My Japanese Dictionary
This is here because when I started out in the anime fanfiction and people
put in words I didn't understand so I built a library to keep track and even
though I probably won't use it. I don't planning on destroying a perfectly
good language but here it is. Not in order except dumped in alphabetically.
I pick them up from everywhere so I'm not taking any credit of the work. If
you see anything that's blatantly wrong, like spelling or a meaning that's
completely off, please let me know. Cheers.I am adding words when I am stuck not knowing. Just as reference. My lazy butt doesn't want to look around. Most used Fan Fiction Japanese words.
(Inu) : Inuyasha (RK) : Rurouni Kenshin (YYH) : Yu Yu Hakusho
A
Arigato: thanks
Arigatou gozeimashita : thank you very very
much
Arigatou : "thank you;" more familiar
than the formal, polite "arigatou gozaimasu"
Aa : yes; normally used by men
Ahou : Saitou's favorite nickname for Sano;
means "idiot" or "moron"
Aishiteru : "I love you"
Akihito : this name loosely translates to
"one born in autumn (aki)"
Anata : normally means "you" or
"your;" however, it means "dear" when a wife uses
it to address her husband / can also be used on rare occasions just to
mean you. But if you use it for someone you aren't familliar with, you'll
get a funny reaction. They'll either think you're being rude or far to
friendly. / usually used to people lower than yourself
Ano : Japanese version of "um...;"
sometimes is used as "excuse me" or to get someone's attention
Atashi : I; feminine article; used mainly
by girls and young women
Atashi Mou : "me, too!"
Abunai : it means "dangerous" but
is used often to mean, "Look out!
Ai : "ai" means love. You'll often
hear "Aishiteru", or "I love you." Other words for
love are "koi", or romantic love, or "suki" : which
means like, but it's as ambiguous, or even more so, than the English,
"I like you"
Akuma : devil / Other "monster"
phrases are "mamono", or "ma", or "bakemono",
or "youma" or "youkai" or "oni." All have
slightly different connotations : think of all the English words we have
that could be summarized as a kind of monster
Ara? : sort of like "Huh?" or "Right?"
A version of this is Kenshin's "oro."
asadachi : waking up with an erection in
the morning
Baka: It translates as any number of the following words: stupid, idiot, fool, moron, etc. get the idea? I think it’s the Japanese word that pops up the most in fanfics. Usually the first word you understand in anime.
Busu : (RK)Yahiko's favorite insulting nickname for Kaoru; means something like "ugly old hag"
Betsu Ni : Whatever
Bishounen : bee - show - nehn : pretty boy
Bishoujo : bee - show joe : pretty girl
Biiiih! : you usually see people sticking out their tongue and pulling down their eyelid when they say this. ( I think the eyelid thing is short for something like, " I can see you're an idiot." Something like that I read. :) It's basically like sticking your tongue out at someone. to the lettres C
Chan : Used for really young boys and girls, or between girls who are close friends. Also for an affectionate addition to your first name (for children and sweethearts). An honorific used at the end of someone's name; usually used with small children or younger women.|
Che : sort of an all:purpose Japanese curse word; can mean "shit" or "dammit," among other things
Chikusho : another all:purpose Japanese curse word; usually means "dammit"
Chotto : "just a minute!" / little
Chotto matte yo : "wait a minute!"
Chikara : strength, energy to the lettres D
Dono: The same as 'sama,' except its used when you are part of a group or company calling someone this. Its also mostly used in addressing letters. It also sounds a little archaic. An honorific used at the end of someone's name; extremely polite; roughly translates to "mister" or "miss"(Read RK for this usage)
Daijoubu : "it's all right" / It can be used as a question or an answer, as in someone asking if someone's okay. "Daijoubu?" Ans: "Daijoubu."
Daijoubu de gozaru ka : Kenshin's way of asking "are you all right?"
Dame : absolutely not; no way; forget it; can also mean "stop it" / can't, or don't, or bad
De Gozaru : old:fashioned, deferential phrase used at the end of sentences; indicative of extremely polite speech; no longer used in modern Japanese (Used in RK by Kenshin... Do you know how long it took me to finally figure out what this was in fiction writing. I won't tell it is too embarassing.) / is the plain/dictionary form of de gozaimasu, a very polite equivalent of desu ("is"), so the name literally means "It's time." To appreciate the humor of this name, you also need to know that de gozaru (unlike de gozaimasu) is no longer used in contemporary speech; it's associated more with the speech of 16th-century samurai. So right off the bat, the combination of this cute monkey figure and the samurai-speak verb form provokes a giggle. When you see the name written, however, you realize there is even more here than meets the ear.
