overstatement at times based on a few cherry-picked examples
- [Japanese Slang 帰宅部 (kitaku bu) Meaning "Go-Home Club"](https://takashionary.com/kitakubu/) - The meaning of 帰宅部 (kitakubu), "a go-home club”, and Japanese bukatsu culture explained
- [Japanese Slang "Were Your Parents Killed by ...?"](https://takashionary.com/were-your-parents-killed/) - “... に親でも殺されたのか”, meaning "Were your parents or someone killed by ..." is a sarcastic and provocative Japanese expression used on the internet.
- [Japanese Slang するする詐欺 (suru suru sagi, "do do fraud")](https://takashionary.com/suru-suru-sagi-japanese/) - Definition In Japanese, するする詐欺 (suru-suru sagi) — or やるやる詐欺 (yaru-yaru sagi) — literally means "do-do fraud". Figuratively, it means that someone repeatedly says they will do something and do nothing. In other words, it describes the behaviour of people who are all talk and no action. The duplication of the verb emphasises that one has
- [Meaning of "It's gonna snow a lot tomorrow!" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/meaning-of-it-will-snow-rain-a-lot-tomorrow-in-japanese-other-languages/) - In Japanese, "It will snow/rain a lot tomorrow" can mean "It's so unlike you to do such a nice thing". A similar phrase exists in Italian/Vietnamese/French/Sinhala/Tamil
- ["High School Debut" in Japanese: Meaning and Examples](https://takashionary.com/high-school-debut/) - Meaning and background of "high school debut" (高校デビュー, koukou debyu) in Japanese, and some typical behaviour of people who make a "debut" at high school.
- [替玉受験 (kaedama juken) Meaning "Test-Taking Imposter"](https://takashionary.com/kaedama_juken/) - While 替え玉 (かえだま, kaedama) usually means "a second helping of ramen noodles", it also has another unique meaning which is completely irrelevant to it: that is, "do something while pretending to be someone else". The most common phrase is “替え玉受験 (かえだま じゅけん, kaedama juken)”, which means "to take exams on behalf of someone else".
- [Meaning and Origin of Reiwa (令和) Era in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/reiwa/) - This post explains the meaning, origin and background information of the Reiwa Era (令和) and its kanji characters in Japanese.
- [Interesting Japanese Words With Multiple Meanings](https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-with-surprising-meanings/) - This article provides a list of common Japanese words that have different meanings than what you may already know (e.g. ヒモ, くさい, なめる, すべる, うるさい)
- [7 Unique Variants of よろしく (Yoroshiku) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/seven-variations-of-yoroshiku/) - Learn how to say or write よろしく (yoroshiku) in 7 ways: 夜露死苦, 4649, ヨロピク, and more!
- [10 Japanese 前置き (Maeoki) to Sound Modest and Reserved](https://takashionary.com/maeoki-expressions/) - In Japanese, people often put 前置き (maeoki), "introductory/opening expressions" before stating their thoughts to sound modest and polite or to hedge the risk of criticism (i.e. to cover one's ass). This post introduces various kinds of Japanese maeoki expressions you can use to sound like Japanese! つまらないものですが Yomi tsumaranai mono desu ga Meaning This is
- [40 Old Japanese Slang Words to Sound Funny (or Weird)](https://takashionary.com/japanese-outdated-slang/) - Let's learn the meanings of Japanese old-fashioned slang words and "Japlish" (Japanese-English) words that represent the 1980s/90s/00s
- [Meaning of 某 (bou) in Japanese and its Usage](https://takashionary.com/bou/) - Meaning and Usage of 某 (bou): it is a very unique Japanese term that is used in writing to refer to a thing or person anonymously, sometimes in a sarcastic way.
- [Classic Japanese Puns (Dajare, ダジャレ) You Should Know](https://takashionary.com/cool-japanese-puns-dajare-you-should-know/) - A list of classic and (potentially) funny Japanese puns (dajare) you can use to make Japanese people laugh (or cringe). A native speaker's selection.
- [List of Similar and Confusing Kanji With Different Meanings](https://takashionary.com/list-of-similar-japanese-kanji-with-very-different-meanings/) - A list of similar-looking Japanese kanjis, such as 犬 (inu: dog) and 大 (big), 人 (hito: person) and 入 (enter), and 本 (hon: book) and 木 (tree)
- [昭和の香り (Shōwa no kaori) "Smell of Shōwa": Meaning](https://takashionary.com/showa-no-kaori-meaning/) - 昭和(しょうわ)の香(かお)り (Shōwa no kaori) and 昭和の匂(にお)い "Shōwa no nioi" literally mean "smell of 昭和 (Shōwa)", and describe something that is old-fashioned or brings back a sense of nostalgia.
- [List of Japanese New Year Words and Events](https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-and-culture-for-christmas-and-new-year/) - Japanese New Year traditions, greetings and vocabulary (including slang) to understand Japanese culture more.
- [Hatsuyume: Japanese Superstition about New Year’s Dream](https://takashionary.com/hatsuyume/) - 初夢 (hatsuyume) means the first dream you have during the night of 1st January, and it is believed In Japan that its content foretells your luck in the new year.
- [List of Confusing "Japlish/Janglish" (Japanese English)](https://takashionary.com/confusing-english-loan-words-used-in-japanese-with-different-meanings/) - This post explains English loan words used in Japanese that have different meanings from the original ones and are confusing for native English speakers.
- [Meaning of ドーハの奇跡 "Miracle in Doha" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/miracle-in-doha-in-japanese/) - Definition ドーハの奇跡 (dōha no kiseki, "The Miracle in/of Doha") refers to Japan's seismic underdog victories in FIFA World Cup 2022 over the two European powerhouses, Spain (on 1 Dec 2022) and Germany (on 23 Nov 2022). In both matches, Japan was losing 0-1 in the first half with a very low ball possession rate (e.g.
- [にわか (niwaka) Meaning "Newbie" in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/niwaka/) - にわか (niwaka) is a Japanese slang word that means "a newbie" in a disapproving way. "にわかファン" (niwaka fan) means "a bandwagon fan".
- [5 Meanings of 気 (ki) and 30 気-related Japanese Phrases](https://takashionary.com/japanese-idioms-containing-ki/) - This article explains the main concepts of 気 (ki): "Personality", "Motivation", "Interest", "Care", and "Feeling", and Japanese 気-phrases/idioms.
- [Humble Japanese Phrases to Sound Like Japanese People](https://takashionary.com/very-japanese-phrases/) - A list of humble, polite and difficult-to-translate Japanese expressions that make you sound like Japanese. Try using them to impress Japanese people!
- [Meaning and Origin of 平成 (Heisei)](https://takashionary.com/heisei/) - Meaning and Origin of 平成 (Heisei) The name of ‘平成‘ (Heisei) reflects the wish for world peace. It was coined in reference to two Chinese phrases ‘内平外成’ meaning ‘peace inside and prosperity outside’ and ‘地平天成’ meaning ‘the peaceful and prosperous world’. The former appears in ‘書経’ (‘Shujing’,‘The Book of Documents’), and the latter in 史記
- [あけおめ (Akeome): Casual Japanese New Year’s Greeting](https://takashionary.com/akeome/) - あけおめ (akeome) means "Happy New Year", short for "明けましておめでとうございます (akemashite omedetou gozaimasu)". ことよろ (kotoyoro) means "This year too, let's get along well with each other/let's keep in touch"
- [Meaning  of 雰囲気イケメン (fuinki ikemen) in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/fuinki-ikemen/) - 雰囲気イケメン (fuinki ikemen) is a Japanese slang word that literally means ‘handsome-vibe (guy)’, i.e. a 'quasi-handsome' man who looks handsome at a first glance, but in fact, only has a ‘handsome vibe’.
- [十八番 (ohako) Meaning "The Song You Sing Best"](https://takashionary.com/ohako/) - 十八番, which can read either "おはこ, ohako" or "じゅうはちばん, jūhachiban", means "one's adept skills", or "'your songs' you sing well at karaoke"
- [Japanese Idiom 色眼鏡 (iro megane, "Coloured Glasses")](https://takashionary.com/iro-megane/) - 色眼鏡(いろめがね, "iro megane") is a Japanese idiomatic expression that literally means "coloured glasses".
- [Differences Between 切る (kiru) and 尽くす (tsukusu) as Suffix](https://takashionary.com/kiru-tsukusu/) - Both 切る and 尽くす are used as suffix and combined with verbs (e.g. やり切る/やり尽くす) to add the sense of "completely". However, there are some differences.
- [30+ Japanese Words for "Very" and Their Nuances](https://takashionary.com/exhaustive-list-of-japanese-intensifiers/) - A list of Japanese words for "very" and their meanings/nuances/differences explained in detail: とても (totemo), マジ (maji), 超絶 (chouzetsu)
- [Japanese Idiom: "Wanna Borrow a Cat's Hand"](https://takashionary.com/borrow-cats-hand/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ● ○ Advanced
- [Four Meanings of 坊主 (Bouzu) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/bouzu-in-japanese/) - This post explains four meanings of 坊主 (Bouzu) in Japanese with example sentences for each sense, as well as a relevant idiom and expression.
- [ご愛嬌 (goaikyou) Meaning "Charming Mistake" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/aikyou/) - 愛嬌 (あいきょう, aikyou) is a standard Japanese word that means "charm/loveliness". When the polite prefix "ご" is attached before 愛嬌, it has a different meaning: "a charming mistake/flaw", i.e. "a forgivable and insignificant mistake/flaw".
- [List of Japanese Kanji Words with Unusual Readings](https://takashionary.com/kanji-special-readings/) - This article introduces more than 40 Japanese kanji words with unusual readings so that you don't get confused by them!
- [List of Intriguing Japanese Compound Words](https://takashionary.com/japanese-compound/) - This article introduces interesting Japanese compound words (i.e. expressions composed of multiple words), such as 黒歴史, 猫舌, 味音痴, and ブラック企業.
- [Meaning of "Death Flag" (死亡フラグ, Shibou Furagu) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/death-flag/) - Meaning of "Death Flag" — "Mary, when I return from this war, would you marry me?" "Oh my God… Tom, what you’ve just said is shibou furagu (death flag)!"
- [Japanese Money-Related Idioms and Slang Words](https://takashionary.com/money-related-expressions/) - Introduction of Japanese kanjis, words, idioms, slang terms, and sayings about money! A must-read if you want to talk about money in Japanese!
- [Grammar and Differences Between に (ni) and で (de) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/differences-ni-and-de-particles/) - This post explains how to use Japanese particles に (ni) and で (de) correctly and their differences in Japanese grammar with ample practice.
- [8 Funny and Cute Japanese Cat Idioms](https://takashionary.com/idiom-about-cat/) - If you're a cat person who is learning Japanese, you may like Japanese neko idioms e.g. "Put on a Cat", "Cats and Rice Spatulas". Their meaning/usage explained.
- [Think More "About": Meaning of "About" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/abauto/) - Different from the original definition, "about" in Japanese is used as an adjective or adverb and means "rough(ly)" or ''not too fastidious(ly)".
- [引く (hiku) Meaning "Be Put off" as Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/hiku/) - 引く (ひく, hiku) is a basic Japanese word that means "draw/pull", as in "ロープを引く (rōpu wo hiku; pull a rope)". However, it is also used as a slang term meaning "be put off by something/someone", e.g. when you feel like drawing back because you find something/someone cringey and off-putting.
- [Japanese Idiom: 月とスッポン (Moon and Soft-Shell Turtle)](https://takashionary.com/tsuki-to-suppon/) - 月とスッポン (tsuki to suppon) literally means "the moon and a (Chinese) soft-shell turtle". Figuratively, it describes two things that are utterly different from each other.
- [逆ギレ (gyaku gire) Meaning "Reversed Anger" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/gyaku-gire/) - 逆ギレ (ぎゃくぎれ, gyaku gire) noun, verb [+する] Basic ○ ○ ● ○ ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ● ○ ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal
- [Slang Meaning of 全然 (Zenzen) Without ない (Nai)](https://takashionary.com/zenzen/) - While "全然 (zenzen)" is usually used in negative sentences and means "not ~ at all", young people use 全然 affirmatively, e.g. "全然おいしい" meaning "really tasty"
- [12 Japanese Idioms and Metaphors about Baseball (Yakyū)](https://takashionary.com/japanese-baseball-metaphors/) - As you may know, in (American) English there are many metaphors about baseball, including "hit a home run" and "touch base". This is also the case in Japanese, the language of the country where baseball is one of the most popular sports. This article introduces unique Japanese baseball metaphors that you can pitch in a casual conversation! (However, don't go overboard, as you may sound like a middle-aged baseball fanatic.)
- ["Gakkī Loss": Meaning of ロス ("Loss") in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/nigehaji-gakky-loss/) - Today, a lot of Japanese people were flabbergasted to hear the news that the Japanese actress Yui Aragaki (新垣結衣), a.k.a "Gakky", and the Japanese singer Gen Hoshino (星野源), will tie the knot. This announcement has left a myriad of their fans speechless and "Gakky Loss" or "Hoshino Gen Loss".
- [20 "Untranslatable" Japanese Phrases with Specific Meanings](https://takashionary.com/there-is-a-word-for-it-in-japanese/) - This article introduces untranslatable and unique Japanese words, phrases including slang and idioms!
- ["I'm ぐうless": A Japanese Idiom For Touché Moments](https://takashionary.com/guu-no-nemo-denai/) - ぐうの音も出ない (ぐうのねもでない, guu no ne mo denai) is an advanced Japanese idiom that means "you get lost for words because someone gets you in an argument".
- [20 Japanese Words For Rain](https://takashionary.com/words-about-rain/) - In Japanese, there are a variety of expressions related to rain: 雨 (あめ, ame). This is probably because Japan has four distinct seasons and we see many types of rainfalls in each season. This article explains various Japanese expressions related to rain in a comprehensive way!
- [反面教師 (hanmen kyoushi): "Teacher" of Bad Cases](https://takashionary.com/hanmen-kyoushi-meaning/) - 反面教師 (はんめん きょうし, hanmen kyoushi, 反面教员 in Chinese) is a Japanese idiom that means "examples of bad people/things you shouldn't follow/imitate"
- [Japanese Idiom 猫も杓子も: "Cats and Rice Spatulas"](https://takashionary.com/nekomo-shakushimo/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ○ ● Advanced, idiom
- [Meaning of "Paper Driver" in Japlish (Japanese English)](https://takashionary.com/paper-driver/) - ペーパードライバー is a 'Japlish' (Japanese English) word that literally means 'paper driver'. It indicates drivers who haven't driven for many years or never since they got their driver's license.
- [凸, 凹, 〆, 卍: Meaning of Weird and Funny Japanese Kanji](https://takashionary.com/weird-kanji/) - This article introduces three weird kanji characters – 凸凹 (でこぼこ, dekoboko), 〆 (しめ, shime) and 卍 (まんじ, manji) – that you'd enjoy learning!
- [Meaning of 大人買い (otonagai, 'Adult Buying') in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/otonagai/) - '大人買い (おとながい, otonagai)' is an idiomatic phrase that literarily means ‘adult buying’, where '大人(おとな)' means ‘adult’ and '買(が)い' means ‘buying’.
- [Meaning of 相合傘 (ai ai gasa): Lovely Dream of Japanese Kids](https://takashionary.com/aiai-gasa/) - 相合傘 (aiai gasa) means 'to share one umbrella among two persons (esp. a couple)'.
- [Japanese "活 Words": 婚活 (Konkatsu), 就活/終活 (Shūkatsu)](https://takashionary.com/words-with-katsu/) - In Japanese, there are many casual words that contain the kanji character ‘活’ (katsu). This character is short for ‘活動’ (katsudou) meaning ‘activity’, and the words including ‘活’ describe a variety of unique activities. This article introduces such unique words with their meanings and what ‘activities’ they describe.
- [Master Abbreviated Japanese Words to Sound like Native Speakers](https://takashionary.com/master-abbreviated-words/) - Let's practice using Japanese abbreviated words such as スマホ (sumaho, "smartphone") and ググる (guguru, "to google") in a casual conversation.
- [List of Japanese Abbreviated Words and Phrases](https://takashionary.com/unique-abbreviations-in-japanese/) - As you might know, Japanese people are lazy enough to abbreviate everything – we abbreviate "ice cream" as "ice (アイス)", and "Brad Pitt" as "Brapi (ブラピ). This article introduces to you a plethora of abbreviated words and phrases in Japanese so that you won't get confused by those cryptic expressions!
- [List of 50+ Japanese Words to Describe Personality](https://takashionary.com/list-of-japanese-words-to-describe-personality/) - This post provides a comprehensive list of Japanese words that describe various personalities. Which one describes you the most?
- [Funny Japanese Gaming Slang Terms](https://takashionary.com/funny-japanese-slang-from-video-games/) - This post introduces funny Japanese (internet) slang words that come from video gaming terms, such as 無理ゲー (murigē), ガチャ (gacha) and ガチ勢 (gachizei).
- [思い出したように (omoidashita youni) Meaning "As if you've just remembered"](https://takashionary.com/omoidashita-youni/) - 思い出したように (Omoidashita youni): literarily means "as if one has just recalled/remembered" and figuratively "do something out of the blue after a long suspension period".
- [Meaning of "May Disease" (五月病, gogatsu byou) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/gogatsubyou/) - 五月病 (Gogatsu byou) literally means ‘May disease’. This is a ‘disease’ that many Japanese people suffer from every year in May.
- [Complicated Meanings of 開き直る (hiraki naoru) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/hirakinaoru/) - 開き直る (hiraki naoru) is a difficult-to-translate Japanese word that generally means ‘to admit something negative and start to show a bold attitude’.
- [List of Japanese School/University Terms](https://takashionary.com/uni-related-expressions/) - This post introduces key Japanese words and idioms you should know to better understand university life in Japan! 留年, 留学, サークル, etc.
- [Japanese Idiom はしごを外す Meaning "Removing The Ladder"](https://takashionary.com/hashigo-wo-hazusu/) - That feel when your crush says, "I love you", and after you elatedly confess your feelings, she/he continues, "I mean as a friend…"
- [Japanese Phrases About Exams and Studies at School](https://takashionary.com/student-retatable-expressions/) - This post explains unique Japanese words and idioms about exams and studies at school, some of which should be relatable to all students!
- [遠慮の塊 (Enryo no katamari): "Hesitation Lump" in Kansai-ben Slang](https://takashionary.com/enryo-no-katamari/) - 遠慮の塊 (えんりょ の かたまり, enryo no katamari) is a slang word in the Kansai dialect that means "a last piece of food on a plate shared by multiple people"
- [たかが (takaga) … されど (saredo) … | Meaning and Usage](https://takashionary.com/takaga-saredo/) - "たかが X, されど X (X is a noun)" is an advanced Japanese expression that means "It's just X, but it's still X".
- [Idiom 棚に上げる (tana ni ageru) Meaning "Put Oneself Up On A Shelf"](https://takashionary.com/tana-ni-ageru/) - The Japanese idiom "(自分のことを) 棚に上げる (tana ni ageru)" literally means "put (oneself) up on a shelf" and figuratively means "to behave hypocritically", just like "the pot calling the kettle black".
- [Japanese Wasei-Eigo List ("Japlish") and Their Meanings](https://takashionary.com/wasei-eigo/) - This post introduces a list of "Wasei-Eigo", i.e. Japanese-made English ("Japlish") words/slang, and their English translations/meanings!
- [職業病 (shokugyou byou): "Déformation Professionnelle" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/shokugyou-byou/) - 職業病 is a Japanese slang word similar to "déformation professionnelle" or "professional deformation". It means something that you can't resist doing because you always do it at work, whether you like it or not.
- [Ageru, Kureru, and Morau: Meaning, Grammar and Difference](https://takashionary.com/meaning-grammar-ageru-kureru-morau/) - Meaning, grammar and difference of あげる (ageru), くれる (kureru) and もらう (morau) explained with example sentences and practice.
- [ヤンキー (yankee) Means "(Old-Fashioned) Loutish Youths" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/yankee/) - In Japanese, ヤンキー (yankee) means "loutish youths", usually at the age of between 13 and 18. They are often seen in rural areas of Japan such as Ibaraki Prefecture, rather than in big cities like Tokyo
- [Meaning of 腹八分目 (hara hachi bun me) and 分 (bun) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/hara-hachibunme/) - Meaning and Usage of 腹八分目 (hara hachi bun me) and 分 (bun) in Japanese. 腹八分目 literally means “belly/stomach 80%” and indicates the act of eating food until you feel 八分 (80%) full, not 十分 (full/100%).
- [Japanese Word of The Day in January 2022](https://takashionary.com/word-of-the-day-january-2022/) - Unique Japanese Word of the Day (incl. phrases/idioms/slang) posted every day in January 2022. You'll surely learn some interesting and useful new words here.
