Japanese word and meaning

This post introduces confusing Japanese kanji words that have two different readings and meanings. For each word, there is a unique example sentence that contains both usages in the same context. When you encounter these words in a text, make sure you always take the context into account to confirm their meaning/reading.

辛い

Reading/Meaning

1. からい, “hot, spicy”
2. つらい, “tough, hard, painful”

Example

辛（から）い食べ物だけを１時間食べ続けるなんて、私には辛（つら）すぎる。
It is too painful for me to keep eating only spicy food for one hour.

Additional Note

For some people, eating spicy (からい) food can be quite painful (つらい). Furthermore, there is also a similar-looking kanji “幸”, which means “happiness” as in 幸 （しあわ）せ and 幸福（こうふく）.

空く/空いている

Reading/Meaning

1. あく/あいている, “become/be vacant, free, not occupied”
2. すく/すいている, “become/be uncrowded, unbusy, empty”

Example

急に予定が空（あ）いたので有名なラーメン屋に行ってみたら、結構空（す）いていてよかった。
Since my schedule suddenly became clear, I went to a famous ramen restaurant and it wasn’t very crowded, which was good.

Additional Note

Don’t confuse “空（あ）いている” with “開（あ）いている”, which means “(shop is) open/available for business”. For instance, the Japanese translation of “This shop is open” is “この店は開あいている“, not “空いている“. In fact, （この店は）空いている reads “（このみせは）すいている” and means “This shop is empty/not crowded“. Very confusing, isn’t it?

Here are more examples that would help you understand 空あく and 空すく better:  空あく is used in 明日空あいている？ (“Are you free tomorrow?”) and 席が空あく (“The seat becomes free”). On the other hand, 空すく is used in お腹が空すく (“stomach becomes empty”) and 空すいてる時間帯 (“unbusy time zone”).

臭い

Reading/Meaning

1. くさい, “be smelly” (i-adj)
2. におい, “bad smell” (noun)

Example

部屋が少し臭（くさ）い気がしたから、臭（にお）いを消すために消臭（しょうしゅう）スプレーを買った。
Because I felt my room was a bit smelly, I bought deodorising spray to remove the bad smell.

Additional Note

In fact, におい has two kanjis: 臭い and 匂い. Generally, the former means “bad smell”, and the latter “good smell” (e.g. “トイレの臭い” vs “香水の匂い”). Of course, you don’t have to worry about their differences in speech.

今日

Reading/Meaning

1. きょう, “today”
2. こんにち, “nowadays” (advanced)

Example

今日（きょう）の夜９時に、今日（こんにち）の日本が抱える社会問題を議論する番組があるらしい。
I’ve heard there will be a TV show at 9 pm today that discusses social issues Japan is facing nowadays.

Additional Note

今日（こんにち） is a rather formal word and used in formal speech/writing.

一日

Reading/Meaning

1. いちにち, “one day”
2. ついたち, “the 1st day of a month”

Example

４月１日（ついたち）に試験があるので、それまで一日（いちにち）も休まずに勉強するつもりだ。
As I have exams on the 1st of April, I will be studying by then without taking a single day off.

Additional Note

The 1st of January  (１月いちがつ １日ついたち) is called 元旦 (がんたん). There are also other dates of a month that have special readings, e.g. ２０日 (はつか). See more at Japanese Kanji Words with Irregular/Special Readings.

人気

Reading/Meaning

1. にんき, “popular/popularity”
2. ひとけ, “signal of people being around” (advanced)

Example

人気（にんき）のラーメン屋が、この人気（ひとけ）のない場所にポツンとある。
A popular ramen restaurant is at this desolate place isolatedly.

Additional Note

人気 (ひとけ) is usually used in the phrase “人気のない/少ない”. However, don’t judge too early as 人気のない can also read “にんきのない” and mean “not popular” (well, actually this reading/meaning is more dominant). One rule of thumb is that if the phrase is followed by a noun like 場所 (“place”) or 通り (“street”), it would be ひとけ.

大事

Reading/Meaning

1. だいじ, “important, precious” (na-adj)
2. おおごと, “a big thing/deal/issue, serious matter” (noun, advanced)

Example

大事（だいじ）な本が盗まれたと先生に嘘をついたら、大事（おおごと）になってしまい今とても後悔している。

I lied to my teacher, saying the book I cherished had been stolen, and now I really regret doing that because it (unexpectedly) became a big issue.