Demo : but
Dou Itashimashite : "you're welcome"
Doujo (or Dojo) : martial arts school; kenjutsu (sword training) is practiced at Kamiya Doujou (RK)
Doushita : "what is it?" or "what's wrong?"
Douzo Yoroshiku : "pleased to make your acquaintance"
Douzo : Please, kindly, by all means.
Dou? - "how was/is it?"
Dou shiyou? : What will/can I do?
Doushite? : Why?
Doko : Where
Doki/Dokun : the sound of a heartbeat
Dare : Who
Dame da! : " Don't!" or telling someone no, don't do that, it's a bad idea
Damare! : Shut up! or Silence! to the lettres E
Ecchi : say it out loud - it's the Japanese pronounciation of the letter H: for Hentai - which is a little milder : it's kind of like calling someone "fresh!" Sukebe means "oversexed" more than perverted. to the lettres F
Furo : bath
Fujita Goro : Saitou assumed this name after the Bakumatsu ended; Fujita is the family name of his wife, Tokio. Saitou's real name is known only to Kenshin and his friends, as well as other select survivors of the Bakumatsu.(RK- For the longest. I didn't get why they kept calling him that... I know silly me.) to the lettres G
Gomen nasai : I’m sorry / please forgive me
Gomen : less formal version of gomen nasai
Gambatte yo : "good luck" or "go for it;" literally means "do your best"
Gii : jacket:style top worn with hakama; usually worn by men, especially swordsmen; Kaoru wears both when she trains or teaches
Gakuen : Gah - koo - ehn : School
Gakusee : Gah - koo - say : Student
Gambaru : you usually hear this as "Gambatte" which means "Do your best!" or "Don't give up!" to the lettres I
Hi-nezumi : fire-rat! (What Inuyasha’s kimono is made out of.)
Hiraikotsu : Sango’s weapon from Inuyasha. The boomerang made out of the bones of youkai that her village killed.(Inu)
Houshi : Buddhist monk, one of low rank, I believe. That would be our dear Miroku!(Inu)
Hanyou : half:demon
Hai : yes / Sometimes just a response. (Often used when talking on the phone. The japanese are always worried that you're not still there, so to let someone know that you're still on the line you make a lot of noise, "hai un. Mmm mm. Hai." you get the idea. / okay; usually used when responding to superiors (i.e., bosses, teachers, parents, upperclassmen)
Hone kui no ido : bone:eaters well; bone:gobblers well.
Hentai : pervert. Hentai is also a type of anime/manga/fic that deals with or depicts scenes of a VERY sexual nature.
Hai, Hai : the normally polite "hai" becomes less polite when it's doubled; translates roughly to "yeah, whatever"
Haiyaku : "hurry"
Hajimemashite : "how do you do?"
Hakama : loose pleated pants that tie in front; worn with gi
Haori : jacket worn over a kimono
Heiki : means something like "it's cool; don't worry"
Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu : Kenshin uses this particular style of kenjutsu (swordsmanship); it loosely translates to "Soaring Dragon of the Heavens" and is characterized by the speed of its attacks. (RK)
Honto ni : really; I agree
Hime : princess
Hidoi : mean, cruel, harsh, terrible, etc
Henshin : transformation
Henkaku : revolution
Hen : strange
Hayaku : Hurry! to the lettres I
Inu: dog (Inuyasha is half dog demon, while Sesshoumaru, his brother is full)
Iie : no
Irasshai : welcome
Itachi : weasel; Misao is often referred to by the nickname itachi musume, with musume meaning "girl;" it doesn't make her happy when people call her that!
Iyada : ee - yah - dah : Don't wanna. (Basically it's a kid-like phrase.)
Itai! : Ouch!
Iku : to go. You usually hear it like "ikimashu," which means something like, "Let's go!" J
Ja ne : see you later, basically / Ja : roughly translates to "so long" or "later;" extremely informal /Literally "Well, isn't that right" / "Well in a moment right?"
Jiya : what Misao calls Okina; roughly translates to "Gramps" (RK)
Jou : (or Ojou-san) This is used for young, rich girls. It has a meaning close to 'young mistress' or a 'little lady.' Most of the times I hear it used are when a butler or something is talking to/about his young, rich female charge.
