New Words in Japanese181

Japanese is a vibrant and dynamic language, constantly evolving to reflect cultural changes and societal advancements. To keep up with these changes, the Japanese Language Council periodically releases a list of new words that have become widely accepted and used in everyday speech. Here are some of the most recent additions to the Japanese lexicon:

キャッシュレス (kyassheresu): Cashless payments have become increasingly popular in Japan, and this term refers to the trend towards reducing the use of physical cash in favor of electronic transactions using credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment systems.

ワケあり (wakeari): This term literally means "with a reason" and is often used to describe products that are being sold at a discount due to minor defects or imperfections. It can also be used more generally to refer to something that has a hidden or not-so-obvious reason or backstory.

爆買い (bakugai): This term, which means "explosive buying," was coined to describe the phenomenon of Chinese tourists traveling to Japan and spending large sums of money on luxury goods. It has since been expanded to refer to any kind of excessive or impulsive shopping spree.

タピる (tapiru): This verb, derived from the word "tapioca," refers to the act of drinking bubble tea, a popular drink made with tea, milk, and tapioca balls. It has become particularly trendy among young people in Japan.

炎上 (ensho): This term, meaning "flames," is used to describe the phenomenon of a controversial post or comment on social media becoming widely criticized and attracting a lot of negative attention. It is often used to refer to online harassment or cyberbullying.

推し (oshi): This term, which literally means "to push," is used to refer to a person's favorite celebrity, idol, or fictional character. It is often used in the context of fandom and pop culture.

ズボラ (zubora): This term refers to a person who is lazy, sloppy, or unmotivated. It can be used to describe someone who is messy, disorganized, or generally lacks effort.

忖度 (sontaku): This term, which means "conjecture" or "guess," is used to describe the act of trying to anticipate or understand the unspoken thoughts or feelings of others. It is often used in the context of social interactions and relationships.

マウント (maunto): This term, derived from the English word "mount," is used to describe the act of one person trying to assert their superiority or dominance over another by bragging or showing off. It is often used to refer to subtle or indirect forms of one-upmanship.

サイレントマジョリティー (sairento majoriti): This term, meaning "silent majority," refers to the idea that there is a large number of people who hold a particular opinion but remain silent or passive due to fear of social pressure or persecution. It is often used in political or social contexts.

These are just a few examples of new words that have been added to the Japanese language in recent years. As the language continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more new words emerge to reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of Japan.

2024-11-26

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