When learning Japanese, understanding formal language is crucial, but to really connect with native speakers, you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with slang and informal language. This article will introduce you to several useful Japanese slang terms and expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversation among friends, in manga, anime, and other informal settings.
うざい (uzai)
This is a slang adjective used to describe something or someone that is annoying or troublesome. It’s the informal form of “urusai,” which means noisy or bothersome.
昨日のパーティーで、酔っぱらった人がうざかった。
やばい (yabai)
This expression can vary in meaning depending on context. It can mean something is amazing or terrible, risky, or unbelievable. It’s often used to express surprise or strong emotion, both positive and negative.
これはやばい、完全に忘れてた！
だめ (dame)
Used to express that something is not good, not allowed, or not possible. It’s a very common word and can be used in a variety of situations.
そこに入っちゃだめだよ。
マジ (maji)
Short for “majime,” which means serious, this slang term is used to confirm or assert that something is true or serious. It can be translated as “really” or “seriously.”
マジで？信じられない！
へこむ (hekomu)
This verb means to feel down or depressed. It comes from the literal meaning of getting dented or depressed (as in a physical object).
成績が悪くて、超へこむ。
わりい (warui)
This is a colloquial and shortened form of “warukatta,” which is the past tense of “warui” (bad or sorry). It is often used to apologize or admit fault in a casual way.
遅れて、わりい。
ちょう (chou)
A prefix meaning super or very, used to emphasize the adjective that follows. It’s very common among younger speakers.
このゲーム、ちょうおもしろいよ。
サボる (saboru)
Derived from the English word “sabotage,” this verb means to skip or cut classes, or not show up where you’re supposed to. It can also be used for work or other obligations.
明日の授業をサボろうかな。
モテる (moteru)
This verb is used to describe someone who is popular or attractive, particularly in a romantic sense. It implies that the person is desirable to others.
彼はモテるから、いつも彼女がいる。
ぐうの音も出ない (guu no ne mo denai)
A phrase used when someone has no response or comeback, typically because the other person’s argument or performance was too strong. Literally, it means “not even a snore can come out.”
その返答にはぐうの音も出なかった。
キモい (kimoi)
A contraction of “kimochi warui,” which means a bad feeling or gross. It is used to describe something that is creepy or disgusting.
その昆虫、めっちゃキモい！
ジワる (jiwaru)
This slang verb is derived from “jiwajiwa,” which means gradually or slowly. It is used to describe something that is slowly becoming funny or interesting, often used when referring to jokes or humorous situations.
その冗談、最初は分からなかったけど、じわじわ来るね。</font color
Understanding and using these slang expressions can help you sound more natural in conversations with Japanese speakers and enrich your comprehension of the language. Remember that slang is often tied to specific age groups and subcultures, so it's essential to pay attention to context and who is speaking.
