New Japanese Words: A Guide to Modern Japanese Terminology287

The Japanese language is constantly evolving, with new words and phrases emerging all the time. This can be daunting for learners of the language, but it's also an exciting opportunity to expand your vocabulary and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the most popular new Japanese words, and explain their meaning and usage.

1. バズる (bazuru): To Go Viral

This word has become incredibly popular in recent years, thanks to the rise of social media. It refers to something that has become widely shared and discussed online, often in a short amount of time. For example, you could say "この動画はバズった" (kono dōga wa bazutta) to describe a video that has gone viral.

2. インフルエンサー (infuruensā): Influencer

This word is used to describe someone who has a large following on social media and uses their platform to promote products or services. Influencers often have a specific niche, such as fashion, beauty, or travel. For example, you could say "彼女はファッションインフルエンサーです" (kanojo wa fasshon infuruensā desu) to describe a woman who is a fashion influencer.

3. サブスクリプション (sabusukuripushon): Subscription

This word is used to describe a service that provides access to content or products on a regular basis for a fixed fee. Subscriptions are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, with services available for everything from streaming video to meal kits. For example, you could say "私はNetflixのサブスクリプションを持っています" (watashi wa Netflix no sabusukuripushon o motte imasu) to describe your Netflix subscription.

4. リモートワーク (rimōto wāku): Remote Work

This word has become more common in recent years, as more and more companies allow their employees to work from home. Remote work can offer a number of benefits, such as increased flexibility and reduced commuting time. For example, you could say "私はリモートワークをしています" (watashi wa rimōto wāku o shite imasu) to describe your remote work situation.

5. キャッシュレス (kyashlessu): Cashless

This word refers to a society or business that operates without the use of physical cash. Cashless transactions can be made using a variety of methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. For example, you could say "この店はキャッシュレスです" (kono mise wa kyashlessu desu) to describe a store that does not accept cash.

6. シェアハウス (sheahausu): Share House

This word refers to a shared living space where multiple people live together, often in individual rooms. Share houses are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, as they offer an affordable alternative to renting an apartment. For example, you could say "私はシェアハウスに住んでいます" (watashi wa sheahausu ni sunde imasu) to describe your living situation.

7. フードデリバリー (fūdo deribarī): Food Delivery

This word refers to the delivery of food to customers' homes or offices. Food delivery has become increasingly popular in Japan, thanks to the rise of services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. For example, you could say "私はフードデリバリーで夕食を注文しました" (watashi wa fūdo deribarī de yūshoku o chūmon shimashita) to describe ordering dinner through a food delivery service.

8. サスティナブル (sasutinaburu): Sustainable

This word is used to describe something that can be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in Japan, as the country faces challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. For example, you could say "私はサスティナブルなライフスタイルを送りたいです" (watashi wa sasutinaburu na raifusutairu o okuritai desu) to describe your desire to live a sustainable lifestyle.

9. エモい (emoi): Emotional

This word is used to describe something that is emotional or evocative. It can be used to describe a wide range of things, from music to art to photography. For example, you could say "この曲はエモい" (kono kyoku wa emoi) to describe a song that you find emotionally moving.

10. マッチングアプリ (machingu apuri): Matching App

This word refers to a mobile app that allows users to connect with potential romantic partners. Matching apps have become increasingly popular in Japan, as they offer a convenient way to meet new people. For example, you could say "私はマッチングアプリで彼氏を見つけました" (watashi wa machingu apuri de kareshi o mitsu kemashita) to describe how you met your boyfriend through a matching app.

11. メタバース (metavāsu): Metaverse

This word refers to a virtual world that exists online. Metaverses are often used for gaming and socializing, and they offer a unique way to interact with others from around the world. For example, you could say "私はメタバースで友達と遊んでいます" (watashi wa metavāsu de tomodachi to asonde imasu) to describe playing games with your friends in a metaverse.

12. NFT (NFT): Non-Fungible Token

This word refers to a unique digital asset that is stored on a blockchain. NFTs can be used to represent a wide range of things, from art to music to videos. For example, you could say "私はこのNFTを買いました" (watashi wa kono NFT o kaimashita) to describe purchasing an NFT.

13. SDGs (SDGs): Sustainable Development Goals

This word refers to a set of 17 goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs aim to create a more sustainable and equitable world. For example, you could say "私はSDGsに貢献したいと思います" (watashi wa SDGs ni kōken shitai to omoimasu) to describe your desire to contribute to the SDGs.

14. サブカル (sabukaru): Subculture

This word refers to a group of people who share a common interest in a particular activity or topic. Subcultures can exist within any culture, and they often have their own unique language, values, and customs. For example, you could say "私はサブカルが好きです" (watashi wa sabukaru ga suki desu) to describe your interest in subcultures.

15. ガチ勢 (gachisei): Hardcore Fan

This word is used to describe someone who is extremely passionate about a particular activity or interest. Gachisei often have a deep knowledge of their chosen subject, and they are often willing to go to great lengths to pursue their interests. For example, you could say "私はアニメのガチ勢です" (watashi wa anime no gachisei desu) to describe your status as a hardcore anime fan.

2024-11-19

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