- ["Nominication": Japanese (Old) Drinking Culture After Work](https://takashionary.com/nominication/) - 飲みにケーション, "Nominication" means “to build a good relationship by drinking together” in Japanese. It combines the Japanese word 飲む (nomu) (“drink”) and the English word “communication”.
- [守銭奴 (shusendo) Meaning "Protect-Money Person" (Miser) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/shusendo/) - 守銭奴 (しゅせんど, shusendo) literally means "protect-money person", and figuratively it describes a money-grubbing miser whose objective of life is to accumulate money and increase their bank balance.
- [コミュ障 (komyushou) Meaning 'Suck at Communication' in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/komyu-shou/) - コミュ障 (komyushou) is a Japanese slang meaning "suck at communication", which is used in the manga/anime title 古見さんは、コミュ症です (Komi Can't Communicate).
- [Meaning of 卍 (manji) and マジ卍 (Maji manji) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/manji/) - Meaning and Usage of 卍 (manji) and マジ卍 (maji manji) in Japanese
- [かぶれる (kabureru) Meaning 'Overly Influenced by Foreign Cultures' in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/kabureru/) - かぶれる (kabureru) is a standard Japanese word that means that one's thoughts have been overly influenced by new ideas, especially the culture of a specific foreign country.
- [正義マン (Justice Man): "Warriors" Against "Eat-in Tax Evasion" in Japan](https://takashionary.com/seigiman/) - Meaning of 正義マン ("justice man") in Japanese, and its relation to Japan's new controversial tax system (which triggers "eat-in tax evasion") explained
- [Meaning of  Sekuhara, Pawahara, Aruhara in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/sekuhara/) - セクハラ (sekuhara) is an abbreviation of "セクシャルハラスメント (sexual harassment)". Compared to the English term, セクハラ is used more casually to describe unwelcome sexual conducts that are either serious or somewhat trivial.
- [誤爆 (gobaku, "accidental explosion") Means "Wrong Chat" in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/gobaku/) - Originally, 誤爆 (ごばく, gobaku) means "accidental explosion/bombing". As a slang word, however, it also means "Opps, wrong chat", i.e. the act of inadvertently sending a message to a wrong chat/person.
- [情弱 (Joujaku): Japanese Slang Meaning "Lacking in Common Knowledge"](https://takashionary.com/joujaku/) - 情弱 (joujaku) is a Japanese slang term that means "lacking in common and important information or knowledge". For instance, you’re joujaku if you bought a high-spec laptop just to use social media like Twitter, or if you are easily allured by dodgy ads online
- [ボキャ貧 (Bokyahin) Meaning 'Having a Poor Vocabulary' in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/bokyahin/) - ボキャ貧 (ぼきゃひん, bokyahin) is a Japanese slang meaning "having a poor vocabulary", e.g. people always using "やばい" (damm/gosh) and "すごい" (awesome)
- [一か八か (ichika bachika, “one or eight”): Meaning in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/ichika-bachika/) - 一か八か literally means ‘1 or 8’. It is used when you take a bold risk, wishing good luck. Its tone is similar to “go for broke”, like pushing yourself to make an action/decision without being certain of the success.
- [オワコン (Owakon) Meaning 'Old-Fashioned' in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/owakon/) - オワコン (owakon) means “no longer interesting/popular/relevant”, “outdated”. It combines two words 終わった(owatta): “finished” and コンテンツ (kontentsu): “contents"
- [ドタキャン (dotakyan) Meaning "Last-Minute Cancellation" in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/dotakyan/) - ドタキャン (dotakyan) is a Japanese slang word that means "to cancel something at the last minute". It is used either as a noun (last-minute cancellation) or a verb (to cancel at the last minute).
- [9 Essential Kansai Dialect (Kansai-ben) Words and Phrases](https://takashionary.com/vocabulary-kansaiben/) - Learn unique Kansai-dialect words and idioms, e.g. あかん (akan), ホンマ (honma), なんでやねん (nandeyanen), with example sentences.
- [Meaning of "Black/White Kigyō (Company)" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/black-kigyou/) - ブラック企業 (black kigyō/kigyou) literally means "black company", which is a nickname for "an evil company" where people work very hard until midnight for low salaries.
- [Meaning of "Three-Day Monk" (三日坊主, mikka bouzu) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/three-day-monk/) - Meaning of "three-day monk", 三日坊主 (mikka bozu/bouzu) in a Japanese idiom explained. Don't be a three-day monk if you want to improve your Japanese!
- [Essential Grammar in Kansai Dialect (関西弁, Kansai ben)](https://takashionary.com/grammar-kansaiben/) - Learn basic grammar rules in the Kansai dialect (Kansai-ben) with example sentences, including the usages and meanings of やん, はる, さかい and ちゃう.
- [Seasonal Photos of Nara: Child Dear, Cherry Blossom and Autumn Leave](https://takashionary.com/nara-a-beautiful-and-traditional-city-in-japan/) - Seasonal photos of 奈良 (Nara), the old capital of Japan. Beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, traditional temples/shrines, and endearing wild deer.
- [Meaning of ぼっち (Bocchi) and クリぼっち (Kuri Bocchi) in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/bocchi/) - ぼっち (bocchi) is a Japanese slang word that means "a loner" or "a person is always all alone or isolated”. This word also describes the state of being alone, as in “パーティーでぼっちだった” meaning “I was all alone at the party”.
- [Japanese Words and Onomatopoeias about Laugh (Warai)](https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-onomatopoeias-about-laugh/) - This post selects common and unique words and onomatopoeias that describe laughter/smile (笑い, warai), and explains their meanings and usages in detail!
- [Learn Japanese From Zero - Beginner Lesson 1 "Noun be Noun"](https://takashionary.com/japanese-beg-lesson-1-noun-be-noun/) - Japanese Lessons for absolute begginers: Learn "Noun be Noun" sentences (e.g. "He is a student", "She is my mother.") in Japanese
- [自粛警察 (jishuku keisatsu): "COVID Self-Restraint Police" in Japan](https://takashionary.com/jishukukeisatsu/) - This post explains the meaning of 自粛 and of 自粛警察 "Self-Restraint Police", who appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- [Japanese Conversation Practice to Master 気-related Idioms](https://takashionary.com/conversation-to-master-ki/) - Let's practice using Japanese about 20 気-related idioms in a casual conversation with English translations provided.
- [Idioms and Proverbs Common in Japanese and English](https://takashionary.com/en_translatable-japanese-idioms/) - This article introduces idiomatic expressions and proverbs that exist both in Japanese and English. Most of them originated from English or Western languages and then were translated into Japanese.
- [深夜テンション (shinya tension) Meaning "Midnight High" in Japanese Slang](https://takashionary.com/shinya-tension/) - 深夜テンション (しんやてんしょん, shinya tension) means "midnight high", i.e. the state of feeling high, bold and somewhat irrational when you're staying up late at night
- [Japanese Idiom "Put on a Cat", 猫をかぶる (neko wo kaburu)](https://takashionary.com/neko-wo-kaburu/) - 猫を被る (ねこをかぶる, neko wo kaburu) is a Japanese idiom that literally means "put on a cat". It figuratively indicates the act of putting up a façade and pretending to be nicer than usual.
- [5 Meanings of ペラペラ (pera pera) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/perapera-meaning-japanese/) - ペラペラ is an onomatopoeic Japanese word that basically means "be fluent in a (foreign) language", but also has other meanings such as "paper-thin" and "shallow".
- [Zagin De Shīsū: Japanese "Back Slang" From 1980s Explained](https://takashionary.com/zagin-de-shisu/) - In the late 1980s, it became a trend among people in the TV industry to read words in (partially) reverse order and use them as jargon. Such words include "ザギン", meaning "銀座 (Ginza)" and シースー, meaning "寿司 (sushi)", and people used to say the phrase "ザギンでシースー", meaning "(eating) sushi at Ginza", to make a suggestion for lunch or dinner. Eventually, these TV industry jargons spread to ordinary people since some celebrities, especially the comedy duoとんねるず started to use them on TV. Although most of the words now sound quite old-fashioned, some people still use them as a joke or humorous expression. This article explains famous reverse words that you may use to make your Japanese friends laugh and surprised!
- [Meaning and Usage of へったくれもない (hettakure mo nai)](https://takashionary.com/hettakure-meaning/) - "X も へったくれ も ない" (X is an arbitrary noun) is an idiomatic Japanese expression that means “there is no X or anything (at all)”.
- [Japanese Idioms about Mochi: 餅 (もち), Japanese Rice Cake!](https://takashionary.com/japanese-idioms-about-mochi/) - Do you like Japanese mochi (Japanese rice cake)? Then, surely you will also like Japanese words and idioms related to mochi! This article introduces those Japanese expressions that you should remember if you love mochi and Nihongo!
- [Japanese COVID-related Idioms and Sayings](https://takashionary.com/japanese-idioms-covid-19/) - This post introduces Japanese words, idioms, and sayings that are related to the COVID-19 pandemic with example sentences.
- [7 Funny Japanese Idioms Related to Numbers!](https://takashionary.com/number-related-idioms/) - This article introduces various Japanese idioms containing number(s)! (e.g) 五十歩百歩 (50 steps, 100 steps), 一か八か (one or eight), 嘘八百 (800 lies)
- [女たらし (onna tarashi) Meaning 'Lady's Man' in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/onna-tarashi/) - Definition: 女たらし (おんなたらし, onna tarashi) indicates a lady's man who is fickle and loves being surrounded by women.
- [Eat Grass on the Road? Funny Japanese Idioms about Plants](https://takashionary.com/plants-related-idioms/) - This post introduces a variety of interesting Japanese idioms that are related to plants! (e.g., 高嶺の花(たかねのはな), ゴマをする, 花を持たせる (はなをもたせる)
- [Japanese Old Slang 社会の窓 (shakai no mado): Meaning](https://takashionary.com/shakai-no-mado/) - 社会の窓 (shakai no mado) literally means “a window of the society”, but actually refers to “a trouser fly” in a humorous way.
- [Meaning of 遠慮 (enryo) and 空気を読む (kuuki wo yomu)](https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-and-mindsets/) - This article introduces two essential Japanese words – 遠慮 (えんりょ) する and 空気を読む (くうきをよむ) – to help you understand the Japanese culture more!
- [「背水の陣」のように決死の覚悟で挑む状況を英語で](https://takashionary.com/jp-haisui-no-jin/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Advanced Standard ● ○ ○ ○ ○Slang Formal ● ○ ○ ○ ○Informal
- [コスパ (kosupa) Means More than Just "Cost Performance"](https://takashionary.com/kosupa/) - Meaning and Usage of コスパ (kosupa): it is short for コストパフォーマンス ("cost performance"), but it contains much wider senses in Japanese.
- [Japanese Slang ブーメラン (Boomerang) Meaning "Hypocritical"](https://takashionary.com/boomerang/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ● ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal
- [闇鍋 (yaminabe): Meaning "Dark Hot Pot" with Random Ingredients](https://takashionary.com/yaminabe/) - 闇鍋 (やみなべ, yaminabe) is a unique Japanese-style hot-pot "dish" with random ingredients, which are brought by each person who eats the dish (the soup base is usually prepared by the organiser).
- [回し者 (mawashi mono): Meaning and Usage](https://takashionary.com/mawashi-mono-meaning/) - Meaning and Usage of 回し者 (mawashi mono): it originally means "a spy", but nowadays it's more often used to indicate a person who advertises something (often in a stealthy way).
- [役不足 (yaku busoku) Meaning Over- or Under-Qualified?](https://takashionary.com/yakubusoku/) - 役不足 (yakubusoku) is one of the most misused Japanese words by native speakers. Let's learn its correct meaning in this article!
- [爆弾発言 (bakudan hatsugen) Meaning 'Bomb Remark' in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/bakudan-hatsugen/) - 爆弾発言 (ばくだんはつげん, bakudan hatsugen) is a Japanese idiom that literally means "bomb remark". It figuratively indicates a very shocking and/or blunt remark that astonishes a number of people
- [Origin and Meaning of the Japanese Era "Shōwa (昭和)"](https://takashionary.com/showa/) - 昭和 (Shōwa) is the Japanese imperial era that spanned 62 years from December 25th, 1926 to January 7th, 1989.
- [Slang 公開処刑 (Koukai shokei) Meaning "Mental Public Execution"](https://takashionary.com/koukai-shokei/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Advanced Standard ○ ○ ○ ● ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Informal
- [Idiom 記念受験 (kinen juken) Meaning "Memorial Exams"](https://takashionary.com/kinen-juken/) - 記念受験 (きねんじゅけん, kinen juken), noun, verb [+する] Basic ○ ● ○ ○ ○Advanced Standard ○ ● ○ ○ ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ● ○ ○Informal
- ['No Tea' Means 'Crazy'? Japanese Words/Idioms Related to Tea (茶)](https://takashionary.com/words-about-tea/) - This post explains a variety of Japanese words that are related to 茶 (cha, 'tea') and Japanese tea cultures!
- [11 Bizarre Japanese Slangs Untranslatable Into English](https://takashionary.com/untranslatable-japanese-slang/) - This article introduces Japanese slang words that have weird and specific meanings! Since the slang words explained in this article are very "deep", you'd astonish Japanese people using those words!
- ["Omission of Words" and "Unfinished Sentences" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/ambiguity-ommision-in-japanese/) - Arguably, Japanese is an ambiguous language – however, it is not the grammar or vocabulary that make it ambiguous, but how we express things in the language. This post explains one of the causes of ambiguity: "omission of words" in Japanese.
- [つまらないものですが (tsumaranai mono desu ga): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/tsumaranai-monodesuga/) - つまらないものですが (tsumaranai mono desu ga) literally means “(this is) not interesting/exciting, but...” and is used when one gives a present to someone in a very humble way.
- [気の毒 (kinodoku): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/kinodoku/) - 気(き)の毒(どく) (kinodoku) is a Japanese idiom that literally means "spirit's poison" and figuratively describes the situation when you feel sympathy for someone
- [惚気る (norokeru): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/norokeru/) - 惚気る (norokeru) means “to talk about one’s lovey-dovey, happy relationship in a showy and braggy way”.
- [でかした (dekashita) Meaning "Well Done" in a Playful Tone](https://takashionary.com/dekashita/) - でかした (dekashita) is a somewhat old-fashioned expression that means “good job”, “great work, or “well done”. It contains a very light tone as described below, and is usually used when you praise someone younger than you.
- [ヤマを張る (yama wo haru): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/yama-wo-haru/) - ヤマを張(は)る (yama o haru) is a Japanese idiom that means “make a guess/guestimate”.
- [花を持たせる (hana o motaseru): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/hana-o-motaseru/) - ~に花(はな)を持(も)たせる (hana o motaseru) literally means ‘to let ~ have flowers’. Figuratively it indicates the act of generously letting someone look great and commendable.
- [気のせい (ki no sei): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/気のせい-ki-no-sei-meaning-英訳/) - 気(き)のせい (ki no sei) literally means “because of (one’s) 気 (mind)” and figuratively “(something is) just one’s imagination/not real”.
- [根に持つ (ne ni motsu): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/ne-ni-motsu/) - 根に持つ literally means ‘have (something) at the root’. Figuratively it means you hold on to a bad memory about someone for a long time.
- [Japanese Word 悩殺 (nou satsu) Meaning "Mind-Killing Sexy"](https://takashionary.com/nousatsu/) - 悩殺（のうさつ, nousatsu） verb, adjective ○ ○ ● ○ ○ Word Level ○ ○ ● ○ ○ Slanginess ○ ○ ○ ○ ● Casualness
- [道草を食う (Michikusa o kuu): Meaning | 英訳](https://takashionary.com/michikusa-o-kuu/) - 道草(みちくさ)を食(く)う (michikusa o kuu) literally means ‘to eat grass on the road’. Figuratively, it means that you stop by somewhere and waste time/do something unplanned on the way to the destination. This idiom originates from how a horse suddenly stops and eats grass along the road.
- [へそで茶を沸かす (heso de cha o wakasu) | Meaning/英訳](https://takashionary.com/heso-de-cha-o-wakasu/) - へそで茶(ちゃ)を沸(わ)かす (heso de cha o wakasu) literally means ‘I’d make tea using my navel’. If you say this phrase, it figuratively means that you think what someone has said is ludicrous and unrealistic, like making tea using your navel.
- [Meaning of 気を取り直す (ki o tori naosu) "Retake One's Mind"](https://takashionary.com/ki-o-tori-naosu/) - Definition of 気を取(と)り直(なお)す: it literally means “retake/recollect 気 (mind/spirit)” and figuratively “reset one's mood”.
- [Meaning of Kaedama, Menkata and Barikata of Ramen Noodles](https://takashionary.com/kaedama_general/) - 替え玉 (かえだま kaedama) means a second helping of ramen noodles. You can order めんかた (menkata) or バリカタ (barikata) to describe the toughness of the noodles.
- [Ajimi or Dokumi? Meaning of Japanese Words for Tasting Food](https://takashionary.com/ajimi-dokumi-tsumamigui/) - In Japanese, there are several unique words that describe different ways of food tasting, namely, 味見 (あじみ, ajimi), 毒味 (どくみ, dokumi), つまみ食い (つまみぐい, tsumamigui), and 試食 (ししょく, shishoku). This article explains the meanings and differences of these words in details!
- [Meaning and Origin of Reiwa, Heisei and Shōwa, Japan's Imperial Eras](https://takashionary.com/showa-heisei-reiwa/) - This post explains Japan’s imperial era (gengō) and also briefly describes the origins, meanings and zeitgeists of the latest eras 'Reiwa', 'Heisei' and 'Shōwa'. What's 元号 (Gengō)? Japan’s imperial era is called 元号 (gengō). It is used alongside the Western calendar in official documents such as drivers' licenses and health insurance cards. Usually, the era
- [勝負服 (shoubu fuku) Meaning "Fav Clothes for Spacial Occasions"](https://takashionary.com/shoubufuku/) - Basic ○ ○ ● ○ ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ● ○ ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ● ○ ○Informal
- [ドヤ顔 (doya gao) Meaning 'Showing-Off Face' in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/doyagao/) - ドヤ顔（どやがお, doyagao）noun, verb [+する] Basic ○ ○ ○ ● ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ○ ● ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal
- [Japanese Idiom 後の祭り (ato no matsuri) Meaning 'Too Late'](https://takashionary.com/ato-no-matsuri/) - 後の祭り (あとのまつり, ato no matsuri) is an idiomatic expression that literally means ‘post-festival’. Figuratively, it indicates that it is no use regretting the past; you can’t enjoy food stalls and live music after a festival is over*.
- [一発屋 (Ippatsu ya) Meaning 'One-Hit Wonder' in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/ippatsuya/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ● ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ○ ● ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal Definition 一発屋 indicates a one-hit wonder, a person who becomes popular only for a short ....
- [Idiom 何を隠そう (nani o kakusou) Meaning "Well, in fact..."](https://takashionary.com/nani-wo-kakusou/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ● ○Advanced Standard ○ ● ○ ○ ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal
- [Japanese Slang 詰んだ (tsunda) Meaning "I'm checkmated"](https://takashionary.com/tsumu/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ● ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Informal
- [How to Memorise Japanese Kanji Efficiently with Radicals](https://takashionary.com/kanji-radical/) - This article explains with examples how radicals of Japanese kanji characters can help you memorise their meanings and pronunciations efficiently!
- [図星 (zuboshi) Meaning "True, isn't it?" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/zuboshi/) - 図星 (zuboshi) is an advanced Japanese word that means "exactly right" or "admittedly true". It is used when you hit the nail on the head about someone, especially when you make an accurate statement about someone which makes them very upset because it is so true and undeniable.
- [Meaning of 本末転倒 (honmatsu tentou) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/honmatsu_tentou/) - 本末転倒 (ほんまつ てんとう, honmatsu tentou) is a famous 四字熟語 (four kanji expression) that describes the situation when primary objectives are sidelined by secondary objectives.
- [What's 合コン (gōkon) and 街コン (machikon) in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/goukon/) - Basic ○ ● ○ ○ ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ● ○ ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ● ○ ○Informal Definition 合コン indicates a Japanese-style group blind date. It is usually held at ...
- [食わず嫌い (kuwazu girai) Meaning "Hate Food Without Trying" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/kuwazugirai/) - 食わず嫌い (くわずぎらい, kuwazu girai) is a Japanese idiom that literally means “to hate/dislike without eating”, and is often used to when you describe the food that you've never tried and don't feel like eating.
- [一理ある (ichiri aru) Meaning "True in a Way" and "That's True"](https://takashionary.com/ichiri-aru/) - 一理ある (いちり ある, ichiri aru) means “(someone’s argument) is true in a way”. It is used when you are convinced by someone's statements, but usually it is used when you provide your opinion to counter the other people's ideas.
