Table of Contents
Pronunciation
Definition
にわか (にわか, niwaka) is a Japanese slang word that describes newbies in a negative way. It is often used to criticise pretentious beginners who behave as if they have a lot of knowledge and experience about what they started a couple of weeks/months ago. One of the most common phrases is “にわかファン” (niwaka fan), meaning “a bandwagon fan”, who supports a particular team or person as soon as they have become popular or trendy. For instance, every time the FIFA world cup comes around, you see a sea of “にわかサッカーファン (niwaka soccer fan)” popping up out of nowhere and expressing their “passion” about football.
Original Definition
Generally, にわか (niwaka) is used as an adverb “にわかに” (niwaka ni) meaning “suddenly” or “immediately”. For instance, “にわかには信じがたい” (niwaka ni ha shinji gatai) is a common expression that literally means “I cannot believe it immediately”, that is, “I find it hard to believe”. Also, the word “にわか雨” (niwaka ame) is a common word, that literally means “sudden rain” and indicates rain that falls suddenly. See the link below for a variety of Japanese words related to 雨.
Comprehensive Explanations of Japanese Words Related to Rain (雨, あめ)
Example Sentences
Ex1
僕プログラミングにわかだから、 JavaとJavaScriptの違いがよくわからない
Because I’m a niwaka (newbie) of programming, I don’t know the differences between Java and JavaScript
(note) As in this example, にわか is also often used as a mean of self-deprecation.
Ex2
筋トレのにわかはよくプロテインの重要性を長々と語っている
Niwaka of weight training often rambles on how important it is to drink protein.
Ex3
優勝してから、あのチームはにわかに注目を浴びた
After having won the tournament, the team suddenly got a lot of attention.
Synonyms: 初心者 (beginner)、新参 (newcomer)
Synonyms in English: beginner, newbie, bandwagon fan
Related words and phrases: にわか雨 (rain shower)
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