Additional Note

大事（おおごと） usually contains the connotation that the thing unwantedly becomes a big deal/issue, and therefore it is often used in phrases like “大事になる前に (before it turns into a big deal/problem)” or “大事にしたくない (don’t want to make it a big deal)”. Note that, in some cases, the first reading is also used with the second definition.

最中

Reading/Meaning

1. さいちゅう, “when (one is doing something/something is happening)”
2. もなか, “Monaka” (Japanese sweet made of azuki bean paste)

Example

最中（もなか）を食べている最中（さいちゅう）に話しかけられたので、答えられなかった。
Because I was spoken to when eating Monaka, I couldn’t answer.

Additional Note

In fact, 最中 has another reading, “さなか”, which means almost the same as さいちゅう.

十八番

Reading/Meaning

1. じゅうはちばん, “number 18”
2. おはこ, “forte, adept skills”; “songs one sings very well” (advanced)

(* The first reading じゅうはちばん is also used with the second definition sometimes.)

Example

背番号十八番（じゅうはちばん）をつけたこのピッチャーの十八番（おはこ）は、うまく緩急をつけたピッチングだ。

The forte of this pitcher wearing uniform number 18 is his pitching style that mixes both fastballs and off-speed pitches effectively.

Additional Note

Whether related to the second meaning or not, the number 18 is considered as an ace (i.e. No. 1 pitcher) uniform number in Japanese baseball (野球), and therefore it is one of the most popular numbers among both professional and amateur baseball pitchers.

Also, note that 十八番 also has another meaning: “songs that one sings very well” as described above; see the post 十八番 (ohako) Meaning “The Songs You Sing the Best” to learn more.

被る

Reading/Meaning

1. かぶる, “wear (a hat)”
2. こうむる, “suffer/receive something negative” (advanced)

Example

スモモの木の下で帽子を被（かぶ）り直したら、スモモを盗んでいると疑がわれるという不運を被（こうむ）る羽目になってしまった。
I re-wore my hat under an Asian plum tree, and I ended up having such bad luck that I was suspected of stealing the plums (and hiding them inside my hat).

Additional Note

The content of the example sentence above is cited from a famous Chinese idiom/poem (“瓜田不納履、李下不正冠”), which admonishes you to always avoid situations where you are suspected of doing something wrong, regardless of whether you’re innocent or not.

The words that frequently collocate with 被（こうむ）る include 損失 (そんしつ, “loss”) and 不利益 (ふりえき, “disbenefit”). Sometimes, it is also used with positive words (e.g. 恩恵を被(こうむ)る, “receive benefits”) but that’s much rarer. The second definition/reading of 被る is not very common itself, and yet is often used in other words such as 被災する (ひさいする, “suffer a disaster”), 被害 (ひがい, “damage one suffers”), and 被告人 (ひこくにん, “defendant”).

＊＊＊

The last two kanji words have both “correct” and “incorrect” readings, with the latter representing how the words are actually pronounced in speech. On Japanese exams, you should always write the correct reading, but otherwise, it is more natural to use the “incorrect” pronunciation. In fact, a lot of typing systems accept both readings to convert hiragana to kanji.

＊＊＊

体育

Meaning

Physical Education (PE)

Reading

1. たいいく (correct)
2. * たいく (incorrect yet more common pronunciation in speech)

Example

俺の得意科目は体育（たいいく, usually pronounced as たいく）だ。
The subject I’m good at is PE.

Additional Note

Similarly, 体育館（たいいくかん, “school gymnasium”） is usually pronounced as たいくかん.

唯一

Meaning

only; sole(ly)

Reading

1. ゆいいつ (correct)
2. * ゆいつ (incorrect yet more common pronunciation in speech)

Example

このホテルにはあまり満足しなかった。唯一良かったのは、立地が良かったことだ。
I wasn’t quite satisfied with this hotel. The only saving grace was its good location.

cf: 唯一無二

唯一無二

雰囲気

Meaning

vibe, atmosphere

Reading

1. ふんいき (correct)
2. * ふいんき (incorrect yet more common pronunciation in speech)

Example

このレストランは雰囲気（ふんいき, usually pronounced as ふいんき）が良い。
This restaurant has a good vibe

Additional Note

雰囲気 is usually pronounced as ふいんき simply because it’s easier to say than the correct reading (try pronouncing them yourself). Incidentally, there is an interesting slang word “雰囲気イケメン”, which literally means “handsome-vibe man”. See the following post for more details.