- [背水の陣 (Haisui no jin): Idiom Meaning "Last-Stand Moment"](https://takashionary.com/haisui-no-jin/) - 背水の陣 (はいすいのじん, haisui no jin) is an advanced Japanese idiom that means that you're facing a last stand and there is nowhere to retreat to.
- [重鎮 (Jūchin) Meaning "Heavyweight/Leading Light" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/juuchin/) - 重鎮 (じゅうちん, jūchin) literally means "heavy weight" and describes an important person in a particular field (e.g. veteran politicians).
- [音痴 (onchi) Meaning "Bad at Singing" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/onchi/) - 音痴 (onchi) means "be bad at singing". There are also other words that include 音痴, e.g. 運動音痴, 機械音痴, 方向音痴, and 味音痴. Here, 音痴 means "be poor at ~".
- [ゴミ屋敷 (Gomi Yashiki) Meaning "Trash Hoarder's House" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/gomi-yashiki/) - ゴミ屋敷 (ごみやしき, Gomi Yashiki) means a hoarder's house which is filled with an inordinate amount of rubbish. In contrast to English, Japanese has the word for the hoarder's house, but not for the person (like "trash hoarder").
- [告る (Kokuru) Meaning "Confess Your Feelings to Your Crush" in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/kokuru/) - 告る (こくる, kokuru) is an abbreviation of "告白する (こくはく する, kokuhaku suru)", meaning "confess your feeling to your crush". The abbreviation sounds more casual and is often used among teenagers.
- [Advanced Word "お家芸 (Oiegei)" Meaning "Excellent Skills"](https://takashionary.com/oiyegei/) - お家芸 (おいえげい, oiegei) is an advanced Japanese word that means "(one's) forte or adept skills". It is often used to describe an organisation or country, e.g. anime, manga, and judo are Japan's お家芸 (strong areas).
- [イチャモン (ichamon) Meaning 'Unreasonable Complaints' in Japanese](https://takashionary.com/ichamon/) - イチャモン (いちゃもん, ichamon) is a casual but advanced Japanese word meaning unreasonable and/or nitpicky complaints. It is usually used as "イチャモンをつける", meaning " to give unreasonable complaints" or "to nitpick".
- [骨の折れる (hone no oreru) Meaning 'Tiring' in Japanese Idiom](https://takashionary.com/hone-no-oreru/) - 骨の折れる (ほねのおれる, hone no oreru) is a common idiomatic expression that means "very tiring/tough". Its literal meaning is "bone breaks", as in "骨の折れる音 (bone-breaking sound)". However, it can be also used as an idiom to describe something tiring or tough, in which case it modifies a noun like an adjective.
- [Ashita, Asatte, Shiasatte, Yanoasatte: 13 Japanese Words Describing Dates](https://takashionary.com/asatte-shiasatte-yanoasatte/) - Compared to English, Japanese has a variety of words that indicate a few days before and after today. This article presents a comprehensive list of those words as well as relevant expressions to them!
- [誰かさん (darekasan): Sarcastic Expression 'Somebody-san'](https://takashionary.com/darekasan/) - Basic ○ ● ○ ○ ○Advanced Standard ○ ● ○ ○ ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal
- [How The Japanese Word 神 (Kami, 'God') Is Used Metaphorically](https://takashionary.com/kami-in-japanese/) - This post introduces some Japanese expressions and slang terms that use 'God’ metaphorically, some of which may sound a little strange or impious to native English speakers.
- [「一理ある」を英語に訳す](https://takashionary.com/jp-ichiri-aru/) - Basic ○ ○ ● ○ ○Advanced Standard ● ○ ○ ○ ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ● ○ ○Informal
- [「猫を被る」を英語に訳す](https://takashionary.com/jp-neko-wo-kaburu/) - Basic ○ ○ ● ○ ○Advanced Standard ○ ○ ○ ● ○Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal
- [「遠慮のかたまり」と「遠慮する」を英語で説明](https://takashionary.com/jp-enryo-no-katamari/) - Basic ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Advanced Standard ○ ○ ○ ○ ●Slang Formal ○ ○ ○ ● ○Informal

## Pages

- [Welcome (ようこそ)!](https://takashionary.com/) - Takashionary introduces unique Japanese slang words and idioms that are not covered in textbooks or language lessons and yet used bya native Japanese speaker, Takashi
- [User](https://takashionary.com/user/)
- [Login](https://takashionary.com/login/)
- [Register](https://takashionary.com/register-2/)
- [Members](https://takashionary.com/members-2/)
- [Logout](https://takashionary.com/logout/)
- [Account](https://takashionary.com/account/)
- [Password Reset](https://takashionary.com/password-reset/)
- [List of Japanese Slang and Idioms](https://takashionary.com/glossary-index/) - List of unique Japanese words/phrases with their definitions that are defined on Takashionary.
- [About](https://takashionary.com/about/) - Takashionary introduces unique Japanese slang words and idioms that are not covered in textbooks or classes but often used by native Japanese speakers
- [Discussion Board](https://takashionary.com/forum/) - A forum to discuss unique Japanese words. Anyone can ask and answer questions. To ask a question, please create a new topic/thread. [forum]
- [Activate](https://takashionary.com/activate/)
- [Register](https://takashionary.com/register/)
- [Members](https://takashionary.com/members/)
- [Activity](https://takashionary.com/activity/)
- [Log In](https://takashionary.com/topics/log-in/) - [discussion_board_login_form] [is_logged_in]You are already logged in[/is_logged_in]
- [New Topic](https://takashionary.com/topics/new-topic/) - [discussion_board_form]
- [Topics](https://takashionary.com/topics/) - [discussion_topics] [new_topic_button]
- [Forum](https://takashionary.com/community/) - [wpforo]
- [Forum](https://takashionary.com/forum-2/) - [forum]
- [Free Japanese Lesson Slides for Intermediate/Advanced Learners](https://takashionary.com/japanese-learning-teaching-materials-for-intermediate-advanced-learners/) - Free Japanese lesson slides for intermediate and advanced learners. They include interesting and useful Japanese expressions, such as Japanese slang and idioms.
- [Free Japanese Lesson Materials for Complete Beginners](https://takashionary.com/japanese-learning-teaching-materials-for-complete-beginners/) - Free Japanese lesson slides for complete beginners who start learning Japanese with zero knowledge. They're free to use to teach Japanese , so long as you cite and mention this website.
- [Glossary](https://takashionary.com/glossary/)
- [ようこそ](https://takashionary.com/top-ja/) - Takashi's Japanese Dictionary (Takashionary)を訪問して頂き、ありがとうございます！このサイトは、「ありがた迷惑」や「ノリが良い」のように面白くて訳しにくい日本語を英語で詳しく解説するサイトです（一部、面白い英語表現を日本語で解説する記事も書いていますが、それらは現在 別サイト: 「訳しにくい日本語・英語」に少しずつ移行中です。新しい記事は、今後はこちらで更新していきます）。主に英語での投稿になりますが、SNS (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) もやっているので、良かったら覗いてみてください。その中でもTwitter が一番更新頻度が高く、アカウントを持っていないくてもここで最新ツイートを確認できます。 人気記事（日本語） 人気記事（英語） 新着記事（日本語） 「背水の陣」のように決死の覚悟で挑む状況を英語で 「猫を被る」を英語に訳す 「一理ある」を英語に訳す 「遠慮のかたまり」と「遠慮する」を英語で説明
- [Twitter Timeline](https://takashionary.com/twitter-timeline/) - My tweets will be shown below in about five seconds or less. Some of them are summarised on the "Word of The Day" page. Tweets by takashionary
- [Japanese Word of The Day](https://takashionary.com/archives-word-of-the-day/) - Every day, this page introduces the "Japanese Word of the Day," which includes Japanese slang and idioms that are usually not covered in textbooks.
- [Privacy Policy](https://takashionary.com/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Our website is a personal blog called "Takashi's Japanese Dictionary", "Takashioanry" for short. Our website address is: https://takashionary.com. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and
- [Japanese Thesaurus Online (Synonym Finder)](https://takashionary.com/japanese-synonym-dictionary/) - Japanese Thesaurus (Synonym Dictionary) online. Look up a Japanese word and it will return its synonyms (類語) and definitions in English!
- [Japanese Katakana Word (Gairaigo) Converter/Generator](https://takashionary.com/gairaigo-converter/) - This tool automatically converts Japanese words into loanwords or wasei-eigo written in katakana, and vice versa. (e.g. 気さくな歌手↔フレンドリーなシンガー, サラリーマン↔勤め人)
- [What's New](https://takashionary.com/whats-new/) - Recent updates on Takashionary
- [Japanese Furigana Generator and Dictionary Lookup](https://takashionary.com/japanese-furigana-generator-and-word-analyser/) - Given an input word or sentence, this tool will automatically convert kanji words to furigana (hiragana or rōmaji) and show their definitions.
- [Contact](https://takashionary.com/contact-us/) - If you have any requests or questions, feel free to send me a message via social media (preferred), or a contact form below.
- [test](https://takashionary.com/test/) - [pdfjs-viewer url="https://takashionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Introduction-4.pdf" attachment_id="7736" viewer_width=100% viewer_height=800px fullscreen=true download=true print=true]
- [Social Media](https://takashionary.com/social-media/) - Takashionary has the following social media accounts (my account name is @takashionary on all the platforms), so feel free to follow them! Facebook Originally, I started this blog as a Facebook Page ("Japanese Urban Dictionary") in 2016, and then created this blog in 2018 and renamed it as "Takashi's Japanese Dictionary". Visit the Facebook Page
- [Popular Posts](https://takashionary.com/popular-posts/) - Popular posts on Takashiionary about Japanese Idioms, slang, Japlish (Japanese-made-English; "wasei-eigo"), grammar, and so on.
- [Links](https://takashionary.com/links/) - Twitter Facebook Instagram Takashionary Top Page
- [ソーシャルメディア/SNS](https://takashionary.com/social-media-ja/) - Takashionary (または Takashi) は以下のソーシャルメディアで（全て英語ベースですが）投稿しています（アカウント名は全て@takashionary）。 Switch to English Facebook このブログは、2016年にFacebook Pageを作ったのが最初のキッカケでした (その時のページ名は "Japanese Urban Dictionary")。始めは単に英語の勉強をすることが目的で、日本語を勉強している英語ネイティブの友達とかに投稿をよくチェックしてもらっていたのですが、少しずつ知らないフォロワーが増えてきたので2018年にこのサイトを作ることになりました。 Facebook Page へ Instagram インスタグラムでは、主にスライド形式で面白い日本語を英語で解説しています。 Instagram へ Twitter ツイッターも（英語でですが）やっています。 https://twitter.com/takashionary
- [A Comprehensive List of Japanese Idioms](https://takashionary.com/list-of-idiom/) - This page provides a comprehensive list of Japanese idiomatic expressions (including slang terms) that are introduced on this website. Each entry has a link to the relevant post in which you can check the detailed meaning with or without some example sentences. Each idiom is categorised into three groups: essential idioms, advanced (native-level) idioms, and
- [Selected Posts](https://takashionary.com/selected-posts/) - Search on Takashionary Column Ambiguity in Japanese: How and Why We Omit Words, Phrases and Clauses in Japanese 奈良 (Nara): A Beautiful, Traditional and “Deerest” City in Japan Why “The moon is beautiful” Could Mean “I love You” in Japanese Success Journey of Ichiro Suzuki with 4367 Hits in MLB and NPB How to Memorise

## CM Tooltip Glossary

- [大器晩成 (taiki bansei)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/たいきばんせい/) - Meaning of 大器晩成 (taiki bansei): Yomi たいきばんせい Rōmaji taiki bansei Type idiom Literal Meaning a large vessel/container is completed late Meaning Some people develop their talents and become successful/bloom later than others Synonym 遅咲き Additional Info In a sentence, it is usually used as 大器晩成型がた, meaning "a kind of a late bloomer". Example 占いによると、私は大器晩成型らしい According to fortune telling, I'm a
- [変態 (hentai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/へんたい/) - Meaning of 変態 (hentai): Yomi へんたい Rōmaji hentai Type word Meaning a pervert (sexually) abnormal unbelievable metamorphosis Additional Info See this post for details Synonym 変質者; やばい Antonym 正常 Example 彼氏が変態な要求をたくさんしてきたので、別れた My boyfriend asked for too many hentai (perverted) things so I dumped him.
- [賢者タイム (kenja taimu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/けんじゃたいむ/) - Meaning of 賢者タイム (kenja taimu): It literally means “sage time”, when a man feels as if he had become “a sage”, a person of wisdom who is free from any worldly pleasures
- [ノリ (nori)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/のり/) - Meaning of ノリ (nori): Yomi のり Rōmaji nori Type slang Meaning See this blog post
- [やけくそ (Yakekuso)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/やけくそ/) - Meaning of やけくそ (Yakekuso): Rōmaji yakekuso Type word Meaning a state of mind where you lose rational thoughts and take a f*ck-it, YOLO, I-don’t-give-a-sh*t-anymore attitude Additional Info It is also written in katakana ヤケクソ or kanji 自棄糞. For instance, you'll get やけくそ when you gamble away all your money or get rejected by your crush miserably (and then try
- [懐く (natsuku)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/なつく/) - Meaning of 懐く (natsuku): Yomi なつく Rōmaji natsuku Type word Meaning (an animal/pet is) friendly/affectionate/loyal to a certain person (e.g. the owner) Additional Info Similarly, 人(ひと)懐(なつ)っこい means "very friendly to people". In Pokémon, なつき度 ("the level of 懐く") is used to describe how friendly/loyal your Pokémon is to you, which is translated as "Happiness" or "Friendship" in English. Example
- [エセ関西弁 (ese kansaiben)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/えせかんさいべん/) - Meaning of エセ関西弁 (ese kansaiben): Yomi えせ Rōmaji ese kansaiben Type phrase Meaning fake Kansai dialect Additional Info エセ (似非 in kanji) means "fake; not genuine" and is usually used as either エセ関西弁 (fake Kansai dialect) or エセ科学 (pseudoscience). Antonym コテコテの関西弁 Example お前そのエセ関西弁やめろや！なんでやねんのイントネーションが全然ちゃうねん！ Hey, stop that fake Kansai-ben! Your intonation of “nandeyanen” is completely wrong! Related Post https://takashionary.com/nandeyanen/
- [ホヤホヤ (hoyahoya)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ほやほや/) - Meaning of ホヤホヤ (hoyahoya): Yomi ほやほや Rōmaji hoyahoya Type word Meaning be just made and fresh; freshly baked Additional Info It is usually used as 出来(でき)立(た)てホヤホヤ “be just made and fresh”, or 新婚(しんこん)ホヤホヤ meaning “just married; newlywed” Synonym 出来立て; 新しい Antonym 古い Example 出来立てホヤホヤのケーキ/会社(かいしゃ)/本(ほん) “A freshly-baked cake/company/book”
- [猫を被る (neko o kaburu, "wear a cat")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ねこをかぶる/) - Meaning of 猫を被る (neko o kaburu, “wear a cat”): Yomi ねこをかぶる Rōmaji neko o kaburu Type idiom Literal Meaning wear a cat Meaning pretend to be nicer than usual; hide one’s true colours Additional Info It alludes to the two-faced character of a cat, which is usually very cute but can be aggressive at times. Synonym ぶりっこする Antonym 正直 Example あの子こ、いつもは悪口ばっか言っているのに彼氏の前では猫かぶっているよね。 She is always
- [人見知り (hitomishiri)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ひとみしり/) - Meaning of 人見知り (hitomishiri): Yomi ひとみしり Rōmaji hitomishiri Type word Meaning be shy/nervous/awkward when meeting someone for the first time Additional Info Often used when one describes one's personality, as in the example sentence below Synonym シャイ; 恥ずかしがり屋 Antonym 社交的 Example 私人見知りだから、パーティーで知らない人に話しかけるのが苦手。 Because I’m shy with strangers, I am not good at talking to strangers at a party. Related
- [逆ギレ (gyakugire)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぎゃくぎれ/) - Meaning of 逆ギレ (gyakugire): Yomi ぎゃくぎれ Rōmaji gyakugire Type word Literal Meaning reversed anger Meaning to get angry in an irrational way because someone blames you or points out your fault/mistake Additional Info キレる is a casual word for 怒(おこ)る, meaning "get angry" This word is said to be spread by Hitoshi Matsumoto (松本人志), one of the most popular
- [記念受験 (kinen juken)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/きねんじゅけん/) - Meaning of 記念受験 (kinen juken): Yomi きねんじゅけん Rōmaji kinen juken Type idiom Literal Meaning to take exams as a memory Meaning to take exams for qualifications or school entrance exams with little chance of success Additional Info For instance, it is going to be a 記念受験 if you take JLPT N1 armed with in-depth knowledge about anime and manga only.
- [なう (nau, "now")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/なう/) - Meaning of なう (nau, “now”): Rōmaji nau Type slang Literal Meaning now Meaning an event/action is taking place right now Additional Info This is a loanword from “now” in English. It's usually used on social media like Twitter (X) to share with your followers what you are doing right now. Similarly, when you describe an action/event in the past or
- [ペラペラ (perapera)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぺらぺら/) - Meaning of ペラペラ (perapera): Yomi ぺらぺら Rōmaji perapera Type standard Meaning “very fluent in a (foreign) language” and more; see the post below
- [...と言わんばかり (to iwan bakar)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いわんばかり/) - Meaning of …と言わんばかり (to iwan bakar): Yomi ...といわんばかり Rōmaji to iwan bakari Type other Meaning As if one’s face/attitude/behaviour says ... Additional Info Used both positively and negatively Example 息子(むすこ)にお小遣(こづか)いをあげたら、「え、たったこれだけ？」と言わんばかりの顔(かお)で見つめてきた I gave my son an allowance and he looked at me with a face that looked as if it were saying “Wait, is that it?” Related Post https://takashionary.com/glossary/%e3%81%93%e3%82%8c%e3%81%bf%e3%82%88%e3%81%8c%e3%81%97/
- [目の色を変える (me no iro o kaeru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/めのいろをかえる/) - Meaning of 目の色を変える (me no iro o kaeru): Yomi めのいろをかえる Rōmaji me no iro o kaeru Type idiom Literal Meaning change one’s eye colour Meaning change one’s attitude greatly and start showing one’s strong interest/passion/seriousness Additional Info It also means "become very angry/surprised", but it's less common Example 息子に「次のテストで満点を取ったら3万円やる」と言ったら、目の色を変えて真剣に勉強し始めた I said to my son “If you get full marks on the next exam,
- [鵜呑みにする (unomi ni suru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うのみにする/) - Meaning of 鵜呑みにする (unomi ni suru): Yomi うのみにする Rōmaji unomi ni suru Type idiom Literal Meaning do cormorant-drinking Meaning believe something in a credulous/blind manner Additional Info It alludes to the fact that a cormorant swallows fish without biting it. This idiom is so common that presumably a lot of people use it without paying attention to its literal meaning. Antonym
- [雀の涙 (suzume no namida)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/すずめのなみだ/) - Meaning of 雀の涙 (suzume no namida): Yomi すずめのなみだ Rōmaji suzume no namida Type idiom Literal Meaning a sparrow's tears Meaning a very small amount Additional Info It's commonly used as 雀の涙ほどの..., meaning "as many/much as a sparrow's tears", and often used when one describes one’s salary in a self-deprecating way. Synonym 僅か Antonym https://takashionary.com/many-in-japanese/ Example 雀の涙ほどの給料(きゅうりょう)しかもらっていない。 I earn just a tiny
- [あかん (akan)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あかん/) - Meaning of あかん (akan): Rōmaji akan Type Kansai dialect Meaning bad; unacceptable; you can’t/shouldn't; Don't do ... Additional Info This is one of the most crucial words in the Kansai dialect. It's commonly used as either (1) "verb nai-form ＋ な ＋ あかん"; or (2): verb ta-form ＋ (ら) ＋ あかん The first usage corresponds to the expression “verb
- [一目惚れ (hitome bore)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ひとみぼれ/) - Meaning of 一目惚れ (hitome bore): Yomi ひとみぼれ Rōmaji hitome bore Type idiom Meaning fall in love at first glance/sight Additional Info It describes when you fall in love with someone when you see them for the first time. Not only for people, but it's also used for things like clothes. Example 今朝(けさ)、駅(えき)で知(し)らない女(おんな)の子(こ)に一目惚れした。 This morning, I fell in love with this
- [腐っても鯛 (kusatte mo tai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/くさってもたい/) - Meaning of 腐っても鯛 (kusatte mo tai): Yomi くさってもたい Rōmaji kusatte mo tai Type idiom Literal Meaning A sea bream is still a sea bream even if it has got rotten Meaning someone/something demonstrates still possesses a talent/value/skill although they are well past their prime Someone/Something is great/valuable even if they are not the best Additional Info A (red) sea bream (鯛,
- [挙げ句の果てに (ageku no hate ni)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あげくのはてに/) - Meaning of 挙げ句の果てに (ageku no hate ni): Yomi あげくのはてに Rōmaji ageku no hate ni Type other Meaning in the end (to make matters worse) Additional Info It is used when something bad happens that makes the situation even worse. Example 彼氏に料理を作ったら「これだけ？」と言われ、挙げ句の果てには「この味噌汁、お母さんのと味が違う」と言われた I cooked for my boyfriend but he said “Is this it?”, and in the end, said, “This miso soup tastes different
- [紙一重 (kamihitoe)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/かみひとえ/) - Meaning of 紙一重 (kamihitoe): Yomi かみひとえ Rōmaji kamihitoe Type idiom Literal Meaning one layer of paper Meaning (There is ) a paper-thin (yet distinct) line between two things; (there is) a fine line; a small margin Additional Info Often used to indicate that there is just a fine line between two contrasting things/people (e.g. success and failure) Synonym 間一髪
- [正夢 (masayume)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/まさゆめ/) - Meaning of 正夢 (masayume): Yomi まさゆめ Rōmaji masayume Type word Literal Meaning true dream Meaning a dream one has (during sleep) that comes true later Additional Info 正夢 differs from デジャブ (déjà vu) in that you see 正夢 first and it comes true later, while デジャブ is more like having the sensation that you have seen this somewhere before.
