English is a living language and is always evolving, absorbing influence from other languages. Japanese is one such influencer, a language replete with unique words reflecting its culture, traditions, and innovations. Many Japanese words have seamlessly entered the English language, retaining much of their original meanings or acquiring new nuances. Here’s a post that explores 40 Japanese words used in today’s English.
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Karaoke (カラオケ)
A combination of “kara” meaning “empty” and “oke” meaning “orchestra,” this refers to the popular activity where one sings along to recorded music.
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Tsunami (津波)
Literally “harbor wave,” tsunami refers to large ocean waves typically caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
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Sushi (寿司)
A dish made with vinegared rice, seafood, and occasionally vegetables, sushi has become a globally prevalent culinary phenomenon.
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Ramen (ラーメン)
A noodle soup dish, usually served with wheat noodles in various broths, meats, and vegetables.
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Origami (折り紙)
The art of folding paper into attractive shapes or designs, often without the use of scissors or glue.
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Kimono (着物)
The traditional Japanese dress, usually worn on special occasions or during festivals.
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Anime (アニメ)
Japanese animated films and television series that have gained a huge international following.
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Manga (漫画)
Japanese comic books or graphic novels, generally serialized and read by readers of all age groups.
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Samurai (侍)
The class of warriors in feudal Japan who adhered to a set of principles for behavior and etiquette known as bushido.
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Ninja (忍者)
Sneaky mercenaries or spies in feudal Japan, typically depicted wearing black robes, adept in martial arts, and skilled in disguise.
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Zen (禅)
A school of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and intuition instead of ritual and study.
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Sake (酒)
A traditional Japanese alcoholic drink brewed by fermenting rice, enjoyed either hot or cold.
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Tofu (豆腐)
A versatile food made from soybeans, often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
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Bonsai (盆栽)
The art of growing and shaping miniature trees in small pots with meticulous care.
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Koi (鯉)
A colorful carp, usually raised in ornamental ponds, symbolizing durability in Japanese culture.
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Geisha (芸者)
Traditional Japanese female performers specializing in dance, music, and tea ceremonies.
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Sumo (相撲)
Sumo wrestling, Japan’s national sport, has for centuries pitted two wrestlers against each other to force one out of a ring.
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Haiku (俳句)
A traditional form of Japanese poetry, typically composed of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
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Futon (布団)
A traditional Japanese bed, consisting of a mattress and duvet, usually laid on tatami mats.
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Tatami (畳)
Mats woven from rice straw, commonly found on the floors of traditional Japanese rooms.
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Kaiju (怪獣)
Literally “strange beast,” kaiju refers to giant monsters, such as Godzilla, in Japanese films.
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Ginza (銀座)
Tokyo’s most famous upscale shopping district, filled with designer boutiques and department stores.
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Kabuki (歌舞伎)
A classical Japanese dance-drama known for its stylized performances, elaborate makeup, and costumes.
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Bento (弁当)
A single-portion takeout or home-packed meal commonly found in Japanese cuisine.
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Matcha (抹茶)
A powdered form of green tea, specially grown and prepared for use in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
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Shogun (将軍)
Shoguns were military dictators who ruled Japan for centuries during feudal times.
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Hara-kiri (腹切り)
A form of ritual suicide by disembowelment, practiced by samurai to retain honor.
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Judo (柔道)
A modern Olympic martial art originating from Japan that emphasizes grappling and throwing techniques.
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Karate (空手)
A form of martial arts that involves striking with hands, feet, and even knees.
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Shiatsu (指圧)
A form of Japanese massage therapy that uses finger pressure at specific points on the body.
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Wasabi (山葵)
A spicy green paste, usually served with sushi, made from Japanese horseradish.
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Ikebana (生け花)
The Japanese art of flower arrangement, emphasizing harmony, balance, and form.
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Kamikaze (神風)
Originally meaning “divine wind,” this term later referred to the suicidal pilots during World War II who crashed into enemy targets.
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Omotenashi (おもてなし)
A Japanese concept of hospitality that emphasizes caring and showing respect to guests.
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Shinto (神道)
Japan’s indigenous religion, based on kami and rituals to maintain a harmonious relationship with nature.
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Tempura (天ぷら)
A Japanese dish of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.
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Ginkgo (銀杏)
A tree with distinctive fan-shaped leaves, believed to have medicinal value.
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Sukiyaki (すき焼き)
A hot pot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables cooked in a soy-based broth.
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Miso (味噌)
A traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, used in soups and sauces.
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Zori (草履)
Traditional Japanese sandals made of straw or wood, worn with a kimono.
By now, these 40 Japanese words have formed such an integral part of the English lexicon, each carrying with it a bit of Japan’s rich history, art, and culture. Spanning foods, fashions, philosophy, and martial arts, these terms help bridge the gap between two vastly different languages and invite a deeper understanding of Japan’s influence on the world at large.
What other Japanese words do you frequently hear in English? Share below!