Jou-chan : Sanosuke's nickname for Kaoru; roughly translates to "little missy" or "babe," depending on the translator / This is kind of like calling someone "honey." It's a way of referring to a girl, in short. Jo is girl, and chan indicates familiarity to the lettres K
Kitsune: fox (Think of Shippou from Inuyasha, Kurama in YYH...or Megumi in RK. I think that's what Sano calls her)
Kaze no kizu : one of Tetsusaiga’s special attacks. It translates as ‘wound of the wind’.
Kuromiko : literally, black priestess. A priestess that practices the black arts, one who casts curses.
Kami : God
Kuso : Shit / curse meaning something like "shit" or "damn"
Kun: For young boys, or boys who are your good friends. Also in a work setting, a boss can call someone under him 'their last name':kun and it's okay for guys/girls...;an honorific used at the end of someone's name; usually used with young men; sometimes indicates superiority to the one being addressed (i.e., upperclassman to underclassman, older man to younger man)
Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu : style of kenjutsu practiced at Kamiya Doujou; its tenets emphasize protection without killing. For this reason, it is only practiced with wooden swords. Kaoru is an adjutant master of Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu, which is one step below master; however, her mastery of its techniques is complete enough for her to serve as head of the doujou. (RK)
Kecho Geri : one of Misao's special kempo moves; translates to something like "Flying Demon Bird Kick"
Kintou : written together, the two kanji making up the name of Kenshin's and Kaoru's son mean "equality"
Kirei : beautiful, lovely
Kisama : impolite way of referring to someone; depending on context and inflection, can mean anything from "why you...!" to "you bastard!" / a masculine, rude way of saying "you"
Kodachi : a short sword; usually about 18 inches long, compared with the standard Japanese sword, or katana, which is 24 inches long
Koishii : beloved; darling
Kono : normally means "this," but can be used to mean "you," as in "why, you...!" Misao uses this expression often ^_^
Kunai : small throwing knives; Misao's weapon of choice
Kuro : one of the Oniwabanshuu who helps run the Aoiya; the others are Shiro, Okon, Omasu and Okina (who Misao calls Jiya)
Kuni Tori ? : National Domination
Kouhai : used by for lowerclassmen by older students
Koi : it can mean love (different writing), but if spoken imperatively, it means, "COME ON!" ( as a form of the verb "kuru")
Kowai : Scary, frightening, etc. NOT to be confused with "kawaii" : except in the case of Chibi:Usa, who is kowai, not kawaii
Korosu : to kill. You can hear it conjugated as "korose" : "Kill him/her
Kore wa : This is
Kokoro : heart. Usually used in context of emotions or feelings, which are compund words with that in it
Kimi : another "you", except masculine
Ki : also often written as "chi" ( but be careful with this, since "chi" also means "blood" ), it means "Spirit" or "Energy." In anime, it's often used in the context of ki:blasts, but the word is also used in electricity, for example. "Lightning Energy"
Kawaii : cute, sweet, darling. Often to the point of being saccharine
Kami-sama : God with a capital G.
Kami : any random supernatural being / a spirit, or a god
Kamawanai! : I don't care! to the lettres L
to the lettres M
Miko: priestess
Mou : already / but when someone says it in exasperation, it means something like "Geez!" or " Enough already!
Maa, Maa : "now, now..." or "hey, hey..."
Masaka : no way; it can't be
Mata ato de : can mean "see you tomorrow" or "see you later"
Mata ne : "see you later"
Matte : wait / Other variations are chotto matte, or matte kudasai
Meiji Era : the Japanese historic period in which "Rurouni Kenshin" takes place; the mid:1870s
Mibu's Wolf : Saitou's nickname, which originated during the Bakumatsu; it's a reference to the general nickname for members of the Shinsen Gumi, who were originally based in Mibu and often were referred to as "Mibu's wild wolves"
Minna : everyone
Mochi : rice cakes made from rice that's been sweetened and pounded into a sticky dough
Mou : an expression of frustration or exasperation
Mou aishiteru : "I love you, too"
Mou ichi:do : "one more time" or "do it again"
Mou ii : means something like "that's it" or "I've had enough"
Musume : young lady. Ko Musume: "little girl" - if said nastily enough, has connotations of "bitch"
Mochiron : of course, obviously
Mamoru : to protect. Yes, now you know what his name means. :) Anime characters, unless they're actually *named* Mamoru, usually say "Mamotte ageru" : I'll protect you
Makenai : We / I won't lose
Makeru : to lose
Majiwaru : to join, to fuse to the lettres N
Nani : what/ huh
Nee :(or Onee:san/:chan) This means 'older sister' and its usually used like nee:chan, or Nee-san. It can be used with females around the ages of 15 to 25:ish as a polite way of addressing them.