- [安物買いの銭失い (yasumonogai no zeni ushinai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/やすものがいのぜにうしない/) - Meaning of 安物買いの銭失い (yasumonogai no zeni ushinai): Yomi やすものがいのぜにうしない Rōmaji yasumonogai no zeni ushinai Type idiom Literal Meaning buy cheap stuff, and lose money Meaning If you buy cheap stuff, it results in costing you a lot in the long run (because they are often made poorly and do not last long)” Additional Info Japanese proverb Example 安いパソコンを買ったら、３ヶ月で壊れてしまった。「安物買いの銭失い」とはまさにこのこと。 I bought a cheap
- [毒にも薬にもならない (doku ni mo kusuri ni mo naranai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/どくにもくすりにもならない/) - Meaning of 毒にも薬にもならない (doku ni mo kusuri ni mo naranai): Yomi どくにもくすりにもならない Rōmaji doku ni mo kusuri ni mo naranai Type idiom Literal Meaning work as neither a poison nor medicine Meaning do no harm or good; have little value/impact/meaning; neither valuable nor harmful Additional Info It is used in a sarcastic or self-deprecating way, as in the examples below. Example この本は当たり前のことしか書いてなくて、毒にも薬にもならない What is written
- [人望 (jinbou)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/じんぼう/) - Meaning of 人望 (jinbou): Yomi じんぼう Rōmaji jinbou Type word Meaning popularity; trust and respect from others Additional Info Some people use the phrase "人望がない (have no popularity)" to describe themselves in a self-deprecating way (e.g. when they invite their friends to do something and nobody says yes) Synonym 人気; 人徳 Example 人望がないから、イベントを主催しても誰も来ないと思う... I'm not popular, so if I
- [お腹いっぱい (onaka ippai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おなかいっぱい/) - Meaning of お腹いっぱい (onaka ippai): Yomi おなかいっぱい Rōmaji onaka ippai Type idiom Literal Meaning one's stomach is full Meaning have had enough; have had a bellyful of ...; have had it with ... Additional Info It alludes to the feeling when you are 100% full and then more plates of food are served. It's usually used as ...は（もう）お腹いっぱい Synonym こりごり
- [正義マン (seigi man, "justice man")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/せいぎまん/) - Meaning of 正義マン (seigi man, “justice man”): Yomi せいぎまん Rōmaji seigi man Type slang Literal Meaning a justice man Meaning a self-righteous person who is always looking for someone to abuse/criticise for doing something immoral or unethical, regardless of how trivial they are Additional Info This word became popular when Japan’s new consumption tax system was introduced in October 2019; see the
- [舟を漕ぐ (fune o kogu, "row a boat")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふねをこぐ/) - Meaning of 舟を漕ぐ (fune o kogu, “row a boat”): Yomi ふねをこぐ Rōmaji fune o kogu Type idiom Literal Meaning row a boat Meaning nod off while sitting Additional Info Both 舟 and 船 read ふね, but the former means "a boat" and the latter "a ship". The literal meaning "row a boat" metaphorically describes how you sway your head back and forth while sitting
- [抜き打ちテスト (nukiuchi testo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぬきうちてすと/) - Meaning of 抜き打ちテスト (nukiuchi testo): Yomi ぬきうちてすと Rōmaji nukiuchi testo Type other Meaning a surprise test Additional Info a term for a test/exam at school that is suddenly given by a teacher without prior notice Example 「今から抜き打ちテストを始める」と言った瞬間、多くの生徒が悲鳴を上げた “I’m giving you a surprise test now”, I said, which immediately caused a number of students to scream. Related Post https://takashionary.com/student-retatable-expressions/
- [大目玉を食らう (oomedama o kurau)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おおめだまをくらう/) - Meaning of 大目玉を食らう (oomedama o kurau): Yomi おおめだまをくらう Rōmaji oomedama o kurau Type idiom Literal Meaning eat big eyeballs Meaning be scolded severely Additional Info Also 大目玉を食う. Big eyeballs allude to a fuming face with eyes wide open. While 食らう mean “to eat” (a casual/coarse variant of 食う), it also mean “to have/receive something negative”, as in ダメージを食らう(“receive damage”) Example 遅刻して、先輩から大目玉を食らった
- [焼け石に水 (yakeishi ni mizu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/やけいしにみず/) - Meaning of 焼け石に水 (yakeishi ni mizu): Yomi やけいしにみず Rōmaji yakeishi ni mizu Type idiom Literal Meaning (pouring) water on a burning stone Meaning make no difference; a drop in the ocean; be of no use Additional Info It alludes to the fact that pouring water onto a burning stone doesn't reduce the temperature very much Example 「痩せるためにダイエットコーラを飲んでいる」と彼は言っていたが、焼け石に水だろう。 “I’m drinking diet coke
- [これみよがしに (koremiyogashi ni)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/これみよがし/) - Meaning of これみよがしに (koremiyogashi ni): Rōmaji koremiyogashi ni Type idiom Meaning (show something) in an attention-seeking way, as if one is saying "Hey, look at this!!!" Additional Info It often contains a sarcastic tone Synonym わざとらしく Antonym 控えめ Example 「これ大きくて便利なのよね〜」と言いながら、マキがシャネルのバッグをこれみよがしに見せてきた “This is big and useful”, said Maki, while showing off her Chanel bag as if she wants to say “Look
- [ピンからキリまで (pin kara kiri made, ピンキリ)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぴんからきりまで/) - Meaning of ピンからキリまで (pin kara kiri made, ピンキリ): Yomi ぴんからきりまで Rōmaji pin kara kiri made Type idiom Meaning range from high/good to low/bad; vary greatly Additional Info Often shortened as ピンキリ. In this idiom, ピン and キリ mean "good" and "bad", respectively, although they are not commonly used as is. ピン is more commonly used as "solo" like ピン芸人 ("a solo comedian"), and
- [手前味噌 (temae miso)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/てまえみそ/) - Meaning of 手前味噌 (temae miso): Yomi てまえみそ Rōmaji temae miso Type idiom Literal Meaning this-side miso Meaning I’m afraid this may sound boastful, but; Sorry, let me brag about something Additional Info People use this expression when they want to brag about something but don’t want to sound modest and not too cocky or boastful. This is a very advanced
- [ゴマをする (goma o suru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ごまをする/) - Meaning of ゴマをする (goma o suru): Yomi ごまをする Rōmaji goma o suru Type idiom Literal Meaning grind sesame seeds Meaning be sycophantic; to butter up/suck up (to someone); act obsequiously Additional Info This idiom is so famous that the gesture of grinding seeds (i.e. rotating a closed fist on the palm of the other hand) refers to the act of sucking
- [よいしょする (yoisho suru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/よいしょする/) - Meaning of よいしょする (yoisho suru): Rōmaji yoisho suru Type slang Meaning to flatter; to act obsequiously towards someone important (as if one lifts them up and enhances their sense of superiority and satisfaction) Synonym 持ち上げる, 媚を売る, へつらう, ゴマをする, おだてる Additional Info This expression comes from よいしょ Example 彼は上司をよいしょするのがうまい He is good at flattering his boss. Related Post よいしょ
- [未練 (miren)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/みれん/) - Meaning of 未練 (miren): Yomi みれん Rōmaji miren Type noun Meaning lingering feelings for someone; regret (about not having done something in the past) Synonym 後ろ髪を引かれる, 後悔 Additional Info It is often used when you have lingering feelings for your old flame. It is also used when you have regrets about not having something you wanted to do. When
- [後ろ髪を引かれる (ushirogami o hikareru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うしろがみ/) - Meaning of 後ろ髪を引かれる (ushirogami o hikareru): Yomi うしろがみをひかれる Rōmaji ushirogami o hikareru Type idiom Literal Meaning the back of one's hair is pulled Meaning leave a place with a bit of hesitation and one's lingering attachment to it Synonym 未練がある, 名残惜しい Additional Info It describes the feelings you have when you leave a place knowing you're gonna miss it and feeling
- [ワンパターン (wan patān, "one pattern")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/わんぱたーん/) - Meaning of ワンパターン (wan patān, “one pattern”): 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
- [脊髄反射 (sekizui hansha, "spinal reflex")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/せきずいはんしゃ/) - Meaning of 脊髄反射 (sekizui hansha, “spinal reflex”): Yomi せきずいはんしゃ Rōmaji sekizui hansha Type slang Literal Meaning spinal reflex Meaning a knee-jerk reaction; to do/react to something impulsively/naively/without thinking much Synonym ワンパターン Additional Info It is often used ironically when someone always responds to someone/something (e.g. web news) in a naive or predictable way (see the example sentence below). It is also used
- [貸切状態 (kashikiri joutai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/かしきりじょうたい/) - Meaning of 貸切状態 (kashikiri joutai): Yomi かしきりじょうたい Rōmaji kashikiri joutai Type word Meaning A situation when you are (unexpectedly) the only person who is using a certain place or facility that is meant to be used by multiple persons (e.g. a cinema, restaurant, hot spring/spa, train/bus, etc.); to get the whole place to oneself; to have the run of a
- [推し (oshi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おし/) - Meaning of 推し (oshi): Yomi oshi Rōmaji おし Type slang Meaning one's fave/bias; a person/character whom you stan/support as an avid fan Additional Info It comes from the verb 推す, meaning "to stan". It used to be a jargon term among idol fans, but now it's often used among young people to describe an idol member or anime character
- [越えられない壁 (koerarenai kabe)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/こえられないかべ/) - Meaning of 越えられない壁 (koerarenai kabe): Yomi koerarenai kabe Rōmaji こえられないかべ Type slang Literal Meaning an unclimbable wall Meaning power gap Additional Info It is used on the internet when you express your strong (and biased) opinion about someone/something being unrivalled/superior to others; often used with < or > (see the example sentence below). It's also used when you rank things/people,
- [セミファイナル (semi fainaru, "semi-final")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/せみふぁいなる/) - Meaning of セミファイナル (semi fainaru, “semi-final”): Yomi せみふぁいなる Rōmaji semi fainaru Type slang Literal Meaning semi-final Meaning A summery event in Japan where a cicada (セミ) that looks dead on the street suddenly skitters, makes a racket and/or flies towards you before it finally kicks the bucket; or such cicadas Additional Info Also known as セミ爆弾 (ばくだん), "cicada bomb". Both terms
- [独身貴族 (dokushin kizoku, "unmarried noble")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/どくしんきぞく/) - Meaning of 独身貴族 (dokushin kizoku, “unmarried noble”): Yomi どくしんきぞく Rōmaji dokushin kizoku Type idiom Literal Meaning an unmarried noble Meaning a single person (esp. the rich) who splurges on him/herself Additional Info It's 単身贵族 in Chinese. Obviously, this word refers to single people in comparison to married people who have to devote their time and money to their families. Sometimes, this word
- [袋叩き (fukuro dataki)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふくろだたき/) - Meaning of 袋叩き (fukuro dataki): Yomi ふくろだたき Rōmaji fukuro dataki Type idiom Literal Meaning bag hitting Meaning to gang up on someone; (a plethora of people) bashing a particular person together Additional Info It is usually used as 袋叩きにする (an active form) or 袋叩き{にされる/にあう (a passive form) Example もし彼が同じことを公の場で行っていたら、袋叩きにあっていただろう。 If he had said the same thing in public, he would
- [居留守 (irusu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いるす/) - Meaning of 居留守 (irusu): Yomi いるす Rōmaji irusu Type idiom Meaning to pretend that one is not at home Additional Info 居(い)る (“be”) + 留守 (るす) (“away from home”) Example 真夜中にインターホンが鳴って知らない人がカメラに写っていたので、居留守した The doorbell rang at midnight and a stranger was on the camera, so I pretended I was not at home Related Post 15 Unique Japanese Portmanteau Words with
- [死亡フラグ (shibou furagu, "death flag")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しぼうふらぐ/) - Meaning of 死亡フラグ (shibou furagu, “death flag”): Yomi しぼうふらぐ Rōmaji shibou furagu Type slang Literal Meaning a death flag Meaning a clichéd event/line in a story which suggests someone is doomed to death in the near future Additional Info See the following blog post for details Blog Post Meaning and Examples of Shibou Furagu (死亡フラグ): “Death Flag”
- [雨女 (ame onna)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あめおんな/) - Meaning of 雨女 (ame onna): Yomi あめおんな Rōmaji ame onna Type slang Literal Meaning a rain woman Meaning a woman who believes that it rains frequently when she goes out for fun (e.g. to do outdoor activities like BBQ and hiking) Additional Info Similarly, 雨男 (あめおとこ) is used for men. The antonym is 晴(は)れ男/女 (“a sunny man/woman”) Antonym 晴れ女 Example
- [島国根性 (shimaguni konjou)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しまぐにこんじょう/) - Meaning of 島国根性 (shimaguni konjou): Yomi しまぐにこんじょう Rōmaji shimaguni konjou Type idiom Literal Meaning island nation spirit Meaning the idea that citizens of island countries like Japan tend to be narrow-minded and exclusive towards "outsiders", e.g. people who are from foreign countries; who do not follow social norms; or who seem to enjoy privileged opportunities Additional Info This term is
- [面食い (menkui)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/めんくい/) - Meaning of 面食い (menkui): Yomi めんくい Rōmaji menkui Type word Meaning always attracted to good-looking people Additional Info It's often used to describe someone who is very choosy about the appearance of people Antonym B専 Example わたし面食いだからケチでもかっこいい男と付(つ)き合(あ)いたい Because I really love handsome men, I wanna date a good-looking man even if he is stingy. Related Post Related Post: Essential
- [オブラートに包む (oburāto ni tsutsumu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おぶらーとにつつむ/) - Meaning of オブラートに包む (oburāto ni tsutsumu): Yomi おぶらーとにつつむ Rōmaji oburāto ni tsutsumu Type idiom Literal Meaning to wrap (something) in oblaat Meaning (say something) in a mild and indirect way (and avoid being blunt) Additional Info Oblaat is a thin edible layer of starch used to coat bitter medicines or candies Synonym 遠回しに言う Antonym ストレートに言う, 単刀直入に言う Example もっとオブラートに包んだ言い方をしたほうがいいよ You'd better say
- [くりそつ (kurisotsu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/くりそつ/) - Meaning of くりそつ (kurisotsu): Rōmaji kurisotsu Type slang Meaning look very alike Additional Info It is a back slang of そっくり; cf. see the Let’s “Zagin De Shīsū”: Japanese “Back Slang” From 1980s Explained Synonym そっくり, 似てる, 瓜二つ Example 彼は弟(おとうと)とくりそつだ He and his younger brother look very alike. Related Post Blog Post: Let’s “Zagin De Shīsū”: Japanese “Back Slang”
- [脈あり (myaku ari)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/みゃくあり/) - Meaning of 脈あり (myaku ari): Yomi みゃくあり Rōmaji myaku ari Type idiom Literal Meaning There is a pulse Meaning there's a good chance someone you like is also (romantically) interested in you Additional Info In contrast, 脈なし means “have zero chance” Synonym いい感じ Antonym 脈なし Example 好きな女の子からのメールでハートの絵文字 ❤️ が使われいるからといって、脈ありだと思わないほうがいいよ You should not assume that a girl you like is interested
- [てっきり...と思った (tekkiri … to omotta)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/てっきり-と思った/) - Meaning of てっきり…と思った (tekkiri … to omotta): Rōmaji tekkiri ... to omotta Type expression Meaning I undoubtedly thought that … (but it turned out to be wrong) Additional Info It is used when what you believed or guessed turns out to be completely wrong Example 花子と太郎ってただの友達？めっちゃ仲がいいから、てっきり付き合っているのかと思っていたよ Hanako and Taro are just friends? Because they are very close, I completely thought that they
- [逆立ちしても (sakadachi shite mo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/さかだちしても/) - Meaning of 逆立ちしても (sakadachi shite mo): Yomi さかだちしても Rōmaji sakadachi shite mo Type idiom Literal Meaning Even if I stand on my hands Meaning No matter how hard I try, (I can’t do …); it is nearly impossible to do … Additional Info The expression is usually followed by a negative potential form; the allusion is that even if you make
- [鬼電 (oniden)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おにでん/) - Meaning of 鬼電 (oniden): Yomi おにでん Rōmaji oniden Type slang Meaning to call someone millions of times Additional Info It’s short for “鬼(おに)のように電話(でんわ)する. While 鬼(おに, Oni) is a Japanese mythical creature, the phrase "鬼のように" or just "鬼" mean “so/very/intensely” (see the blog post above for more details). Example 友達に連絡しても返事がなかったので、寝ていると思って鬼電したら起きた I texted my friend but he didn’t reply, so I
- [餅は餅屋 (mochi wa mochiya)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/もちはもちや/) - Meaning of 餅は餅屋 (mochi wa mochiya): Yomi もちはもちや Rōmaji mochi wa mochiya Type idiom Literal Meaning When it comes to mochi, mochi shops are (the best) Meaning It’s always best to go to an expert/specialist/place that specialises in something Additional Info "は" after "餅" is used to describe the topic, not the subject (cf. 象は鼻が長い means “Regarding 象 (ぞう, elephant), its
- [絵に描いた餅 (e ni kaita mochi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/えにかいたもち/) - Meaning of 絵に描いた餅 (e ni kaita mochi): Yomi えにかいたもち Rōmaji e ni kaita mochi Type idiom Literal Meaning mochi (Japanese rice cake) that one draws in a picture Meaning (a plan/goal) sounds good but is unrealistic Additional Info Its allusion is that you cannot eat mochi in a picture no matter how good it looks. Synonym 非現実的 Antonym 現実的 Example 日本語を１０日でマスターするなんて計画 (けいかく)は、絵に描いた餅だ！
- [ヤマを張る (yama o haru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/やまをはる/) - Meaning of ヤマを張る (yama o haru): Yomi やまをはる Rōmaji yama o haru Type idiom Meaning to make a guess Additional Info It is particularly used when you guestimate the questions/topics you will be asked in an exam (and focus on studying them only while ignoring the other subjects) Synonym 予想する Example 明日 (あした) 日本語の試験(しけん)だけど、時間(じかん)がないからヤマを張って敬語(けいご)だけ勉強 (べんきょう)しよう。 I have a Japanese exam tomorrow,
- [自作自演 (jisaku jien)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/じさくじえん/) - Meaning of 自作自演 (jisaku jien): Yomi じさくじえん Rōmaji jisaku jien Type word Literal Meaning self-make, self-act Meaning to disguise as someone else and promote one's work/opinion; to attack oneself and play the victim Additional Info A typical 自作自演 is to support or promote one's work or ideas using multiple accounts on social media/web forums. If you think someone is doing
- [すっからかん (sukkarakan)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/すっからかん/) - Meaning of すっからかん (sukkarakan): Rōmaji sukkarakan Type word Meaning be completely empty; become penniless Additional Info It is often used when your wallet gets completely empty (e.g. after you gamble away your savings, splurge on fancy clothes, etc.) Synonym 空っぽ Antonym パンパン, 満タン Example スロットで負(ま)けて、すっからかんだよ I lost at a slot machine and now I am penniless. コロナ禍(か)で、スーパーのトイレットペーパの棚（たな）がすっからかんになった Because of
- [虫の知らせ (mushi no shirase)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/むしのしらせ/) - Meaning of 虫の知らせ (mushi no shirase): Yomi むしのしらせ Rōmaji mushi no shirase Type idiom Literal Meaning an insect’s message/notification Meaning a premonition; a sign of something bad about to happen; the sixth sense Additional Info In the old days, an insect was believed to be in your body that gives you a premonition. This phrase is often used when you have
- [自称 (jishou)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/じしょう/) - Meaning of 自称 (jishou): Yomi じしょう Rōmaji jishou Type word Meaning self-styled; so-called; call oneself Additional Info It often contains a sarcastic tone, suggesting that what one claims is doubtful/not correct Example Twitterには、自称成功者(せいこうしゃ)がたくさんいる There are many so-called “successful people” on Twitter. 自称童顔(どうがん)なオッサン an old man who describes himself as “baby-faced” アイドルを自称する女 a woman who describes herself as an idol.
