Many people have heard these Japanese words, such as “SUSHI(すし)”, “GEISHA(芸者、げいしゃ)”, and “FUJI(富士、ふじ)” in the past. With the recent use of social media over the internet, there are many other Japanese words that have become more commonly known to people outside of Japan.  Below is the TOP 10 list of Japanese words that are getting more attention in recent years.

 

Number 10 = SUDOKU (数独、すうどく)

Sudoku is a logic-based number-placement puzzle. Sudoku is a registered trademark in Japan, and the puzzle is generally referred to as Number Place, aka Nanple (ナンプレ)。

 

Number 9 =ANIME (アニメ)

As you know, this word is the abbreviation of the word, “Animation”. ANIME is more commonly used only for Japanese Animations.

 

Number 8 = TERIYAKI(照り焼き、てりやき)

Teriyaki is a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. I am sure many people have seen Teriyaki sauce at many of the grocery stores.

Number 7 =KARAOKE

Karaoke is very popular in Japan. As you know, Karaoke is all about having fun singing. The Karaoke places are often called “Karaoke Box(カラオケボックス)” in Japan where each room is equipped with state of the art Karaoke system, nice and comfy sofas, and of course the restaurant menu for ordering food and drinks while you enjoy singing.

Number 6 = KEIRETSU (系列、けいれつ)

Keiretsu is a Japanese term, describing system, series, grouping of enterprises, order of succession. It describes a set of companies with interlocking business relationships and shareholdings. You might have heard this word in the News.

Number 5 =ZANGYO(残業、ざんぎょう)

Zangyo means “over time” in Japanese. Basically, Zangyo is the extra work that requires you to work over time. Often in Japan, people work over time on a daily basis.

Number 4 = KATORISENKOU(蚊取線香、かとりせんこう)

Katorisenkou is known as “mosquito coil” in English. Katorisenkou is a necessity in Japan during summer months as there are so many mosquitoes around everywhere!

Number 3 = MOTTAINAI (勿体ない、もったいない)

Mottainai is a Japanese adjective, meaning, “wasteful”. This word also implies the message “REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE!”.

Number 2 = KAROUSHI(過労死、かろうし)

You can find this word in English dictionary, and yes, it is known to people that much. Karoushi means “Excess Labor Death”. It is unfortunate that such a negative word is one of the most well known Japanese words.

Number 1 = OTAKU (オタク、おたく)

Most well known Japanese word these days is OTAKU. Otaku is a Japanese term describing the people who have obsessive interests.  They often use the word, Otaku for those people who are obsessive about Japanese Manga or Anime.

Were these words new to you or have you heard these words before? Sooner or later, I am guessing that you will be hearing these common Japanese words one day if not already.