“雰囲気イケメン (fuinki ikemen) Meaning ‘Handsome-Vibe Man’ in Japanese Slang”

Meaning of 雰囲気イケメン (fuinki ikemen) in Japanese Slang

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” ~ Gandhi.

Over the years, learning new Japanese words has evolved into a passion of mine. If I could sum up my findings so far, it’s that Japanese culture makes you aware of small details that were always there but didn’t necessarily notice before. 

Despite researching my first trip to Japan to death as I do for all destinations I visit, I returned with the realisation that there is always so much more to learn (hence my multiple trips thereafter). Their language and absolutely beautiful Japanese words are no exception! 

I now have an insatiable appetite to quash my curiosity and fascination with Japanese culture, religion and aspects of day-to-day-life. Learning through language is a great way to achieve this, and I love sharing all these findings with you throughout my Japan blog.

Japanese words video

If you prefer to learn from a video, I’ve summed up this article in 45 seconds (if you can’t see it in the space below, simply disable your ad blocker:

Beautiful words in Japanese

Ikigai
生きがい

When browsing an airport bookstore, I first learnt this beautiful Japanese word when I saw this paperback ranking highly on the bestseller shelves. Intrigued by the blurb and promise, I excitedly bought the book and dove right into it. 

What I didn’t realise was ikigai is the word used to describe the very passion that gets you out of bed in the morning; your reason for being. It’s a combination of what you’re good at, something you love and something the world needs. Just ask any centenarian in Okinawa why they still enjoy working everyday!

Japanese people believe everyone has an ikigai, they just need to find it. On completing the book, I recognised that this very blog you’re reading, right now, has been my ikigai since I launched it in 2017. My passion for sharing responsible travel tips, advice and my love of Japan with you is what I look forward to each and every day.

Ichi go ichi e
一期一会

This is one of the most insightful Japanese words I’ve had the pleasure of learning from an actual geisha. During my traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, it was explained that ichi go ichi e has very strong ties to enjoying tea in Japan.

Translating to “once in this lifetime”, ichi go ichi e serves as a gentle reminder for us to treasure each individual moment as can never truly be replicated again. 

Even if you invited the same people to enjoy tea at a later date, at the same time, wore the same clothes etc, aspects of the encounter would always differ to the original, such as conversation or weather. 

This concept can be applied to each and every situation throughout life. Isn’t it fascinating?

Nakama
仲間

A nakama can be described as a very good friend that one considers family, even if they’re not related by blood. You never know, you might end up making a nakama when undertaking cultural experiences in Japan.

Perhaps it’s a friend you frequently see, or the kind of friend you only have the chance to catch up with once every few years in person as they live far away. But when you do, the bond of friendship is so strong it’s like all that time in between has never passed!

Do you have a nakama?

Wabi sabi
侘寂

It’s difficult to sum up the meaning of wabi sabi into a few short words. Deriving from Zen buddhism, in the simplest form it could be described as the acceptance of finding beauty in imperfections and the impermanence of things. 

Finding beauty in flaws is a huge part of Japanese aesthetics. In a world where striving to achieve perfection is prioritised, it’s nice to see a contrasting perspective is also widely accepted throughout Japan. Perhaps more of us should view imperfections in this way? More about wabi sabi here.

TIP: A great example of wabi sabi is kintsugi, which I describe in more detail further down the page. 

Natsukashii
懐かしい

Do you ever come across old items or photographs that warm your heart? Even the scent of perfume or candles can evoke particular memories. Natsukashii is that feel-good emotion of sentimentality when remembering back to a time you hold close to your heart. 

I certainly feel this when I think back to my time swooning over cherry blossom petals bathing in the setting sun’s orange glow in Kawagoe!

Natsukashii differs from nostalgia in a way because it’s not the feeling of longing to return to that particular time. It’s simply feeling grateful to have had a particular experience in the past without the desire to return to that moment. 

Kintsugi
金継ぎ

This beautiful practice is believed to date back to 15th century Japan. Kintsugi translates to “the art of broken pieces” whereby broken pottery was repaired with gold, rather than being discarded.

Filling the cracks with gold is an indication that flaws can be seen as a unique part of the object’s history, which adds to its overall beauty and character.

I recently learnt the brand Siletti has a range of kintsugi-style crockery that allow you to bring the look of this centuries-old tradition into your home in a modern way. 