- [やらせ (yarase)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/やらせ/) - Meaning of やらせ (yarase): Rōmaji yarase Type word Meaning (a show or video is) scripted Additional Info It comes from やらせる (make someone do something). It's often used to describe suspicious TV shows or videos on social media. Synonym 嘘 Antonym 本物 Example 某(ぼう)サイトには、やらせ動画がたくさんアップされている On that website, a lot of scripted videos are uploaded.
- [心臓に毛が生えている (shinzou ni ke ga haeteiru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しんぞうにけ/) - Meaning of 心臓に毛が生えている (shinzou ni ke ga haeteiru): Yomi しんぞうにけがはえている Rōmaji shinzou ni ke ga haeteiru Type idiom Literal Meaning hair is growing on one’s heart Meaning have a lot of nerve; audacious; be immune to criticism/pressure; thick-skinned Additional Info The figure of speech is similar to that of "thick-skinned" (hairy skin is usually thicker than the one without hair) Synonym 神経が太い, 図々しい,
- [へそで茶を沸かす (heso de cha o wakasu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/へそでちゃをわかす/) - Meaning of へそで茶を沸かす (heso de cha o wakasu): Yomi へそでちゃをわかす Rōmaji heso de cha o wakasu Type idiom Literal Meaning make tea using one's navel Meaning impossible/ludicrous/insane; what a joke Additional Info It is used to scorn someone when you hear them saying something ludicrous. This idiom is very famous yet not commonly used in a conversation. Synonym 馬鹿馬鹿しい, アホらしい, 不可能, 無理, 噴飯物
- [ガチ恋 (gachikoi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/がちこい/) - Meaning of ガチ恋 (gachikoi): Yomi がちこい Rōmaji gachikoi Type slang Literal Meaning serious love/romance Meaning to fall in love with someone whom you're not supposed to have serious feelings for, such as idols, Youtubers/Vtubers, anime characters, employees at host/hostess clubs, or other sorts of "entertainers" Synonym リアコ, 片思い Antonym 純愛, 両思い, 相思相愛 Additional Info ガチ (serious) + 恋 (こい,
- [プロ驚き屋 (puro odorokiya)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぷろおどろきや/) - Meaning of プロ驚き屋 (puro odorokiya): See the following post: https://takashionary.com/prosup-slang-2023/
- [当社比 (toushahi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/とうしゃひ/) - Meaning of 当社比 (toushahi): Yomi とうしゃひ Rōmaji toushahi Type slang Literal Meaning compared to the previous products/services of our company Meaning compared to one's usual/old-self Additional Info It's usually put at the end of a sentence with brackets (see examples below). In general contexts, it is used when companies advertise some positive change/improvement over their previous products/services. As slang,
- [プー太郎 (pūtarou)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぷーたろう/) - Meaning of プー太郎 (pūtarou): Yomi ぷーたろう Rōmaji pūtarou Type slang Meaning a jobless person (with no intention to work) Synonym ニート, 無職, 自宅警備員, ひきこもり, ヒッキー Additional Info Its origin is unknown, but here 太郎 is used as a representative name for Japanese men (like "Jack" in "Jack of all trades" in English). Similarly, 山田太郎 (Yamada Taro) is often used
- [自宅警備員 (jitaku keibiin, "security guard at home")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/じたくけいびいん/) - Meaning of 自宅警備員 (jitaku keibiin, “security guard at home”): Yomi じたくけいびいん Rōmaji jitaku keibiin Type slang Literal Meaning a home security guard Meaning a jobless person (with no intention to work); hikikomori Synonym ニート, ひきこもり, 無職, プー太郎 Additional Info It is a very slang internet term used by some netizens to describe people who are jobless and always at home (or rather, their room
- [給料泥棒 (kyuuryou dorobou, "salary thief")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/きゅうりょうどろぼう/) - Meaning of 給料泥棒 (kyuuryou dorobou, “salary thief”): Yomi きゅうりょうどろぼう Rōmaji kyuuryou dorobou Type idiom Literal Meaning salary thief Meaning people who do little work and are not worth their salary; an underworked and overpaid employee Additional Info It is a derogatory term and typically used by a condescending boss or employer. Example ちゃんと働け！この給料泥棒が！ Do your work, you "salary thief"!
- [ズッ友 (zuttomo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ずっとも/) - Meaning of ズッ友 (zuttomo): Yomi zuttomo Rōmaji ずっとも Type slang Meaning BFF (best friends forever) Synonym 親友, マブダチ, ニコイチ Antonym よっ友 Additional Info It used to be often used by teenage girls, but now it sounds a bit outdated. These days, "BFF" (borrowed from English) seems to be more commonly used among them. Example うちら、ズッ友だよ！ We are BFFs!
- [よっ友 (yottomo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/よっとも/) - Meaning of よっ友 (yottomo): Yomi よっとも Rōmaji yottomo Type slang Meaning a hi-bye friend; a “friend” of yours whom you occasionally bump into at a certain place (e.g. at school/work) and say よ (Hi), but don’t actually start a conversation with because you barely know each other and you know it's gonna be awkward. Antonym ズッ友 Additional Info It
- [閑古鳥が鳴く (kankodori ga naku)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/かんこどりがなく/) - Meaning of 閑古鳥が鳴く (kankodori ga naku): Yomi かんこどりがなく Rōmaji kankodori ga naku Type idiom Literal Meaning a cuckoo sings Meaning desolate; quiet; dead; tumbleweed rolls Synonym ガラガラ, 人っ子一人いない Antonym 賑やか Additional Info It likens such places to a quiet forest where the desolate sound of a cuckoo resonates. Often used to describe a place that is meant to be lively, e.g.
- [予想の斜め上 (yosou no naname ue)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/よそうのななめうえ/) - Meaning of 予想の斜め上 (yosou no naname ue): Yomi よそうのななめうえ Rōmaji yosou no naname ue Type slang Literal Meaning obliquely above one’s expectation Meaning (something is done) in a completely unexpected and idiosyncratic way Synonym 明後日の方向 Antonym 普通, 想定内 Additional Info It's often used as 予想の斜め上を行く. You can also use the word 想像 ("imagination") instead of 予想 ("expectation"). It is a slang word
- [ネトスト (netosuto)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ねとすと/) - Meaning of 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
- [騙されたと思って (damasareta to omotte)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/だまされたとおもって/) - Meaning of 騙されたと思って (damasareta to omotte): Yomi だまされたとおもって Rōmaji damasareta to omotte Type expression Literal Meaning Just pretend as if you are deceived by me Meaning Just do it; Trust me; Just take my word Additional Info It is used when you strongly recommend something to your friends and persuade them to have a shot at it anyway, even though they're
- [主人公補正 (shujinkou hosei)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しゅじんこうほせい/) - Meaning of 主人公補正 (shujinkou hosei): Yomi しゅじんこうほせい Rōmaji shujinkou hosei Type slang Literal Meaning main character modification Meaning the phenomenon that the main characters in a game, manga or anime have incredibly good luck or possess much more dominant power than their enemies Additional Info For instance, the main character in anime often survives “deadly attacks” from his/her opponent thanks
- [思い出補正 (omoide hosei)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おもいでほせい/) - Meaning of 思い出補正 (omoide hosei): Yomi おもいでほせい Rōmaji omoide hosei Type slang Literal Meaning memory modification Meaning nostalgia filter; rosy retrospection; to glory one's memories Additional Info Here are some examples of events (just to name a few) that you usually remember well because of "memory modification": The taste of cuisines you had on holiday abroad Your favourite games in
- [サバを読む (saba o yomu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/さばをよむ/) - Meaning of サバを読む (saba o yomu): Yomi さばをよむ Rōmaji saba o yomu Type idiom Literal Meaning read mackerels Meaning fudge/lie about numbers regarding oneself (e.g. age, height, weight, salary) for one's benefit. Synonym ごまかす Additional Info Usage サバ (mackerel) is written as 鯖 in kanji. Usually, it is used as “Xでサバを読む”, where X is what you lie about, such as your
- [役者の卵 (yakusha no tamago)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/やくしゃのたまご/) - Meaning of 役者の卵 (yakusha no tamago): Yomi やくしゃのたまご Rōmaji yakusha no tamago Type idiom Literal Meaning an egg of an actor Meaning an unfledged actor; a budding actor; an aspiring actor; an actor in the making Additional Info Similarly, you can also say 医者の卵 (an egg of a doctor), 研究者の卵 (an egg of a researcher), 弁護士の卵 (an egg of a lawyer),
- [武勇伝 (buyuuden)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぶゆうでん/) - Meaning of 武勇伝 (buyuuden): Yomi ぶゆうでん Rōmaji buyuuden Type slang Meaning a tall tale; a fish story; a big talk; hot air; one’s (often exaggerated/dubious) story/brag about his/her audacious or glorious experience in his/her youth Additional Info Originally, it refers to a heroic and brave story of someone famous, but nowadays it more often describes far-fetched stories told by
- [プリン (purin, "pudding")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぷりん/) - Meaning of プリン (purin, “pudding”): Yomi ぷりん Rōmaji purin Type slang Literal Meaning flan; crème caramel Meaning a brown or blonde-dyed hair with grown-out dark roots Additional Info Also プリン頭 (あたま). Such hair is called "a flan" because it resembles a flan that has dark caramel on top of a light brown custard. This is a loanword from “pudding”. Example
- [元を取る (moto o toru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/もとをとる/) - Meaning of 元を取る (moto o toru): Yomi もとをとる Rōmaji moto o toru Type idiom Literal Meaning get the source Meaning get your money’s worth; get something worth at least what you've paid Additional Info For instance, when you go to an all-you-can-eat restaurant, you may feel obliged to 元を取る by keep eating the most expensive meal on the menu. However, if
- [一人歩きする (hitori aruki suru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ひとりあるき/) - Meaning of 一人歩きする (hitori aruki suru): Yomi ひとりあるきする Rōmaji hitori aruki suru Type idiom Literal Meaning walk alone Meaning 1. (words, concepts or someone's remarks) be taken out of context and spread widely with an unintended meaning (as if they travel without their source/context) 2. unverified information/rumours circulate in an unstoppable manner (despite someone's intention) Additional Info Its allusion is that
- [炎上する (enjou suru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/えんじょうする/) - Meaning of 炎上する (enjou suru): Yomi えんじょうする Rōmaji enjou suru Type idiom Literal Meaning to burn intensely Meaning come under fire; be severely bashed/crucified Synonym バッシングされる Additional Info Nowadays, a myriad of people 炎上する after making inflammatory remarks or uploading videos of their stupid and inappropriate/illegal behaviour on social media. A lot of them do this on Twitter in particular,
- [飲兵衛 (nonbee)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/のんべえ/) - Meaning of 飲兵衛 (nonbee): Yomi のんべえ Rōmaji nonbee Type slang Meaning a person who loves drinking alcohol Synonym 飲助 Antonym 下戸 Additional Info 飲兵衛 (のんべえ) and also 飲助 (のみすけ) mean "people who love drinking". Both words presumably originate from real person’s names, as 兵衛（べえ）and 助 (すけ) used to be commonly used in people's names, such as 権兵衛 (ごんべえ) and
- [猫舌 (nekojita, "cat’s tongue")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ねこじた/) - Meaning of 猫舌 (nekojita, “cat’s tongue”): Yomi ねこじた Rōmaji nekojita Type idiom Literal Meaning a cat’s tongue” Meaning cannot eat hot/high-temperature food/drink Additional Info This is because cats usually cannot have hot something hot. Example 猫舌だから、とても熱いコーヒーは飲めない。 Because I cannot eat something hot, I can't drink very hot coffee. Related Post https://takashionary.com/idiom-about-cat/
- [二日酔い (futsuka yoi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふつかよい/) - Meaning of 二日酔い (futsuka yoi): Yomi ふつかよい Rōmaji futsuka yoi Type idiom Literal Meaning two-day drunk Meaning (get a) hangover Additional Info It is usually used as 二日酔い+ だ, になる, or する. Example 歳(とし)を取(と)るにつれて、二日酔いしやすくなる。 As you get older, you're more likely to have a hangover.
- [猫の額ほど (neko no hitai hodo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ねこのひたい/) - Meaning of 猫の額ほど (neko no hitai hodo): Yomi ねこのひたい Rōmaji neko no hitai hodo Type idiom Literal Meaning like a cat’s forehead Meaning very small/narrow Synonym 狭い Antonym 広い Additional Info For some reason, it is dominantly used to describe a small garden. Example 猫の額ほどの庭(にわ)で野菜(やさい)を育(そだ)てている I grow vegetables in a very small garden. Related Post https://takashionary.com/idiom-about-cat/
- [泣いても笑っても (naite mo waratte mo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ないてもわらっても/) - Meaning of 泣いても笑っても (naite mo waratte mo): Yomi ないてもわらっても Rōmaji naite mo waratte mo Type idiom Literal Meaning whether you cry or laugh Meaning whatever the outcome will be; regardless of the outcome Additional Info It is often used to emphasise that, whatever the outcome will be, the next event (e.g. match/contest/episode) is going to be the last one. In particular, it
- [マンネリ (manneri, "mannerism")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/まんねり/) - Meaning of 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
- [日常茶飯事 (nichijou sahanji)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/にちじょうさはんじ/) - Meaning of 日常茶飯事 (nichijou sahanji): Yomi にちじょうさはんじ Rōmaji nichijou sahanji Type idiom Literal Meaning daily tea rice thing Meaning a common or daily event Synonym 通常運転 Antonym 前代未聞 Additional Info It comes from the fact that many Japanese people eat rice and drink tea almost every day. Sometimes it is used ironically to indicate a negative incident that is not
- [オーバー (ōbā, "over")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おーばー/) - Meaning of 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 https://takashionary.com/confusing-english-loan-words-used-in-japanese-with-different-meanings/
- [ふつつか者ですが (futsutsuka mono desuga)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふつつかものですが/) - Meaning of ふつつか者ですが (futsutsuka mono desuga): Yomi ふつつかものですが Rōmaji futsutsuka mono desuga Type noun Meaning I'm (still) a goofy and immature person, but Synonym 未熟者 Additional Info It is usually used in the sentence "ふつつか者ですが、どうぞよろしくお願いします" meaning "Although I'm still a goofy and immature person, please get along well with me". It is a lovely expression to humble oneself, which is typically
- [窓際社員 (madogiwa shain)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/まどぎわしゃいん/) - Meaning of 窓際社員 (madogiwa shain): Yomi まどぎわしゃいん Rōmaji madogiwa shain Type slang Literal Meaning employees sitting by a window Meaning an employee who is likely to be laid off; an (almost) redundant employee Additional Info It alludes to the employees who sit by a window in their office and spend most of their time just gawping at the view outside.
- [意味深 (imishin)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いみしん/) - Meaning of 意味深 (imishin): Yomi いみしん Rōmaji imishin Type adjective Meaning allusive; containing a hidden meaning/nuance/message Synonym 匂わせ Antonym ストレート Additional Info Often used to describe someone's remark or post that seems to implicitly contain a hidden meaning/message Example 「私もう我慢できない」と彼女(かのじょ)は意味深な投稿をした。 “I can’t stand anymore”, she has shared a post that hints at something.
- [一時はどうなることかと (ichiji wa dounaru koto kato)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いちじはどうなることかと/) - Meaning of 一時はどうなることかと (ichiji wa dounaru koto kato): Yomi いちじはどうなることかと Rōmaji ichiji wa dounaru koto kato Type idiom Meaning At that time, I was worried about what was going to happen Additional Info It’s used when, with a sense of relief, you look back on the (usually unforeseen/unexpected) trouble or problem that you managed to cope with after a lot of struggles. Example
- [アンチ (anchi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あんち/) - Meaning of アンチ (anchi): Yomi あんち Rōmaji anchi Type slang Meaning a hater Antonym 信者 Additional Info It is a loanword from “anti” in English and indicates someone who excessively hates someone/something. It is often put before or after the name of something/someone (that one hates), as in "{トランプ/バイデン}アンチ" (Trump/Biden anti) or "アンチ{トランプ/バイデン}" (anti-Trump/Biden). Example あのYoutuberには信者とアンチがたくさんいる。 That Youtuber has
- [信者 (shinja)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しんじゃ/) - Meaning of 信者 (shinja): Yomi しんじゃ Rōmaji shinja Type slang Literal Meaning a believer in a certain religion Meaning a fanatic fan Synonym ファン Antonym アンチ Additional Info Generally, 信者 means "a believer (in a certain religion)" as in 彼はキリスト教信者だ (He is a believer in Christianity). As a slang word, it has a negative connotation (unlike the general usage)
- [ウンチク (unchiku)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うんちく/) - Meaning of ウンチク (unchiku): Yomi うんちく Rōmaji unchiku Type noun Meaning a trivia; unimportant and niche knowledge Synonym トリビア, 雑学 Additional Info トリビア (trivia) is also used with a similar meaning, but ウンチク tends to have a more negative connotation as it is more strongly associated with people who proudly talk at length about their knowledge about something niche
- [新米 (shinmai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しんまい/) - Meaning of 新米 (shinmai): Yomi しんまい Rōmaji shinmai Type idiom Literal Meaning new rice Meaning rookie; newcomer Synonym 新人 Antonym ベテラン Additional Info It sounds a little old-fashioned and is commonly used by older people (with a slightly condescending tone). Also used to describe oneself in a humble way. Example 初(はじ)めてみる顔(かお)だな、新米か？ I see your face for the first time.
- [スッポンポン (supponpon)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/すっぽんぽん/) - Meaning of スッポンポン (supponpon): Yomi すっぽんぽん Rōmaji supponpon Type adjective Meaning completely naked Synonym 全裸 Additional Info It's a humorous and very casual way of saying 全裸 (ぜんら, “completely naked”). Not related to this word at all, but スッポン means "a soft-shell turtle" and used in an idiom: 月とスッポン Example え、ここでスッポンポンになるの？ What, am I getting completely naked here?
- [まことしやか (makoto shiyaka)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/まことしやか/) - Meaning of まことしやか (makoto shiyaka): Rōmaji makoto shiyaka Type adjective Meaning as if it is true Additional Info It is often used as “まことしやかに囁かれている”, meaning “(a rumour) is circulating as if it is real”, where 囁(ささや)く means "to whisper". まこと is written in 誠 in kanji and means "real", which is commonly used in the formal apology, 誠に申し訳ございません ("I'm really/sincerely sorry").
- [取り急ぎ (tori isogi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/とりいそぎ/) - Meaning of 取り急ぎ (tori isogi): Yomi とりいそぎ Rōmaji tori isogi Type idiom Meaning I'll keep you updated on more details later; more details are to follow Additional Info It is usually put at the end of a message/email (esp. in business) when you inform someone of the latest information with the details to be confirmed later. Example 次の会議の日にちは来週の水曜日に決まりました。取り急ぎ。 The date
- [モテ期 (moteki)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/もてき/) - Meaning of モテ期 (moteki): Yomi もてき Rōmaji moteki Type slang Meaning a period of time when you (suddenly) become popular with guys/girls Additional Info It is often said that everyone experiences their Moteki three times in their entire life. If you think you haven't, chances are you've used up your motekis in your infancy... There is a famous Japanese
- [道草を食う (michikusa o kuu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/みちくさをくう/) - Meaning of 道草を食う (michikusa o kuu): Yomi みちくさをくう Rōmaji michikusa o kuu Type idiom Literal Meaning eat grass on the road Meaning To do some random and unplanned things on the way to one's destination (and waste time) Synonym 油を売る Additional Info This idiom originates from when people used to ride a horse as transportation; people would feel it's a waste
- [残り物には福がある (nokori mono ni wa fuku ga aru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/のこりものにはふくがある/) - Meaning of 残り物には福がある (nokori mono ni wa fuku ga aru): Yomi のこりものにはふくがある Rōmaji nokori mono ni wa fuku ga aru Type proverb Literal Meaning Fortune is in the last remaining things Meaning Even after a lot of items are taken by many people, the best thing can be left in the remaining ones. Additional Info What this proverb tells us is that good luck often
- [瓜二つ (uri futatsu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うりふたつ/) - Meaning of 瓜二つ (uri futatsu): Yomi うりふたつ Rōmaji uri futatsu Type idiom Literal Meaning two gourds Meaning look very alike; as alike as two peas in a pod Synonym そっくり, クリソツ, 似てる Additional Info Example あの双子 (ふたご) は瓜(うり)二(ふた)つだ That twin looks very alike/as alike as two peas in a pod. Related Post https://takashionary.com/plants-related-idioms/
- [クラスのマドンナ (kurasu no Madonna)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/くらすのまどんな/) - Meaning of クラスのマドンナ (kurasu no Madonna): Yomi くらすのまどんな Rōmaji kurasu no madonna Type idiom Literal Meaning Madonna in a classroom Meaning the most popular girl in a classroom (at school) Additional Info Madonna (the Virgin Mary) figuratively illustrates a beautiful and popular girl. At (junior) high school in Japan, students are usually assigned to one classroom and take every class there
- [高嶺の花 (takane no hana)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/たかねのはな/) - Meaning of 高嶺の花 (takane no hana): Yomi たかねのはな Rōmaji takane no hana Type idiom Literal Meaning a flower at the top of a tall mountain Meaning way out of one's league; too good to have Synonym 高望み Antonym 身の丈にあった Additional Info It's often used by men to describe a girl who they think is too hot/popular to have a date with.
