How to Write Indecipherable Japanese Words75

Introduction

The Japanese language is known for its intricate writing system, which consists of three different types of characters: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. While hiragana and katakana are relatively straightforward to learn, kanji can be extremely challenging for non-native speakers due to their complex shapes and multiple readings. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write indecipherable Japanese words, perfect for creating secret messages or simply confusing your friends.

Step 1: Choose a Complex Kanji

The first step to writing an indecipherable Japanese word is to choose a complex kanji. The more strokes and radicals a kanji has, the more difficult it will be to recognize. Some good options include:
鬱 (utsu): This kanji means "depression" and has 17 strokes.
鬱蒼 (yōsō): This kanji means "thicket" and has 21 strokes.
魑魅魍魎 (chimimōryō): This kanji means "goblin" and has 32 strokes.

Step 2: Add Furigana

Furigana are small hiragana characters that are placed above or beside kanji to indicate their pronunciation. While furigana can be helpful for learners, they can also make it easier to decipher a word. To make your word more indecipherable, avoid adding furigana or use incorrect furigana.

Step 3: Combine Multiple Kanji

Another way to make a Japanese word more difficult to understand is to combine multiple kanji together. The more kanji you use, the more complex and confusing the word will become. For example, you could combine the kanji for "mountain" (山) and "cloud" (雲) to create the word "mountain cloud" (山雲). This word is not a real word in Japanese, but it would be very difficult for someone who is not familiar with kanji to figure out what it means.

Step 4: Use Non-Standard Characters

There are a number of non-standard Japanese characters that can also be used to make your words more indecipherable. These characters are not commonly used in everyday writing, so they may be unfamiliar to even native speakers. Some good examples include:
々 (ditto): This character is used to repeat the previous character.
〆 (close): This character is used to indicate the end of a letter or document.
卍 (swastika): This character is a Buddhist symbol that can also be used as a decorative element.

Step 5: Experiment with Different Writing Styles

There are a number of different writing styles that can also be used to make your Japanese words more indecipherable. For example, you could try writing your words in cursive, using a brush, or even using your own unique style. The more unique your writing style, the more difficult it will be for someone else to read your words.

Conclusion

With a little creativity, you can easily write indecipherable Japanese words that will confound even the most experienced language learners. Just remember to choose complex kanji, avoid adding furigana, combine multiple kanji, use non-standard characters, and experiment with different writing styles. With a little practice, you'll be able to create secret messages that no one else can understand.

2025-02-03

Previous：How Many Words Are in the German Language?

Next：German Ear Training Words