Motivational Japanese words

Ame futte ji katamaru
雨降って地固まる

If any nation were to claim ame futte ji katamaru as their unofficial motto, it would have to be Japan. As a country that has natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to thank for its creation, the saying “after the rain, earth hardens” is quite fitting.

What this means is overcoming adversity builds character and resilience. It’s believed that after a storm, things tend to stand on more solid ground than they did before. 

Just take the last 100 years for example. The people of Japan have endured the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the Great Kobe Earthquake of 1995 and the Great Tohoku Earthquake of 2011 resulting in a devastating  tsunami and nuclear meltdown. 

Aside from the ongoing cleanup from the 2011 Fukushima area disaster mentioned above, today you’d be forgiven for thinking each of these locations never endured such hardship – they’ve rebuilt stronger than before.

Ganbaru
頑張る

The Japanese word ganbaru can be used as an expression of encouragement. However, it can have several meanings, ranging from “to do more than one’s best”, “to stand firm”, “to endure”. It encapsulates having focus and determination to step outside your comfort zone and achieve goals. 

To fully comprehend how to use ganbaru, this article goes into great detail!

Nanakorobi yaoki
七転び八起き

Translating to “Fall down seven times, stand up eight”, this has got to be one of my most favourite motivational Japanese words. It’s always a great reminder to never give up on your goals, no matter how many obstacles you encounter along the way.

Did you know Daruma dolls are said to be linked to the saying nanakorobi yaoki? Their rounded shape is symbolic of having a fighting spirit to overcome adversity. Representing good fortune and perseverance, Daruma dolls make the perfect Japanese souvenirs!

Hikari wa subete no yami no naki ni arimasu
光はすべての闇の中にあります

Translating to “There is light in all darkness”, this term is self-explanatory. 

The English word equivalent would be “every dark cloud has a silver lining”, meaning out of a bad situation there is hope that good things can happen. 

Meaningful Japanese words

Shinrin yoku
森林浴

In our fast-paced, digitally-connected world of bustling cities, the art of shinrin yoku plays a very important role in Japanese culture. Translating to “forest bathing”, these meaningful Japanese words help us remember to immerse ourselves in nature as often as possible to reconnect with our natural environment. 

Believed to have healing properties and serve as a kind of preventative medicine, practicing shinrin yoku allows us to temporarily forget about our modern troubles, eye-straining screens and day-to-day nuances. 

To awaken a sense of connection to nature, the aim is to to really slow down and use all our senses to take in the surrounding scenery… The sounds of birdsong; the motion of leaves swaying in the breeze; the smell of recent rains or nearby flowers. Without realising at the time, I was able to achieve this in the tranquil moss forests of Kyoto.

TIP: Interested in learning more about shinrin yoku and how it can help you, even if you don’t have any forests nearby? I can highly recommend this book by two of my favourite authors on Japanese culture. 

Omotenashi
おもてなし

If you’ve visited Japan, has a Japanese local ever gone out of their way to assist you with something? Ladies, did you ever notice the basket beneath your chair in a restaurant to put your handbag whilst eating to prevent it getting dirty on the floor? Did you notice the taxi driver’s white gloves and the vehicle’s door opening automatically? 

These are all examples of omotenashi – superb Japanese hospitality and attention to detail. This trait is one of the many things Japan is famous for.

Hospitality and respect are deeply ingrained into all aspects of everyday life in Japanese culture. It is not done for financial reward (such as tipping, because one of the don’ts in Japan is leaving a tip for service). It’s just expected.

While I can recall countless experiences of omotenashi during my visits to Japan over the years, it wasn’t until more recently I discovered there was a word in Japanese to encompass this. Say it with me now: o-mo-ten-a-shi!

Komorebi
木漏れ日

Meaning “sunlight filtering through the trees”, komorebi can be used to describe the way leaves and the sun’s glow interact with one another. Even a slight breeze causes leaves to manipulate the sun’s rays into dancing, angular patterns. 

Komorebi always makes me think back to my half-hour walk through dense forest in Nagano to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The best time to witness the monkeys playing is when the park opens, which is the perfect moment to witness komorebi. 

The early morning mist slowly lifted as I journeyed along the track, revealing soft rays of sunlight flickering through the trees. Isn’t it such a beautiful word?

Inspirational Japanese words

Ukiyo
浮世

Can you remember back to a time where you lived in the moment, so much so you felt completely detached from life’s bothers? Felt so carefree, inspired, like the world was floating? Ukiyo is the word to describe this feeling, translating to “the floating world”. 