Nan dai : "what is it?"
Naruhodo : "I see"
Ne : means something like "right?" or "isn't that so?"
Nii : honorific used at the end of someone's name; means "big brother;" used with blood relatives or close male friends
Neko: cat
Nandemonai (i!): It's nothing! / Don't worry about it!
Ningen : Human
Nigero : run away! run away! to the lettres O
Oni : kind of means the same as demon, but it’s used more for monsters within the series. (I'm thinking of George in Yu Yu Hakusho)
Omake : Parodies. In essence, it’s usually the author or artist making fun of their own work.(I just don't get them. I think of them like The Three Stooges. I don't like the The Three Stooges.)
Oden : Kagome’s favourite food (From Inuyasha) a noodle dish.
Oi : Hey!
Obaa-san : grandmother
Obi : a decorative sash worn with a kimono
Ohairi kudasai : "please come in"
Ohayou : "good morning;" casual form of ohayou gozaimasu
Oi : roughly translates to "hey;" used mainly by men; indicates a rude way of speaking
Ojou-san : Miss
Okashira : boss or leader
Omedetou : "congratulations"
Onegai : literally means "please," but implies pleading, almost like "I beg of you;" short form of onegaishimasu, which is considered extremely deferential/polite
Onmitsu : loosely translated, it means "ninja;" some translators prefer "secret agent"
Ore : I; masculine article; considered rougher or more macho than boku, which tends to be used by younger men
Oyasumi : "good night;" casual form of oyasumi nasai
Oro : a made:up expression; Kenshin uses it whenever he's surprised, confused or flustered / Literally means "huh?" in Japanese.
Osuwari: most people translate it as ‘sit’, which is what I choose to do. But I think it’s tech. a command used to get dogs to behave.( Inu - Lots of usage by Kagome)
Oniisan : older brother
Ototo : younger brother
Onna : oh - nah : Woman
Otoko : oh - toe - koe : Man
Otou-san : father
Ore : another form of "you", also masculine. It's rougher than boku, and is used by really tough, macho guys, or guys in the company of other guys
Onore : you, but sort of rough. More like, "You bastard" or "You bitch"...
Onegai : please
Onegai Shimasu : pretty please
Omae : "you", except it's a more intimate, casual "you."
Okama : homosexual, transvestite, along those lines
Okaa-san : Mother
Ojii-san : grandfather
Oba-san : grandmother
Ohayo : Hi. short for Ohayo Gozaimasu or good morning P
to the lettres R
Rurou : wander
Ronin : warrior
Rurouni : rurou "wander" + ronin "warrior" = "wandering warrior" (RK) to the lettres S
Shikon no kakkera: shikon shards (Inu)
Shakujou: Miroku’s staff. A Buddhist staff.
San: The most common. It's polite, like Mr. or Ms. It can be used for males or females, and its mostly for someone you don't know very well, or who is older than you.
Sensei: "teacher." It literally means 'born before.' This is also used with famous people, like movie directors, and manga writers. It's also used for doctors, but with different kanji.
Senpai: (or sempai) This is used for other students or co:workers who are a year or more above you.
Sama: Really polite, its used when you're sending somene a letter or fax or something. Its mostly for royalty kinda, its kinda like calling someone 'Lord ___.' In anime and in America people seem to use it as a joke too, but I didn't hear it much in Japan.;honorific used at the end of someone's name; used when addressing someone of a higher social class or stature in one's field; can roughly translate to "Lord" or "Lady"
Sake : Japanese rice wine; very potent stuff!
Sanjou : Tsubame's last name (RK)
Sekihoutai : the rebel group Sanosuke belonged to as a child during the Bakumatsu. The Sekihoutai were made up of peasants who supported the Ishin Shishi in overthrowing the existing shogunate government in Japan during that time. Sanosuke took his last name, Sagara, to honor the leader of this group, Sagara Souzo. (RK)
Shinai : a sword made of bamboo. Karou uses this on both Kenshin and Yahiko heads.