- [けりをつける (keri o tsukeru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/けりをつける/) - Meaning of けりをつける (keri o tsukeru): Rōmaji keri o tsukeru Type idiom Literal Meaning to put keri Meaning to finalise; to bring (something) to an end; settle; to clinch (a game/deal)” Synonym 終わらせる, 決着をつける Additional Info In old Japanese, けり denotes the past or present perfect form of "be". Therefore, "けりをつける" figuratively means "put something to an end". In particular, it
- [ひっぱりだこ (hippari dako)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ひっぱりだこ/) - Meaning of ひっぱりだこ (hippari dako): Rōmaji hippari dako Type idiom Literal Meaning a pulled octopus Meaning very popular; be in high demand Synonym 人気 Antonym 不人気 Additional Info Imagine a highly sought-after octopus whose legs/arms are pulled by many people from every direction. It’s usually used as “...{に/で}ひっぱりだこ” meaning “be in high demand for...” Example 彼はかっこよくて演技が上手いので、ドラマや映画にひっぱりだこだ。 He is handsome and
- [空元気 (karagenki)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/からげんき/) - Meaning of 空元気 (karagenki): Yomi からげんき Rōmaji karagenki Type idiom Literal Meaning empty energy Meaning be pretending to be fine/energetic/cheerful Additional Info 空 (から, “empty”) + 元気 (げんき, “fine/energetic”) Example 「とても幸せだよ」と彼女は笑顔で言っていたけれど、空元気だった気がして心配だ "I'm very happy", she said with a smile. But I'm worried about her because I felt she was just pretending to be fine. Related Post https://takashionary.com/japanese-idioms-containing-ki/
- [言霊 (kotodama)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ことだま/) - Meaning of 言霊 (kotodama): Yomi ことだま Rōmaji kotodama Type noun Literal Meaning language soul Meaning positive or negative effects that a spoken or written word can have (or the belief that such power dwells in a word) Additional Info The influence can be either positive or negative. This concept is similar to 引き寄せの法則 ("law of attraction"). Example 言霊になるから「もし負けたら」なんて言うな Don’t
- [センス (sensu, "sense")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/せんす/) - Meaning of 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,
- [裏目に出る (urame ni deru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うらめにでる/) - Meaning of 裏目に出る (urame ni deru): Yomi うらめにでる Rōmaji urame ni deru Type idiom Literal Meaning The opposite side of the dice appears Meaning backfire; work against; unexpectedly have a negative effect Synonym 期待に反する Example 流れを変えるために監督が選手を何人か交代したが、裏目に出た To change the momentum, the head coach replaced some players but it backfired.
- [コスパ (kosupa)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/こすぱ/) - Meaning of コスパ (kosupa): Yomi こすぱ Rōmaji kosupa Type slang Literal Meaning cost performance Meaning cost performance; value for money; time and money efficiency Synonym タイパ (short for "time performance") Additional Info It is short for コストパフォーマンス (“cost performance”) but has much broader meanings than that; see the post below. It is usually used as コスパが良い or コスパが悪い. https://takashionary.com/kosupa/
- [猫も杓子も (neko mo shakushi mo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ねこもしゃくしも/) - Meaning of 猫も杓子も (neko mo shakushi mo): Yomi ねこもしゃくしも Rōmaji neko mo shakushi mo Type idiom Literal Meaning cats and rice spatulas Meaning everyone; every Tom, Dick, and Harry Synonym どいつもこいつも; 全員 Additional Info It is often used ironically, especially when there are too many people who blindly follow the same trend. More details are found in the post below. https://takashionary.com/nekomo-shakushimo/ Example
- [惚気る (norokeru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/のろける/) - Meaning of 惚気る (norokeru): Yomi のろける Rōmaji norokeru Type verb Meaning to talk about one’s lovey-dovey, happy relationship in a showy and braggy way Additional Info Some people do this indirectly/implicitly, like complaining about how "annoying" or "needy" their partner is. In that case, it is often regarded as 自虐風自慢 ("a humblebrag"). Its noun is 惚気 (のろけ). It is
- [鴨が葱を背負ってくる (kamo ga negi o shotte kuru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/かもがねぎ/) - Meaning of 鴨が葱を背負ってくる (kamo ga negi o shotte kuru): Yomi かもがねぎをしょってくる Rōmaji kamo ga negi o shotte kuru Type idiom Literal Meaning A duck comes carrying a leek on its back Meaning A gullible target/victim acts in a way that brings an ideal opportunity to the attacker, e.g. swindlers (due to their ignorance/naiveness) Additional Info In Japanese, カモ ("a duck") often indicates a gullible
- [分かってるね (wakatteru ne)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/わかってるね/) - Meaning of 分かってるね (wakatteru ne): Yomi わかってるね Rōmaji wakatteru ne Type slang Literal Meaning you understand Meaning you know it; you get it Additional Info It is used (as a casual response) when someone shares with you something very specific and niche (or, expresses their taste/liking for such things), and you strongly and emphatically agree with them. Note that it
- [ぬか喜び (nukayorokobi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぬかよろこび/) - Meaning of ぬか喜び (nukayorokobi): Yomi ぬかよろこび Rōmaji nukayorokobi Type idiom Meaning get excited for nothing; to feel happy/excited at something, which, however, turns out to be unreal later Additional Info That feeling when you thought you had won the lottery and then realised that you looked at the wrong number. Example 日本がゴールを決めたと思ったら、オフサイドだった。まさにぬか喜び... I thought Japan scored a goal but
- [一喜一憂 (ikki ichiyuu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いっきいちゆう/) - Meaning of 一喜一憂 (ikki ichiyuu): Yomi いっきいちゆう Rōmaji ikki ichiyuu Type idiom Literal Meaning one delight one depression Meaning to feel overly delighted or depressed just by one thing Additional Info It is often used as "一喜一憂しないで" or "一喜一憂せずに", meaning "do not feel overly delighted or depressed by just one thing" when you make yourself stay motivated. Example この結果は非常に嬉しいですが、一喜一憂せずに今後も頑張ろうと思います。 I'm
- [手のひらを返す (te no hira o kaesu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/てのひらをかえす/) - Meaning of 手のひらを返す (te no hira o kaesu): Yomi てのひらをかえす Rōmaji te no hira o kaesu Type idiom Literal Meaning to flip one's palm Meaning to change one's tune after something unexpected has happened Additional Info It's often used when one suddenly and completely changes his/her opinion about someone after they achieve something good or bad. Example 昨日までは多くの人が「あいつはクソだ」と言ってあの監督を批判していたのに、大事な試合に勝った途端に「天才だ！」と称賛し、手のひらを返した。 Until yesterday, a lot of
- [持っている (motteiru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/もっている/) - Meaning of 持っている (motteiru): Yomi もっている Rōmaji motteiru Type slang Literal Meaning to have; to be holding Meaning to possess good luck and something special that attracts an extraordinary success/miracle Antonym 平凡 Additional Info It's often used to describe charismatic athletes. Example 引退試合で彼はハットトリックを決めた。やっぱり彼は持っている。 He scored a hat trick in his swan song match. Definitely, he has something special.
- [にわか (niwaka)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/にわか/) - Meaning of にわか (niwaka): Rōmaji niwaka Type slang Meaning a newbie; a person who has started something just recently Synonym 新参 Antonym 古参, ガチ勢 Additional Info It's often used as にわかファン, meaning "a bandwagon fan". It's usually used in a disapproving way to describe someone who pretends to know copious knowledge about something that they've learnt or got interested
- [出来上がる (dekiagaru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/できあがる/) - Meaning of 出来上がる (dekiagaru): Yomi できあがる Rōmaji dekiagaru Type idiom Meaning to become completed to get drunk and be in a good mood Synonym 酔う, 酔っ払う Antonym しらふ Additional Info It is often used to describe people who are apparently being drunk and having a good time (which does not always mean a good time for other people). Example
- [５本の指に入る (gohon no yubi ni hairu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ごほんのゆび/) - Meaning of ５本の指に入る (gohon no yubi ni hairu): Yomi ごほんのゆびにはいる Rōmaji gohon no yubi ni hairu Type idiom Literal Meaning to be in five fingers Meaning to be in the top 5 Additional Info Sometimes, ３本の指 (top 3) is also used. Example この大学は日本で５本の指に入ると言われている。 This university is said to be in the top 5 universities in Japan.
- [唯一無二 (yuiitsu muni)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ゆいつむに/) - Meaning of 唯一無二 (yuiitsu muni): Yomi ゆいいつむに Rōmaji yuiitsu muni Type idiom Meaning one of a kind; only one and special; someone/something that wouldn't be substituted by other things/people. Synonym 特別, かけがえのない, オンリーワン Antonym 平凡, 何の変哲もない, ありきたりな Additional Info It's often used as "唯一無二の + Noun", and "唯一無二の存在" is a common phrase in particular. While it looks a bit similar
- [百歩譲って (hyappo uzutte)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ひゃっぽゆずって/) - Meaning of 百歩譲って (hyappo uzutte): Yomi ひゃっぽゆずって Rōmaji hyappo uzutte Type idiom Literal Meaning let someone go ahead by 100 steps Meaning (I don't accept/agree with your behaviour/opinion even if) I make a lot of concessions and grudgingly accept some of your point of view Additional Info It's usually used when you state that something is utterly unacceptable no matter
- [の口になる (no kuchi ni naru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/のくちになる/) - Meaning of の口になる (no kuchi ni naru): Yomi の口になる Rōmaji no kuchi ni naru Type slang Literal Meaning have a mouth (for certain food) Meaning to feel emotionally ready/eager to eat something and don’t feel like the other foods at the moment Additional Info It often suggests you have some specific reasons why you're craving the food. For instance, you'd have "a
- [滑る (suberu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/すべる/) - Meaning of 滑る (suberu): Yomi すべる Rōmaji suberu Type slang Literal Meaning to slip Meaning to try saying something funny but make nobody laugh Antonym ウケる Additional Info There is a popular Japanese TV show titled "人志松本のすべらない話" meaning "Hitoshi Matsumoto's talks that don't slip", where several comedians, including Hitoshi Matsumoto, share funny stories that happened to them (likely with
- [痛いの痛いの、飛んでいけ (itaino itaino tondeike)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いたいのいたいの/) - Meaning of 痛いの痛いの、飛んでいけ (itaino itaino tondeike): Yomi いたいのいたいのとんでいけ Rōmaji itaino itaino tondeike Type other, casual Meaning Pain, pain, fly away Additional Info It's a classic phrase used by an adult to soothe a child crying in pain, like "Let me kiss it better". Incidentally, it sounds similar to the English expression "Rain, rain, go away" and hence this Japanese expression may
- [さかい (sakai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/さかい/) - Meaning of さかい (sakai): Rōmaji sakai Type other (Kansai dialect) Meaning because Synonym から Antonym のに Additional Info When put after a noun or na-adjective, it's used as "やさかい". It's an almost outdated Kansai dialect for (だ)から. Example 待ってるさかい、仕事終わったら早よ帰って来て I'll wait for you, so please come back as soon as you finish work. 明日仕事やさかい、寝るわ Because I have work tomorrow,
- [優柔不断 (yuujuu fudan)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ゆうじゅうふだん/) - Meaning of 優柔不断 (yuujuu fudan): Yomi ゆうじゅうふだん Rōmaji yuujuu fudan Type word Meaning indecisive; wishy-washy Additional Info While it contains "優" in 優しい (kind) and 柔 in "柔らかい (soft)" and sounds a little positive, it's used in a disapproving way. The other kanjis 不 and 断 mean "not" and "determine", where 断 is used in 決断(けつだん)する "determine" and 判断(はんだん)する ("judge").
- [完全変態 (kanzen hentai, "complete hentai")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/かんぜんへんたい/) - Meaning of 完全変態 (kanzen hentai, “complete hentai”): Yomi かんぜんへんたい Rōmaji kanzen hentai Type idiom, formal Literal Meaning complete hentai Meaning complete metamorphosis Antonym 不完全変態 Additional Info Oddly enough, 変態 (hentai) means "metamorphosis" in an academic context. See the related post to learn various and unknown meanings of hentai in Japanese Example 蝶は完全変態をする昆虫だ A butterfly is an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis. Related Post
- [気まぐれ (kimagure)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/きまぐれ/) - Meaning of 気まぐれ (kimagure): Yomi きまぐれ Rōmaji kimagure Type word Meaning capricious; fickle; on a whim Synonym 気分屋 Additional Info Some restaurants have シェフの気まぐれ(サラダ, パスタ, etc.) on the menu, meaning “(pasta/salad, etc.) whose recipe is selected based on the chef’s mood. Example 彼女は気まぐれだから、突然やる気をなくことが多い。 Since she’s fickle, she often loses her motivation all of a sudden. Related Post https://takashionary.com/japanese-idioms-containing-ki/
- [自慢の (jiman no)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/じまんの/) - Meaning of 自慢の (jiman no): Yomi じまんの Rōmaji jiman no Type idiom Meaning someone that one feels very proud of and respects Synonym 最高の Antonym 最悪の Additional Info Usually, 自慢 means "brag", but in this phrase, it has a rather positive meaning. It's often used to describe one's parent/child, partner, best friend, etc. Example たけるは頭も良いし優しくて、私の自慢の彼氏です。 Takeru is very smart and
- [じゃない方 (jyanaihou)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/じゃないほう/) - Meaning of じゃない方 (jyanaihou): Yomi じゃないほう Rōmaji jyanaihou Type slang Literal Meaning the one that isn't Meaning a person who is in a famous group (consisting of 2 or 3 members) but far less popular compared to the other member(s) Synonym 地味な方 Additional Info It's short for 有名/人気じゃない方 "the one who isn't famous/popular". It is often used to describe
- [振り出しに戻る (furidashi ni modoru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふりだしにもどる/) - Meaning of 振り出しに戻る (furidashi ni modoru): Yomi ふりだしにもどる Rōmaji furidashi ni modoru Type idiom Literal Meaning go back to the starting point Meaning to go back to square one; to go back to the beginning/original state; to start over Synonym やり直す Additional Info 振り出し is the starting point in すごろく (sugoroku), a traditional Japanese board game. It's often used to describe
- [お手数をおかけします (otesuu o okake shimasu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おてすうをおかけします/) - Meaning of お手数をおかけします (otesuu o okake shimasu): Yomi おてすうをおかけします Rōmaji otesuu o okake shimasu Type idiom Meaning I apologise for causing you trouble Synonym ご迷惑をおかけします Additional Info It's a very polite (and quite Japanese) phrase which is usually used as "お手数をおかけしますが、どうぞよろしくお願いします", meaning "I apologise for causing you trouble; I truly appreciate your help/patience". This entire phrase is often put at the end
- [嬉しい悲鳴 (ureshii himei)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うれしいひめい/) - Meaning of 嬉しい悲鳴 (ureshii himei): Yomi うれしいひめい Rōmaji ureshii himei Type idiom Literal Meaning happy scream/yell Meaning a happy remark that says that one is very busy keeping up with high demand (for one's services/products) Synonym 贅沢な悩み Additional Info It's often (not always) used at the end of a sentence and works like an apposition (as in the example sentence
- [年がら年中 (nengara nenjyuu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ねんがらねんじゅう/) - Meaning of 年がら年中 (nengara nenjyuu): Yomi ねんがらねんじゅう Rōmaji nengara nenjyuu Type idiom Meaning always; ceaselessly; 365 days a year; 24/7; all the time Synonym いつも, 常に Antonym たまに, 時々 Example 年がら年中、彼はなぜか言語や言葉の意味について考えている。変なやつだ！ He is always thinking about language and meanings of words for some reason. What a weirdo!
- [贅沢な悩み (zeitaku na nayami)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぜいたくななやみ/) - Meaning of 贅沢な悩み (zeitaku na nayami): Yomi ぜいたくななやみ Rōmaji zeitaku na nayami Type idiom Literal Meaning luxurious worry/concern/stress Meaning a trivial problem; a first-world problem; a good problem Synonym 嬉しい悲鳴, 自虐風自慢 Antonym 深刻な問題 Additional Info It often sarcastically describes one's worry/anxiety/stress about something that’s not quite serious or something that only occurs to those who are rather blessed or in a
- [明後日の方向 (asatte no houkou)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あさってのほうこう/) - Meaning of 明後日の方向 (asatte no houkou): Yomi あさってのほうこう Rōmaji asatte no houkou Type idiom Literal Meaning the direction to the day after tomorrow Meaning to a completely wrong/unexpected direction; far off the point; off the mark/base Synonym 予想の斜め上 Antonym 真っ直ぐ Additional Info Usage It metaphorically indicates in an ironic/sarcastic tone that something goes in a completely wrong and unpredictable direction. For
- [開き直る (hiraki naoru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ひらきなおる/) - Meaning of 開き直る (hiraki naoru): Yomi ひらきなおる Rōmaji hiraki naoru Type standard Meaning https://takashionary.com/hirakinaoru/
- [滅相もない (messou mo nai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/めっそうもない/) - Meaning of 滅相もない (messou mo nai) (messou mo nai): When someone calls your nihongo jouzu but you feel just flattered, you may use this phrase (to actually sound nihongo jouzu).