Every time I visit Kyoto I’m reminded of ukiyo. I forget about my phone with its constant notifications and just be. With its beautifully preserved Edo-era streets, ancient wooden pagodas and incredibly landscaped gardens, it’s effortless for one’s mind to escape to a floating world in Kyoto. 

TIP: My talented friend Lisa in Japan evokes the feeling of ukiyo so beautifully with her photography. If you love Japanese cherry blossoms, don’t resist taking a peek at our collaboration in my article about spending spring in Japan!

Datsuzoku
脱俗

Meaning  “a break from habit or daily routine”, datsuzoku can be used to refer to freedom from the ordinary. It can also mean going against the grain to live a life unbound by convention. 

The beauty of being able to travel internationally in previous years is a great example of this. Venturing to a new destination to temporarily experience how others live reminds me of datsuzoku. To be in a contrasting part of the world and witness others do something different to what I’d expect was always a welcome break from my usual daily routine.

I think this is how most of us felt before the events of 2020! I loved the freedom to book a ticket and fly to Japan when the opportunity arose, especially when I dedicated the time to undertake most of these day trips from Tokyo.

Yugen
幽玄

To put things bluntly, sometimes it’s ridiculously easy to get caught up in the daily grind we forget we’re all on a massive spherical rock hurtling through space at an unthinkable speed. Haha, think about it!

Do you ever take a few moments to stare at the moon and stars? Have you ever thought no matter where we are in the world, we all see the same moon? Yugen translates to “a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe”.

When I gaze into the night skies, I can’t help but think about what an incredible expanse space must be, our galaxy, and our place in the universe. Even if we don’t fully comprehend it, we’re all part of something much bigger than ourselves.

If you’re like me you’ve been reminded of yugen during your travels, especially to destinations steeped in history. Strolling through the centuries-old temples of Kamakura or adoring the gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Hida Folk Village in Takayama reminded me the same sun has risen and set on these structures, each and every day, for centuries. Isn’t that so humbling to realise?

Untranslatable and cool Japanese words

Tsundoku
積ん読

Tsundoku refers to “the act of buying books without reading them”; creating a collection of unread novels and the like. Do you know someone this aesthetic Japanese word could relate to? I’ve been guilty of this in the past!

Although if you do plan on buying a bunch of books to actually read, take a look at my detailed review of the best travel books for Japan to help get your future trip planning off to a brilliant start.

Kuidaore
食い倒れ

Ever wanted to buy ALL. THE. FOOD. in Japan? Of course, there is a cool Japanese word for this. Kuidaore quite literally means to “eat yourself into ruin” by spending all your money on food until you’re bankrupt. 

Sounds a little dramatic but when you’re walking down Dotonbori in Osaka and the incredible aromas of sizzling street food meander their way to your nostrils, it’s easy to understand how someone could eat themselves into bankruptcy!

TIP: If you’re hoping to visit Dotonbori someday, my 3 day Osaka itinerary and Nara day trip guide has all the bases covered. Just make sure you leave some small change to buy senbei (crackers) for Nara’s sacred deer!

Kuchisabishii
口寂しい

Have you ever had that feeling around 3pm where you need to eat something without actually being hungry? To chew on something just for the sake of it? This is why I love the Japanese language, there is a word for this feeling – kuchisabishii!

Kuchisabishii translates “to eat because your mouth is lonely”. Should I be proud or ashamed to admit this? Haha, in all seriousness though, if you have been craving Japanese sweets and snacks to cure your lonely mouth I have some good news. 

Take a look at my guides and reviews for how to have Japanese treats delivered to your door RIGHT NOW – direct from Tokyo!

• Traditional and artisanal Japanese sweets with Sakuraco →
• Trendy and fun Japanese snacks with TokyoTreat →
• Popular and traditional snacks from Japan → 

Which are your favourite Japanese words with meaning?

This concludes my all-time favourite Japanese words and meanings! Through learning Japanese in a simple way, we realise we can incorporate different aspects into our own lives. Paying attention to seemingly ordinary things with a refreshed perspective can help bring more meaning into daily life.

I personally find that so satisfying and humbling considering these kinds of expressions don’t exist in the English language. Do you agree?

Which of these Japanese words is your favourite? Did I miss any? Leave me a note in the comments below! I hope you learnt something new and use some of these expressions more often. Now you know what a nakama is, if you’re lucky enough to have one be sure to let them know 😊

Want to learn my strategies for how to “blend in” anywhere around the globe? Find out by reading my #1 Amazon New Release Book!