Shitsurei shimasu : "may I?"; also means something like "forgive me for disturbing you"
Sorata : this name contains the kanji for "sky" (sora)
Sou, Sou : affirmation meaning something like "true, true"
Sou da na : same as sou desu ne
Sou desu ne : "that's true" sumanu : "sorry;" more casual form of sumimasen
Sumimasen : "please excuse me;" can also mean "I'm sorry"
Shatei : my younger brother
Shakei : my older brother
Sakabatoh : reverse-blade
Sayonara : Sah - yoe - nah - rah : Is a final goodbye, means you are leaving for a very long time, or permanently / farewell
Shitsuree : shimasu shee - tsoo - ray - shee mahs : Excuse me (I'm leaving) can just mean excuse me.
Sugoi : it means "great, amazing" but it can be one of those things which you admire with a sort of dread - like a display of your enemy's powers, for example, in an anime. "Suteki" is similar, but usually means more like "beautiful" - a great appearance, in other words
So ka : I see
So na! : It can't be!
Shinu : to die. I've also heard "shinda" - dead - "shinanaide!" - don't die! - and "shi'ne" - "DIE"
Shinjirarenai : I can't believe it!
Shinjiru : to believe.
Shinjiteru : I believe in you
Shigata ga nai : oh well, couldn't be helped
Sessha : another form of "I", a more old:fashioned, polite one.
Sadame : destiny. A related word is "Unmei" which is also something like "fate" or "destiny
Saa... : like our "Mmm...hmm..." Something you say that is noncommittal but indicates that you've heard what someone has said to you to the lettres T
Taijiya : exterminator, really. Demon:hunter. What Sango and Kohaku are.
Toukijin : Sesshoumaru's killing sword, made from Goshinki's fang. It can cut things by displacing wind.
Tetsusaiga : Inuyasha's transforming demon sword.
Tanuki-onna : Kaoru is often referred to by the nickname tanuki, which is a Japanese animal resembling a raccoon; onna means "woman"
Tasukete : "help!"
Teme : means "dammit" or "damn you;" can also mean "bastard"
Tori : rooster; Sanosuke is often referred to by the nickname tori-atama, with atama meaning head (RK)
Toushi : written together, the kanji for this name mean "fighting spirit"
Taichou - captain
Tomo(dachi) : friend
Teki : enemy
Tataka(u) : war, battle, fight
Tasukete kuru : save me!
Tasukeru : save/help to the lettres U Unmei : written together, the kanji for this name can mean "fate," "destiny" or "luck"
Urusai : it literally means "noisy," but more commonly means "shut up"
Uso : oo - soe : depending on how it is said, it can mean "You're kidding?!" or "I don't believe you." (and can be taken in all the ways the english of those sentences can be taken in, depending on your tone of voice.) / a lie. Often translated as "It's not true!"
Ureshii : I'm so happy! Whee! Yay! to the lettres W Wakatta : "understood" or "got it"
Wakatte de gozaru : Kenshin's way of saying "I understand"
Watashi : gender:neutral way of referring to oneself; used in polite speech / "I", polite but not formal.
Wakaru : to understand. You'll also hear "Wakatta" : "I understand" or "Alright", or "Wakarimasu ka?" : "Do you understand?"
Waiii! : Hooray! Yippee! to the lettres Y
Youkai: demon
Yaoi : Aka slash, a genre of fanfic/doujinshi that pairs two male characters in a homosexual sexual encounter.
Yakuza : Japanese gang or mob
Yamete : "stop it" or "cut it out"
Yappari : " I knew it" or "I see"
Yare, Yare : expression of exasperation similar to "oh brother;" almost like a verbal rolling of the eyes
Yarou : can mean anything from "idiot" to "asshole," depending on the inflection and the modifiers (i.e., baka:yarou) / refering to someone in a very rude manner, often translated into swear words in english because that is about how rude they are in Japanese.
Yatta : pleased exclamation similar to "all right!" or "great!" / We did it! Yay!
Yokatta : exclamation similar to "thank God" (or "thank goodness," if you're not religious) / I'm glad
Yoshi : means something along the lines of "that's settled"
Yoroshiku :Please remember me, well, properly, suitably, best regards. ... I don't understand, I have no idea.
Yurusan : to forgive. You usually hear this in the context of "Yurusenai!" or "I won't forgive you!"
Yoshi : it means something like, "All right, then!" or "Here I come!" It's just something you say before you start doing something.
Yippee! : originally was a form of the old verb "yaru" : to do. to the lettres Z
to the lettres