- [ぼーっとする (bōtto suru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぼーっとする/) - Meaning of ぼーっとする (bōtto suru): Rōmaji bōtto suru Type standard Meaning to space out; not to pay attention to one's surroundings; to be absent-minded; to feel dazed Synonym リラックスする, ぼんやりする Antonym 集中する Additional Info Also ぼうっとする. Example 朝起きてぼーっとしていたら、いつの間にか昼になってた。 I woke up in the morning and did nothing, and now I've realised it’s noon already. ぼーとしていたら、乗り過ごした。 I was spacing out and
- [深夜テンション (shinya tenshon, "late-night tension")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しんやてんしょん/) - Meaning of 深夜テンション (shinya tenshon, “late-night tension”): Yomi しんやてんしょん Rōmaji shinya tenshon Type slang Literal Meaning late night tension Meaning a high mood/feeling late at night Additional Info In Japanese, テンション (loaned from "tension") means "a mood/feeling/emotional state". People usually reach this state of mind due to the deprivation of sleep, which causes the loss of rational thinking. Example 深夜テンションでブログ記事を書くと、翌朝読んで恥ずかしくなるだろう。 If you
- [ペーパードライバー (pēpā doraibā, "paper driver")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぺーぱーどらいばー/) - Meaning of ペーパードライバー (pēpā doraibā, “paper driver”): Yomi ぺーぱーどらいばー Rōmaji pēpā doraibā Type Japlish Literal Meaning paper driver Meaning a driver who has not (or never) driven for a long time Antonym ベテランドライバー Additional Info It's often used to describe yourself when you explain why you can't drive a car (even if you have a driver's licence). Example ペーパードライバーだから、沖縄旅行に行く前に運転の練習をしないと。 Because I’m an
- [お手上げ (oteage)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おてあげ/) - Meaning of お手上げ (oteage): Yomi おてあげ Rōmaji oteage Type idiom Literal Meaning hands up Meaning getting completely stuck; throwing in the towel; throwing one's hands up Synonym 降参, 万事休す Additional Info It's usually used as もうお手上げだ (I've thrown my hands up). Example ３時間イヤホンを探したけど見つからなかった。もうお手上げだ。 I searched for my earphones for 3 hours but couldn't find them. I've thrown my hands
- [貧乏ゆすり (binbou yusuri)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/びんぼうゆすり/) - Meaning of 貧乏ゆすり (binbou yusuri): Yomi びんぼうゆすり Rōmaji binbou yusuri Type idiom Literal Meaning poverty shaking Meaning leg shaking while sitting Additional Info According to one hypothesis, the name originates from how people in poverty shiver in cold weather. Example ねえ、机が揺れるから貧乏ゆすりやめて Hey, stop “poverty shaking” as it shakes the desk
- [話半分 (hanashi hanbun)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はなしはんぶん/) - Meaning of 話半分 (hanashi hanbun): Yomi はなしはんぶん Rōmaji hanashi hanbun Type idiom Literal Meaning a story half Meaning (to take a story) with a grain of salt Synonym 半信半疑 Additional Info It's used in the following two cases: (1) to tell someone not to believe your story 100% because it may be wrong or prejudiced; and (2) to indicate that
- [アホの一つ覚え (aho no hitotsu oboe)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あほのひとつ/) - Meaning of アホの一つ覚え (aho no hitotsu oboe): Yomi あほのひとつおぼえ Rōmaji aho no hitotsu oboe Type idiom, casual Literal Meaning a fool remembering one thing Meaning Stupid/Naive people proudly and repeatedly display the same knowledge/idea Antonym 脳ある鷹は爪を隠す ("a smart hawk hides its talons" = "Really smart or talented people do not show off their knowledge or act pretentiously") Additional Info Also バカの一つ覚え. Obviously,
- [保険をかける (hoken o kakeru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ほけんをかける/) - Meaning of 保険をかける (hoken o kakeru): Yomi ほけんをかける Rōmaji hoken o kakeru Type slang Literal Meaning to insure Meaning to mention or hint at a lack of confidence in oneself or use hedging language to mitigate the risk of being blamed later; to hedge against failure/accusation; to cover one's arse Additional Info Also 保険を掛ける in kanji. People often "insure" themselves by
- [受け売り (ukeuri)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うけうり/) - Meaning of 受け売り (ukeuri): Yomi うけうり Rōmaji ukeuri Type standard Literal Meaning receive and sell Meaning sharing knowledge or idea that one has learnt from someone or something Synonym 聞きかじった Additional Info It is often used (slightly in a self-deprecating or humble way) to indicate that the idea/knowledge you’re sharing is borrowed from someone or something else. It is
- [知ったか (shittaka)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しったか/) - Meaning of 知ったか (shittaka): Yomi しったか Rōmaji shittaka Type slang Meaning pretending to know Additional Info It's short for 知ったかぶり ("pretending to know"). It's usually used as 知ったかする, "to pretend to know something". Example 知ったかして「うん、あの映画いいよね」と言ったら、どのシーンが好きか聞かれて困(こま)った I said “Yeah, that movie is great”, pretending to know it very well, and I got in trouble when asked which scene is my
- [あまのじゃく (amanojaku)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あまのじゃく/) - Meaning of あまのじゃく (amanojaku): Rōmaji amanojaku Type standard Meaning a person who has a twisted mind and likes to do the opposite of what he/she is told or expected to do, or of what a majority of people do; a contrarian Synonym ひねくれ者 Antonym ミーハー, 量産型 Additional Info Also 天邪鬼 in kanji. It originates from an imaginary character in
- [よいしょ (yoisho)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/よいしょ/) - Meaning of よいしょ (yoisho): Rōmaji yoisho Type standard Meaning a term that Japanese people say when using a decent amount of physical power, especially when lifting up something heavy or standing up from a chair Additional Info Also よっこいしょ. For many Japanese people (especially old people), it's almost like a habit to say this term when using physical power,
- [玉にキズ (tama ni kizu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/たまにきず/) - Meaning of 玉にキズ (tama ni kizu): Yomi たまにきず Rōmaji tama ni kizu Type idiom Literal Meaning a scratch on a (crystal) ball Meaning one flaw in a thing/person that is perfect otherwise Additional Info It's often used when you talk about one flaw in something/someone that looks almost perfect. For some reason, きず is often written in katakana, but hiragana is
- [ここだけの話 (koko dake no hanashi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ここだけのはなし/) - Meaning of ここだけの話 (koko dake no hanashi): Yomi ここだけのはなし Rōmaji koko dake no hanashi Type idiom Literal Meaning a talk only in here Meaning Just between you and me Antonym 公の話 Additional Info It is used when one gives away secret information to particular persons only, or to everyone in the world. Example ここだけの話、あやとたけるって付き合っているらしいよ。 Just between you and me, I’ve heard that
- [盛る (moru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/もる/) - Meaning of 盛る (moru): Yomi もる Rōmaji moru Type slang Literal Meaning to pile up Meaning to exaggerate (a story) to beautify (one’s appearance in a photo) Synonym 誇張する Additional Info Originally, 盛る is often used in the phrase ご飯を盛る meaning "fill/pile up rice in a bowl" or 土を盛る meaning "pile up sand". Figuratively, it means to exaggerate a story
- [言い出しっぺ (iidashippe)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いいだしっぺ/) - Meaning of 言い出しっぺ (iidashippe): Yomi いいだしっぺ Rōmaji iidashippe Type idiom Meaning a person who proposes a plan or idea first Synonym 発案者 Additional Info The last character ペ is said to come from 屁 (へ, “fart”) and allude to the fact that a person who says, “Did someone fart?” is usually the culprit. It's usually used when you state
- [思い出し笑い (omoidashi warai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おもいだしわらい/) - Meaning of 思い出し笑い (omoidashi warai): Yomi おもいだしわらい Rōmaji omoidashi warai Type idiom Meaning to recall something funny and laugh Additional Info If you recall a joke that you heard yesterday and laugh again, that’s 思い出し笑い. Example 電車の中で突然思い出し笑いをして、変な目で見られた。 I suddenly remembered something funny and laughed on a train, and the passengers gave me a strange look. Related Post https://takashionary.com/japanese-words-onomatopoeias-about-laugh/
- [ツボ (tsubo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/つぼ/) - Meaning of ツボ (tsubo): Yomi つぼ Rōmaji tsubo Type slang Literal Meaning a pressure/massage point Meaning something that exactly matches one's taste something that makes you laugh a lot a level of humour that makes you laugh Additional Info 壺 (つぼ) is a homophone which means "a pot". ツボ originally means "a pressure/massage point": a point that stimulates your
- [棒読み (bouyomi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぼうよみ/) - Meaning of 棒読み (bouyomi): Yomi ぼうよみ Rōmaji bouyomi Type idiom Literal Meaning stick reading Meaning reading aloud a script in an emotionless voice Additional Info On the internet, when (棒) is put at the end of a sentence, it suggests in a sarcastic way that it is not what the author really thinks. Example 彼は謝罪文を棒読みしただけで、心から誤っていない He just read the
- [首を長くして待つ (kubi o nagaku shite matsu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/くびをながくして/) - Meaning of 首を長くして待つ (kubi o nagaku shite matsu): Yomi くびをながくしてまつ Rōmaji kubi o nagaku shite matsu Type idiom Literal Meaning to make one's neck long and wait Meaning to wait for something longingly Synonym 今か今かと待ちわびる Additional Info It figuratively describes how you wait for someone or something longingly and your neck feels as if stretching out to them. Example アマゾンで注文(ちゅうもん)したゲームを首を長くして待っている I've been longingly
- [強いて言うなら (shiite iu nara)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しいていうなら/) - Meaning of 強いて言うなら (shiite iu nara): Yomi しいていうなら Rōmaji shiite iu nara Type idiom Meaning If I have to choose something Additional Info Also 強いて言えば. It is often used when you pick one out of multiple things that you find difficult to compare because they are equally good or bad; or because you don't have a strong preference or opinion. Example
- [置きに行く (oki ni iku)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おきにいく/) - Meaning of 置きに行く (oki ni iku): Yomi おきにいく Rōmaji oki ni iku Type idiom Literal Meaning to go and put Meaning to take a secure and passable route (and avoid doing something challenging or risky); to play it safe Synonym 安全牌をとる Antonym 挑戦する, 冒険する, 危ない橋を渡る, リスクを取る Additional Info Originally, it's a baseball term that means "to pitch a slow ball so
- [親知らず (oya shirazu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おやしらず/) - Meaning of 親知らず (oya shirazu): Yomi おやしらず Rōmaji oya shirazu Type idiom Literal Meaning not to know parents Meaning wisdom tooth Additional Info According to one hypothesis, the name originates from the fact that wisdom teeth usually emerge very late (e.g. in one's early 20s), and in the olden days, parents would pass away before seeing their children's wisdom teeth.
- [西向く士 (nishi muku samurai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/にしむくさむらい/) - Meaning of 西向く士 (nishi muku samurai): Yomi にしむくさむらい Rōmaji nishi muku samurai Type idiom Literal Meaning samurai facing west Meaning A handy Japanese phrase to remember which months have less than 31 days (Feb, Apr, Jun, Sep, Nov). 2 = に, 4 =し, 6 = む, 9 =く, and 11 = 士 (さむらい) = "十一 (eleven)" being placed vertically (Note that
- [鼻の下が伸びる (hana no shita ga nobiru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はなのしたがのびる/) - Meaning of 鼻の下が伸びる (hana no shita ga nobiru): Yomi はなのしたがのびる Rōmaji hana no shita ga nobiru Type idiom Literal Meaning the area below one's nose gets longer Meaning to make a goofy face when sexually attracted to someone in an obvious way Synonym デレデレする Additional Info The illustration of this kind of face is often seen in anime. Example ビキニモデルを見て彼の鼻の下が伸びたのが分かった。 I noticed him
- [と言っても過言ではない (to itte mo kagon dewa nai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/といってもかごん/) - Meaning of と言っても過言ではない (to itte mo kagon dewa nai): Yomi といってもかごんではない Rōmaji to itte mo kagon dewa nai Type standard, formal Meaning It is no exaggeration to say Additional Info It's often used in writing. Example あの先生に出会って私の人生が 大きく変わったと言っても過言ではない。 It is no exaggeration to say that my life has changed a lot since I met the teacher.
- [ヌン活 (nunkatsu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ぬんかつ/) - Meaning of ヌン活 (nunkatsu): Yomi ぬんかつ Rōmaji nunkatsu Type slang Meaning to enjoy afternoon tea Additional Info ヌン is an abbreviation for アフタヌーン "afternoon" and 活 is for 活動 (かつどう, "activity"). It was included in the top 30 candidates for 流行語大賞 (the Word of The Year) in 2022 (that said, it is predominantly used among some young people only).
- [肌身離さず (hadami hanasazu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はだみはなさず/) - Meaning of 肌身離さず (hadami hanasazu): Yomi はだみはなさず Rōmaji hadami hanasazu Type idiom Literal Meaning not separate (something) from one's skin and body Meaning always (carry something) Synonym いつも, 常に Additional Info It's used to indicate that you always carry something that you cherish. Example 彼女にもらったお守りを、肌身離さず持っている。 I always carry the omamori amulet given by my girlfriend.
- [萎える (naeru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/なえる/) - Meaning of 萎える (naeru): Yomi なえる Rōmaji naeru Type slang Literal Meaning to wither Meaning to lose one’s motivation/energy/enthusiasm; to feel let down/turned off/downhearted Synonym へこむ, 落ち込む, 気を落とす, やる気をなくす Antonym やる気が出る Additional Info ガン萎えする describes stronger feelings than 萎える. In a casual text (e.g. tweets on Twitter), 萎え or ガン萎え are used at the end of a sentence to
- [大金星 (daikinboshi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/だいきんぼし/) - Meaning of 大金星 (daikinboshi): Yomi だいきんぼし Rōmaji daikinboshi Type idiom Literal Meaning a big gold star Meaning an upset/underdog victory; giant killing Synonym 番狂わせ Additional Info 金星 means the same thing but is less common than 大金星. It is often used as 大金星を挙(あ)げる meaning "achieve an upset victory". It originates from the sumo term that describes a surprising victory
- [一生のお願い (isshou no onegai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いっしょうのおねがい/) - Meaning of 一生のお願い (isshou no onegai): Yomi いっしょうのおねがい Rōmaji isshou no onegai Type idiom Meaning The once-in-a-lifetime favour one asks Additional Info It's short for 一生に一度のお願い. Despite its literal sense, people usually use this phrase several times when asking a very big favour of someone. Example お金を貸してくれないか？たのむ、一生のお願いだ！ Could you lend me some money? Please, this is “the once-in-a-lifetime” favour I ask!
- [身に覚えのない (mi ni oboe no nai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/みにおぼえのない/) - Meaning of 身に覚えのない (mi ni oboe no nai): Yomi みにおぼえのない Rōmaji mi ni oboe no nai Type idiom Meaning have no idea Synonym 記憶にない Additional Info Also 身に覚えがない. It's used when something occurs to you that you have no idea about or don't remember at all. Example 昨日ベロベロに酔って、今朝起きたら身に覚えのないアザが膝にあった I got totally plastered yesterday and this morning I woke up to find a bruise
- [あけましておめでとうございます (akemashite omedetou gozaimasu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あけましておめでとう/) - Meaning of あけましておめでとうございます (akemashite omedetou gozaimasu): Rōmaji akemashite omedetou gozaimasu Type greeting Literal Meaning (The last year) has ended and turned into New Year, congratulations! Meaning Happy New Year Synonym あけおめ Antonym 良いお年を Additional Info あけまして comes from the verb "明ける" meaning "(something) ends and turns into a new state”, e.g 夜が明ける (night turns into day); and おめでとうございます means “congratulations”. Among
- [初夢 (hatsuyume)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はつゆめ/) - Meaning of 初夢 (hatsuyume): Yomi はつゆめ Rōmaji hatsuyume Type standard Meaning the dream one has during the night of 1st January Additional Info There are several superstitions about hatsuyume; see the related post below. Example 今年の初夢が何だったか覚えていない。 I don't remember what this year's first dream was about. Related Post https://takashionary.com/hatsuyume/
- [うろ覚え (uro oboe)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/うろおぼえ/) - Meaning of うろ覚え (uro oboe): Yomi うろおぼえ Rōmaji uro oboe Type standard Meaning to remember only vaguely Additional Info It's often used as うろ覚え{だけど/ですけど} (although I remember this only vaguely) when you share some knowledge/information with someone but you're not very certain whether they are accurate or not. Some people wrongly memorise it as “うる覚え”; ironically, they うろ覚え this word
- [噴飯物 (funpanmono)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふんぱんもの/) - Meaning of 噴飯物 (funpanmono): Yomi ふんぱんもの Rōmaji funpanmono Type standard Literal Meaning spew-food stuff Meaning nonsense; absurd; ludicrous Synonym 馬鹿げている, くだらない Antonym 素晴らしい Additional Info It describes something so ludicrous/absurd that if you hear it while eating something, you would laugh and spew them out. It is often used in writing ironically and describes someone’s non-sense or baseless opinions/statements/theories,
- [麺が伸びる (men ga nobiru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/めんがのびる/) - Meaning of 麺が伸びる (men ga nobiru): Yomi めんがのびる Rōmaji men ga nobiru Type idiom Literal Meaning noodles get longer Meaning noodles get soggy Additional Info It describes noodles getting longer as a result of water absorption. It generally makes the noodles taste bad, so when someone cooks you noodles like udon or ramen, it's better to start eating them as soon
- [味を占める (aji o shimeru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あじをしめる/) - Meaning of 味を占める (aji o shimeru): Yomi あじをしめる Rōmaji aji o shimeru Type idiom Meaning to develop a strong liking for something that one has benefited from before (and thoughtlessly keep doing the same or similar things) Additional Info It usually contains a negative connotation like naïve or greedy. It alludes to how you keep having the same food (or visiting the
- [雰囲気イケメン (fuinki ikemen)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふいんきいけめん/) - Meaning of 雰囲気イケメン (fuinki ikemen): Yomi ふいんきいけめん Rōmaji fuinki ikemen Type slang Literal Meaning a handsome vibe man Meaning a kind of handsome man; a man who looks handsome at first glance Antonym 正統派イケメン Additional Info This can be either a positive or negative term; see this post for details. Example 正統派イケメンには今更なれないから、オシャレを頑張って雰囲気イケメンを目指す。 Since I can't become a bona fide handsome
- [ABCのAの字もない](https://takashionary.com/glossary/abc-no-a-no-ji-mo-nai/) - Meaning of ABCのAの字もない: Rōmaji ABC no A no ji mo nai Type idiom Literal Meaning one doesn't even have the character A in ABC. Meaning not have/show the slightest element or sign of ABC not know the first thing about ABC Synonym かけらもない Additional Info "ABC" and "A" denote an arbitrary noun or adjective and its initial character,
- [NOUN NOUN した (Duplication of Nouns in Japanese Slang)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/noun-noun/) - Meaning of NOUN NOUN した (Duplication of Nouns in Japanese Slang): Type slang Meaning very characteristic/typical of NOUN; (too) much of NOUN Additional Info Also "NOUN NOUN してる". It usually contains a negative meaning (but not always). Due to the flexibility, this expression is not commonly registered in a dictionary (and it's even hard to google it). Another example of such an expression is ABCのAの字もない. Note
- [お節介 (osekkai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おせっかい/) - Meaning of お節介 (osekkai): Yomi おせっかい Rōmaji osekkai Type standard Meaning the act of meddling in someone's affairs (and trying to help them out without being asked) Synonym ありがた迷惑, 大きなお世話, 首を突っ込む Additional Info It is a synonym of ありがた迷惑; the minor difference is that while ありがた迷惑 describes someone's favour with a bit of irony, お節介 often describes your annoyance
- [企業秘密 (kigyou himitsu)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/きぎょうひみつ/) - Meaning of 企業秘密 (kigyou himitsu): Yomi きぎょうひみつ Rōmaji kigyou himitsu Type slang Literal Meaning corporate secret Meaning top secret Synonym 秘密 Additional Info It is usually used humorously/exaggeratedly when you tell someone that you don't want to share certain private information with them. Example このカレーどうやって作ったの? How did you cook this curry? それはねー、企業秘密！笑 Well, that’s top secret! lol
- [まぐれ (magure)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/まぐれ/) - Meaning of まぐれ (magure): Rōmaji magure Type standard Meaning by sheer luck Synonym 偶然, たまたま Antonym 実力 Additional Info It often implies that someone’s success is brought by sheer luck and not owing to their talent or skill. Example 適当(てきとう)にサッカーボールを蹴(け)ったら、まぐれでゴールに入(はい)った I kicked the football anyway and it went to the goal by sheer luck.