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Last Updated on 18/12/2021 by

I’m not sure when my love for the Japanese language started. Still, I have always loved the language and especially the aesthetic behind the Japanese words. 

In most languages, especially in Japanese, you will find words that cannot be translated as they have no direct equivalent. These words often convey feelings or concepts that do not exist or are not expressed in other cultures. 

I have noted in this guide a selection of 20 Japanese words and expressions linked to the culture and aesthetics of Japan and which can inspire us all daily. For each word, there will be kanji, hiragana/katakana and rômaji readings.

Wabi sabi – わびさび – 侘寂

I first heard of wabi-sabi while purchasing a set of teacups in Kyoto’s flea market. One of the cups appeared to have a small crack mended together. This act of purposely leaving the imperfections visible (kintsugi) symbolizes the very heart of wabi-sabi.

The first kanji 侘 (wabi) means “the beauty found in simplicity and sobriety”. In contrast, the second kanji (sabi) represents “the feeling of peace that emanates from old things”, as well as refined simplicity. The two words together denote an aesthetic concept derived from the Zen philosophy of Buddhism, advocating simplicity and elegance. It is about recognizing the beauty in things old, modest and imperfect.

In the Zen philosophy, there are seven aesthetic principles that allow Wabi-sabi, the state of awareness of the imperfection of things:

• Kanso (ç°¡ç´ ) – simplicity
• Fukinsei (不均斉) – asymmetry, irregularity
• Shizen (自然) – naturalness without pretension
• Yugen (幽玄) – subtle grace, not obvious 
• Datsuzoku (脱俗) – freeness
• Seijaku (静寂) – tranquility, silence
• Koko (考古): basic, weathered

Kintsugi – 金継ぎ

The practice of mending broken pottery with gold and silver to fill the cracks is called Kintsugi (金継ぎ). It is also sometimes referred to as kintsukuroi (金繕い). In a society where it is customary to over-consume, we tend to discard things that we believe are no longer perfect. Kintsugi offers a second life to broken items. It allows you to restore broken or damaged objects by sublimating them with gold, not by hiding cracks. 

The philosophy behind kintsugi is to put forward the imperfections, errors and mistakes to celebrate them as a new/restored object rather than discarding them altogether. 

Kanso – ç°¡ç´  – かんそ

Kanso is the Japanese zen principle meaning simplicity or elimination of clutter. Things are expressed in a plain, simple, natural manner.” 

I’m sure most of us have heard of Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing guru. Through her Netflix show Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, she set off the world into a decluttering craze. 

Her “spark joy” catchphrase comes from the concept of kanso, which means simplicity. Like the Chinese feng shui, kanso focuses on harmonizing with your surroundings, thus (getting rid of clutter and non-essential items) choosing natural furniture and minimal artwork. 

Ikigai – 生きがい

Ikigai is a Japanese philoso[hy that refers to all the things worth living for. Since there is no direct translation, the word has different interpretations depending on how people use it. Linked to kanso, you can use ikigai to aid the reorganisation of your home in a minimalist way. 

Above all, ikigai is about personal development to feel happier in your life. 

Inspiring and Meaningful Japanese words

Shinrin yoku – 森林浴

Being in contact with nature does all of us good, especially nowadays where most people are forced to stay indoors. Walking in the woods or even a big park with lots of trees and nature does well to lift people’s morale and relieve stress. 

“Forest baths,” or “shinrin-yoku,” are a Japanese medicinal practice that involves walking in the woods, fully breathing the scent of trees and listening to birds chirping.

It is believed to have many restorative and therapeutic benefits that are almost like food for the soul. Plus, Shinrin-yoku can be done anywhere with trees, no matter your fitness level. 

Kuchisabishii – 口寂しい

Have you gained a few pounds during lockdown due to the unlimited access to your fridge and lack of activity? Have you been making short trips to your kitchen or looking inside your fridge searching for something to eat? The act of eating out of boredom is a manifestation of “kuchisabishii”. 

The word would be translated as “lonely mouth” or “craving” in English. Still, there is no precise translation to express the compulsive aspect of this habit. Basically, you have enough room to eat even though you are not hungry.

I was introduced to this world during a call with a Japanese friend. She found not snacking hard with the abundance of delicious sweets and pastries. 