- [怖いもの見たさ (kowai mono mitasa)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/こわいものみたさ/) - Meaning of 怖いもの見たさ (kowai mono mitasa): Yomi こわいものみたさ Rōmaji kowai mono mitasa Type standard Meaning an urge to see something scary/appalling Additional Info It's used to describe your feeling when you want to see something despite you knowing that you will find it terrifying and/or unpleasant. Example 5年前に買ったヨーグルトを見つけて、怖いもの見たさで開けたらめっちゃ臭かった I found yoghurt I bought five years ago, and because of the urge
- [黒歴史 (kuro rekishi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/くろれきし/) - Meaning of 黒歴史 (kuro rekishi): Yomi くろれきし Rōmaji kuro rekishi Type slang Literal Meaning black history Meaning one's embarrassing secret/past (that one wants to forget and hide from others); skeleton in the closet Synonym 過去の汚点 Additional Info It is said to originate from the Japanese popular anime "Turn A Gundam". In this anime, there is an era called "Universal Century"
- [半信半疑 (hanshin hangi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はんしんはんぎ/) - Meaning of 半信半疑 (hanshin hangi): Yomi はんしんはんぎ Rōmaji hanshin hangi Type idiom Literal Meaning half-believing, half-doubting Meaning (take something) with a skeptical attitude; with a grain of salt Antonym 盲目的に Additional Info This word is used in the hook part of the lyrics of the famous Japanese song しるし by Mr. Children. Example 卵(たまご)かけご飯(はん)が美味(おい)しいと日本人(にほんじん)の友達(ともだち)に言(い)われたので、半信半疑(はんしんはんぎ)で試(ため)したら確(たし)かに美味(おい)しかった My Japanese friends told me that
- [イケメン (ikemen)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いけめん/) - Meaning of イケメン (ikemen): Yomi いけめん Rōmaji ikemen Type slang Meaning handsome/cool (adj), a handsome man (noun) Synonym かっこいい, ハンサム Antonym ブサイク, ブス Additional Info It is an abbreviation of the phrase イケてるメン, where the first word イケてる is an outdated casual word meaning "cool/awesome" and メン is said to originate from either the English word "men" or the
- [あるある (aruaru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あるある/) - Meaning of あるある (aruaru): Yomi あるある Rōmaji aruaru Type slang Literal Meaning be be Meaning very common and typical things that many people relate to Additional Info It is often combined with a noun and means "very classic/clichéd things regarding the noun". Example 地味なクラスメートが眼鏡を外したら美人になるのは、アニメあるあるだ。 It is very classic in Japanese anime that a low-key classmate turns out to be
- [なんだかんだ (nanda kanda)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/なんだかんだ/) - Meaning of なんだかんだ (nanda kanda): Yomi なんだかんだ Rōmaji nanda kanda Type idiom, casual Meaning although there are some issues; at the end of the day; after all Synonym 結局 Additional Info It is short for “なんだかんだ言(い)っても”, meaning “although one says this and that”. Example 私と兄とはよく喧嘩(けんか)をするが、なんだかんだ仲良(なかよ)しである Although my older brother and I often have a fight, at the end of the
- [五十歩百歩 (gojuppo hyappo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ごじゅっぽひゃっぽ/) - Meaning of 五十歩百歩 (gojuppo hyappo): Yomi ごじゅっぽひゃっぽ Rōmaji gojuppo hyappo Type idiom Literal Meaning 50 steps, 100 steps Meaning be pretty much the same (and usually of low quality). Synonym どんぐりの背比べ, 似たり寄ったり, どっちもどっち Antonym 月とスッポン Additional Info It often contains a negative or sarcastic connotation that none of the available options or things/people to be compared are great or appealing,
- [豆腐メンタル (toufu mentaru, "tofu mental")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/とうふめんたる/) - Meaning of 豆腐メンタル (toufu mentaru, “tofu mental”): Yomi とうふめんたる Rōmaji toufu mentaru Type slang Literal Meaning nerves of tofu Meaning be mentally weak, highly sensitive, easily hurt mentally Synonym 打たれ弱い, 繊細な, 気にしい Antonym 鋼のメンタル, 打たれ強い, Additional Info It describes a fragile mentality like tofu. Example 豆腐メンタルだから、ネットで批判(ひはん)されるのが怖(こわ)い Since I am mentally weak, I feel scared of being bashed on the internet. Related Post
- [ハングリー精神 (hangurī seishin, "hungry spirit")](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はんぐりーせいしん/) - Meaning of ハングリー精神 (hangurī seishin, “hungry spirit”): Yomi はんぐりーせいしん Rōmaji hangurī seishin Type idiom Literal Meaning hungry spirit Meaning ambition; the mindset to stay hungry/motivated/ambitious Synonym 野心, 向上心 Antonym 安定志向 Additional Info It is often used to highlight the importance to stay hungry and ambitious. Example 彼はお金持ちになって、かつてのハングリー精神を失(うしな)ったように見える Since he became rich, he seems to have lost the ambition that he used to
- [まんまと (manma to)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/まんまと/) - Meaning of まんまと (manma to): Yomi まんまと Rōmaji manma to Type word Meaning hook, line and sinker; naively (fall for a trick) Additional Info It's used when someone falls for a trick very easily Example 嘘(うそ)の言(い)い訳(わけ)をしたら、彼(かれ)はまんまとそれを信(しんじ)じた I made a fake excuse and he fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
- [腹黒い (haraguroi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はらぐろい/) - Meaning of 腹黒い (haraguroi): Yomi はらぐろい Rōmaji haraguroi Type idiom Literal Meaning black belly Meaning (look nice on the outside yet) be evil/malicious on the inside Antonym 素直, 裏表のない Additional Info It's often used to describe a person who acts like a good person but actually has malicious or mean thoughts inside his/her heart. Example 彼女は腹黒いから、心(こころ)の中(なか)で何を考(かんが)えているのか分(わ)からない。 Because she is
- [太っ腹 (futoppara)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ふとっぱら/) - Meaning of 太っ腹 (futoppara): Yomi ふとっぱら Rōmaji futoppara Type idiom Literal Meaning fat belly Meaning generous Synonym 気前がいい Antonym ケチ Additional Info To memorise this word, you may picture a stereotypical rich and generous man who is a little obese. Example 夜(よる)ご飯(はん)奢(おご)ってくれるの？太っ腹だね You’ll buy me dinner? You’re so generous!
- [バチが当たる (bachi ga ataru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ばちがあたる/) - Meaning of バチが当たる (bachi ga ataru): Yomi ばちがあたる Rōmaji bachi ga ataru Type idiom Meaning Something bad happens to someone as a consequence of their ill behaviour in the past; pay the price Synonym 自業自得 Additional Info Its idea may sound like a religious (Buddhist) belief, but this expression is widely and casually used among Japanese people regardless of their religion.
- [口が裂けても言えない (kuchi ga sakete mo ienai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/くちがさけても/) - Meaning of 口が裂けても言えない (kuchi ga sakete mo ienai): Yomi くちがさけてもいえない Rōmaji kuchi ga sakete mo ienai Type idiom Literal Meaning cannot say even if my mouth gets ripped Meaning one will never tell anyone no matter what, one's lips are completely sealed Synonym 絶対に言えない Additional Info It's often used to refer to something negative that you've done before and that you don't want
- [ありがた迷惑 (arigata meiwaku)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ありがためいわく/) - Meaning of ありがた迷惑 (arigata meiwaku): Yomi ありがためいわく Rōmaji arigata meiwaku Type idiom Literal Meaning helpful nuisance Meaning unpleasant favour Synonym お節介, 首を突っ込む, 大きなお世話 Additional Info ありがたい (“helpful, beneficial, precious”) + 迷惑 (めいわく, “nuisance”). It usually contains a sarcastic connotation. It is a synonym of お節介; the minor difference is that while ありがた迷惑 describes someone's favour with a bit of irony,
- [よりによって (yori ni yotte)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/よりによって/) - Meaning of よりによって (yori ni yotte): Yomi よりによって Rōmaji yori ni yotte Type idiom Meaning of all (people, days, etc.) Additional Info It's used to express one's annoyance when the worst of all possibilities occurs. Example よりによって、なんで結婚式(けっこんしき)の日に台風(たいふう)が直撃(ちょくげき)するんだ Why the heck the typhoon hit us right on our wedding day, of all days?
- [美人局 (tsutsumotase)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/つつもたせ/) - Meaning of 美人局 (tsutsumotase): Yomi つつもたせ Rōmaji tsutsumotase Type word Meaning A honeytrap (where an attractive woman seduces a male victim into getting lucky, and later her partner in crime shows up and blackmails him for money.) Synonym ハニートラップ Additional Info Its reading is very special and is often misread as "びじんきょく". On the internet, some people intentionally use
- [喉から手が出るほど (nodo kara te ga deru hodo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/のどからて/) - Meaning of 喉から手が出るほど (nodo kara te ga deru hodo): Yomi のどからてがでるほど Rōmaji nodo kara te ga deru hodo Type idiom Literal Meaning as if a hand comes out of one’s throat Meaning (want) badly/desperately Synonym どうしようもなく, 切に Additional Info It's used when one wants something badly. Example このコートが喉から手が出るほど欲しい I want this coat badly.
- [ところがどっこい (tokoroga dokkoi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ところがどっこい/) - Meaning of ところがどっこい (tokoroga dokkoi): Yomi ところがどっこい Rōmaji tokoroga dokkoi Type idiom Meaning but Synonym ところが, しかし Antonym したがって, それゆえ, だから Additional Info It is an exaggerated expression for ところが ("but"). It's often used humorously when one tells a story that is surprising and contrasts with common sense. Example この映画、作り話だと思うでしょ？ところがどっこい、実話なんです You think this movie is fiction, right? BUT, it’s actually
- [一ミリも (ichimiri mo)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/いちみりも/) - Meaning of 一ミリも (ichimiri mo): Yomi いちみりも Rōmaji ichimiri mo Type slang Literal Meaning (not) even a 1mm Meaning (not) at all Synonym 全然, 全く Additional Info It's usually used with negation ない and emphasises the negative sense. Example 彼女の日本語が一ミリも分からなかった I couldn’t understand her Japanese at all. Related Post https://takashionary.com/zenzen/
- [社会の窓 (shakai no mado)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/しゃかいのまど/) - Meaning of 社会の窓 (shakai no mado): Yomi しゃかいのまど Rōmaji Shakai no mado Type slang Literal Meaning a window of the society Meaning a trouser fly Synonym ファスナー, チャック Additional Info It is said that this word originates from the old Japanese radio show (1948-1960) titled “インフォメーションアワー・社会の窓“. This show mainly talked about hidden aspects/issues of Japanese society, and the word 社会の窓 started
- [目と鼻の先 (me to hana no saki)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/めとはなのさき/) - Meaning of 目と鼻の先 (me to hana no saki): Yomi めとはなのさき Rōmaji me to hana no saki Type idiom Literal Meaning An eye and nasal tip Meaning a very short distance, a stone's throw Synonym すぐそこ Additional Info Originally, it is said to allude to the narrow gap between an eye (目) and the nasal tip (鼻の先). However, some people would probably interpret this
- [遅刻魔 (chikoku ma)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ちこくま/) - Meaning of 遅刻魔 (chikoku ma): Yomi ちこくま Rōmaji chikoku ma Type idiom Meaning A person who always comes late Additional Info 遅刻 (ちこく) means "to come late". The suffix 魔 (ま) is used in a few words to describe a bad person, such as 悪魔 (あくま) meaning "a devil"; サボり魔 meaning "a habitual slacker"; 通(とお)り魔 meaning "a person who randomly
- [遠慮の塊 (enryo no katamari)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/えんりょのかたまり/) - Meaning of 遠慮の塊 (enryo no katamari): Yomi えんりょのかたまり Rōmaji enryo no katamari Type slang Literal Meaning lump of refrainment Meaning a last piece of food on a plate shared by multiple people that everyone feels hesitant to reach for. Additional Info This is a very deep/traditional Kansai dialect word, and even some people from Kansai do not know it. Example この遠慮の塊、誰も食べへんのやったら俺がもらうで？
- [お誕生日席 (otanjoubi seki)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おたんじょうびせき/) - Meaning of お誕生日席 (otanjoubi seki): Yomi おたんじょうびせき Rōmaji otanjoubi seki Type slang Literal Meaning birthday seat Meaning a seat at the shorter side of a rectangle table Additional Info The allusion is that a kid often sits in a "birthday seat" at his/her birthday party so that the adults can see him/her well from their seats. This term is often
- [満身創痍 (manshin soui)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/まんしんそうい/) - Meaning of 満身創痍 (manshin soui): Yomi まんしんそうい Rōmaji manshin soui Type idiom, formal Meaning be wounded from head to toe, be (physically or mentally) worn out Synonym ボロボロ, 傷だらけ Antonym 元気はつらつ Additional Info 創痍 (そうい) means "wound" but is not commonly used by itself. Example 最近、足を怪我して腰も痛く、満身創痍だ。 Recently, I've injured my leg and I'm also feeling pain in my back. I’m
- [ダメ元 (damemoto)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/だめもと/) - Meaning of ダメ元 (damemoto): Yomi だめもと Rōmaji damemoto Type idiom, casual Meaning with little hope of success, without expecting much Synonym 期待せず Antonym 期待して Additional Info It's an abbreviation of 駄目(だめ)で元元(もともと), which is used itself with the same meaning. Example 財布(さいふ)を落としたからダメ元で交番(こうばん)に行ったら、幸運(こううん)にも誰(だれ)かが届(とど)けてくれていた I dropped my wallet, so I went to a police box without expecting much, but luckily someone returned
- [自虐風自慢 (jigyaku fuu jiman)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/じぎゃくふうじまん/) - Meaning of 自虐風自慢 (jigyaku fuu jiman): Yomi じぎゃくふうじまん Rōmaji jigyaku fuu jiman Type slang Literal Meaning self-deprecation-ish brag Meaning humblebrag (making a “self-deprecating” statement with the actual intention to brag about oneself) Additional Info 自虐(じぎゃく)する means "to self-deprecate". Example A: 日本語全然出来ないから、日本のアニメ見ても8割しか理解出来ないよ〜 A: I suck at Japanese and when I watch Japanese anime I can only understand 80%. B: おい、自虐風自慢するのやめろ B: Hey,
- [幽霊部員 (yuurei buin)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ゆうれいぶいん/) - Meaning of 幽霊部員 (yuurei buin): Yomi ゆうれいぶいん Rōmaji yuurei buin Type idiom Literal Meaning a ghost member at a school club Meaning people who belong to a school club and yet seldom appear in its events Additional Info The state where one does not belong to any club is called 帰宅部 (kitaku bu, "go home club"). Example この部活には３０人以上所属しているけど、ほとんどが幽霊部員だから実際は１０人くらいしか活動に参加しない。 More than
- [目を皿のようにして (me wo sara no youni shite)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/めをさらのよう/) - Meaning of 目を皿のようにして (me wo sara no youni shite): Yomi めをさらのようにして Rōmaji me wo sara no youni shite Type idiom Literal Meaning make one’s eyes look like a plate Meaning very carefully/scrupulously Synonym 隈無く Additional Info It figuratively illustrates an eye wide open like a plate. Example 無(な)くしたコンタクトレンズを目を皿のようにして探(さが)した I searched for my lost contact lenses scrupulously.
- [血眼になって (chimanako ni natte)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ちまなこ/) - Meaning of 血眼になって (chimanako ni natte): Yomi ちまなこになって Rōmaji chimanako ni natte Type idiom Literal Meaning with one's eyes bloodshot Meaning desperately/frantically Synonym 必死に Additional Info Often used when one frantically or desperately looks for someone/something Example 迷子(まいご)になった飼い猫(ねこ)を血眼になって探(さが)している I’m frantically looking for my lost cat.
- [山々 (yamayama)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/やまやま/) - Meaning of 山々 (yamayama): Yomi やまやま Rōmaji yamayama Type idiom Literal Meaning mountains Meaning I'm very keen (but...); I wish I could Additional Info Usually, it’s used as ...したいのは{山々ですが or 山々だけど} when you're very keen to do something (i.e. you have a "mountain" of eagerness to do something) but you can’t (e.g. you already have a plan). It’s also
- [親の脛をかじる (oya no sune o kajiru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/おやのすね/) - Meaning of 親の脛をかじる (oya no sune o kajiru): Yomi おやのすねをかじる Rōmaji oya no sune o kajiru Type idiom Literal Meaning to gnaw on the shin of one's parents Meaning to rely on one's parents financially Additional Info While it's often used in a disapproving way, some people say it's not a bad thing at all, insisting "親の脛はかじれるだけかじれ" (Gnaw on your parents' shins as
- [と言ったら嘘になる (to ittara uso ni naru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/といったらうそ/) - Meaning of と言ったら嘘になる (to ittara uso ni naru): Yomi といったらうそになる Rōmaji to ittara uso ni naru Type idiom Literal Meaning It's a lie if I say … Meaning I'd be lying if I said...; To be honest, it's not true to say ... Additional Info Usually used as a double negative Example 元カノに全く未練がないと言ったら嘘になる I'd be lying if I said I don't have any
- [あっという間 (atto iu ma)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あっというま/) - Meaning of あっという間 (atto iu ma): Yomi あっというま Rōmaji atto iu ma Type idiom Literal Meaning While saying あ Meaning the blink of an eye; a very short time; time flies Synonym すぐ Additional Info This idiom is so common that many Japanese people use it without paying attention to its literal meaning (like "of course" in English). It is often
- [屁でもない (he demo nai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/へでもない/) - Meaning of 屁でもない (he demo nai): Yomi へでもない Rōmaji he demo nai Type idiom Literal Meaning not even a fart Meaning trivial; have no value or impact; nothing Synonym 大したことない, 痛くも痒くもない Additional Info Synonym of 大したことない ("not a big deal") or 痛くも痒くもない (“not painful or itchy”) Example 好きな人にみんなの前で告白してフラれた時の辛さと比べたら、こんなの屁でもない This is nothing compared to the hardship that I experienced when I confessed
- [早い者勝ち (hayai mono gachi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/はやいものがち/) - Meaning of 早い者勝ち (hayai mono gachi): Yomi はやいものがち Rōmaji hayai mono gachi Type idiom Literal Meaning people who come early win Meaning First come, first served Synonym 先着順 Additional Info It sounds slightly childish compared to its synonym, 先着順 (せんちゃくじゅん), meaning “first-arrive order”. Its near-antonym is a proverb 残り物には福がある, meaning “a fortune is in the remnants”; a similar concept to “good
- [冷やかし (hiyakashi)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/ひやかし/) - Meaning of 冷やかし (hiyakashi): Yomi ひやかし Rōmaji hiyakashi Type idiom Literal Meaning something that cools off things Meaning 1. people (or whose behaviour) who look around a shop in a non-serious (or even mocking) manner, with no intention whatsoever to purchase an item or service there. 2. the act of making fun of someone Additional Info Its verb form
- [金魚のフン (kingyo no fun)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/きんぎょのふん/) - Meaning of 金魚のフン (kingyo no fun): Yomi きんぎょのふん Rōmaji kingyo no fun Type idiom Literal Meaning goldfish poop Meaning people who always follow or tag along with a particular person Additional Info This idiom originates from the fact that when goldfish takes a poop, it often remains attached to the fish as if following it. It is usually used as 金魚のフンのように
- [泣かせの (nakase no)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/なかせの/) - Meaning of 泣かせの (nakase no): Yomi なかせの Rōmaji nakase no Type idiom Literal Meaning make (someone) cry Meaning cause a lot of trouble to (someone) Example 「…泣かせの」という言い回しは、機械翻訳泣かせの表現だ The phrase “…泣かせの” is an expression that causes a lot of trouble for machine translation 同時通訳者泣かせの早口な演説者 A fast speaker who causes a lot of trouble for simultaneous interpreters
- [つまらないものですが (tsumaranai mono desu ga)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/つまらないものですが/) - Meaning of つまらないものですが (tsumaranai mono desu ga): Yomi つまらないものですが Rōmaji tsumaranai mono desu ga Type idiom, formal Literal Meaning (This) is trivial/not interesting, but… Meaning This is not much/just a little something, but… Additional Info A traditional Japanese phrase to say when you give a present to someone in a humble way. It’s not commonly used among young ppl these days, but
- [右も左も分からない (migi mo hidari mo wakaranai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/みぎもひだりも/) - Meaning of 右も左も分からない (migi mo hidari mo wakaranai): Yomi みぎもひだりもわからない Rōmaji migi mo hidari mo wakaranai Type idiom Literal Meaning don’t understand right or left Meaning don’t know anything, esp. in a new place/environment Synonym 何も分からない Additional Info It’s often used to describe yourself when you’re a complete stranger to a new place or unfamiliar with things in a new environment. This phrase
- [目から鱗 (me kara uroko)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/めからうろこ/) - Meaning of 目から鱗 (me kara uroko): Yomi めからうろこ Rōmaji me kara uroko Type idiom Literal Meaning The scales (fall) from one’s eyes Meaning be enlightening, informative, eye-opening Additional Info While this phrase originates from Bible, it is used more frequently and casually in Japanese than in English. Example あの先生の授業は、マジ目から鱗だった The lecture by the teacher was quite an eye-opener
- [朝飯前 (asameshi mae)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あさめしまえ/) - Meaning of 朝飯前 (asameshi mae): Yomi あさめしまえ Rōmaji asameshi mae Type idiom Literal Meaning before breakfast Meaning a piece of cake, very easy Synonym 簡単, 楽勝, お茶の子さいさい Antonym 難しい, 困難 Additional Info Its allusion is that something is so easy that you can do it even before eating breakfast. Example あの万年最下位のチームに勝(か)つなんて、朝飯前だ。 It’s a piece of cake (for us) to beat
- [心が躍る (kokoro ga odoru)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/こころがおどる/) - Meaning of 心が躍る (kokoro ga odoru): Yomi こころがおどる Rōmaji kokoro ga odoru Type idiom Literal Meaning "one's heart springs up" Meaning "to feel very excited/stoked" Synonym ワクワクする Additional Info Other variations include 胸が躍る and 心臓が躍る. The word 躍る is a homophone of 踊(おど)る, which means "to dance". Other than the expression above, "躍る" is also used in another phrase "躍り出る (おどりでる)",
- [穴があったら入りたい (ana ga atta ra hairi tai)](https://takashionary.com/glossary/あながあったらはいりたい/) - Meaning of 穴があったら入りたい (ana ga atta ra hairi tai): Yomi あながあったらはいりたい Rōmaji ana ga atta ra hairi tai Word Type Idiom Literal Meaning If there were a hole, I'd want to go in it Meaning to feel very embarrassed; I wish the ground would swallow me up Synonym とても恥ずかしい Example 発表中に大きなオナラをしてしまい、穴があったら入りたかった。 I did a big fart during my presentation and I wished the ground

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