Kuidaore – 食い倒れ

Kuidaore is something that many people worldwide, especially foodies, have experienced. Kuidaore describes a situation where someone loves food and drink so much that they will happily spend all their money on it. Foodies who visit all the hip restaurants are victims of this. 

Fact: Kuidaore is associated with Dōtonbori, the foodie district in Osaka. The foodie hotspot has all lines after lines of restaurants, food stalls and markets. Every nook and cranny is filled with an eatery, all selling delicious food. Anyone who loves Japanese food must go there. 

Irusu – 居留守

Imagine someone you don’t want to see at your doorstep, so you pretend you are not home. There is a word to express that in Japanese, and it’s called irusu. 

Ganbatte – 頑張って

Ganbatte is an essential word in Japan used to encourage people to strive for something. It’s all about the positivity of doing your best, moving forward, fighting, working hard and not giving up. 

The word means to persevere, persist or insist and is often translated as good luck. 

A similar expression – Nanakorobi yaoki – translates to “fall down seven times, stand up eight” and is one of the best ways to describe the Japanese spirit. 

Mono no aware – 物の哀れ

Mono no aware refers to the awareness of the fading nature of beauty. It is about being aware of the temporary existence of things, therefore, appreciating them while they last. A great example of mono no aware is hanami and hanabi (summer fireworks). Cherry blossoms (sakura) are important to Japanese people since they have a short blooming period. 

Omotenashi – お持て成し

The Land of the Rising Sun is undoubtedly a warm country where you will be able to get help for the slightest problem. Omotenashi is about treating your guest, customer or neighbour the best way possible. It goes with ichigo ichie seen in tea ceremonies. The idea is that every meeting with a guest is a unique moment that should be treasured. 

I believe this goes beyond the concept of “Treat others as you would like to be treated”. The term describes deep hospitality often seen in accommodations, shops, restaurants, etc. the best places to experience omotenashi are tea ceremonies and ryokans.

Essential everyday Japanese words

A fundamental way of thinking in Japanese culture, especially Buddhism, is to appreciate. Not all of these essential Japanese words have a tangible equivalent in English. But knowing them and how to use them will help you make the most of your trip to Japan.

Itadakimasu – いただきます

When eating a meal, people say itadakimasu, which loosely translates to “bon appetit” or “let’s eat”. A better translation of this word is “ I humbly receive”. The purpose is to thank the person who cooked the food you are about to eat and all the other people involved in the food production.

Gochisousama deshita – ごちそうさまでした

After you’ve finished eating, you say ごちそうさまでした, which means “Thank you for this meal.” as with Itadakimasu, it’s about being thankful for the food. 

Whenever you are in someone’s house or a restaurant, it’s a polite thing to do to thank your host. 

Otsukaresama – お疲れ様

In the same vein as itadakimasu and gochisousama, otsukaresama is used to thank someone. Short for お疲れ様でした (otsukaresama deshita), it means “You are tired because you’ve worked hard!”. It’s a useful word used between coworkers or friends as a greeting, goodbye, or to express gratitude for their hard work and contribution. 

When meeting my Japanese teacher (who is now a good friend) after work, she would say the first and last thing to me was “otsukare”. This word is one of my favourites as it is the synonym of all the hard work I put into learning the language. 

Ojama shimasu – お邪魔します

When entering someone’s room or house in Japan, you must say “ojamashimasu” which means ‘thank you for inviting me’ or ‘thank you for having me’. This expression is also used to say ‘sorry to disturb’ you when talking to someone or interrupting a conversation. 

You say this every time you enter someone’s home, whether planned or unexpected. When you leave, you repeat the phrase but in the past tense: お邪魔しました (ojama shimashita).

Hard to translate Japanese words

The Japanese language has many words that are hard to translate. Sometimes, they relate to a particular aspect of the country. Here are some of my favourite words. 

Shouga nai – しょうがない

This word is handy as it enables people to think positively even in unpleasant or frustrating situations. “Shouga nai” means something similar to “it can’t be helped” or “nothing can be done.” Instead of brooding about things you have no control over, you can use the word, to forget about it. Worrying, guilt or regret then makes no sense.

Having said that, “shouga nai” is a far more complex word and comes with many cultural weights, which might be hard to understand. The expression refers to a philosophy of existence based on the importance of acceptance. 

Tsundoku – 積ん読

Do you have piles of books just waiting to be read? Do you visit bookstores and buy books because they look pretty? If so, then you might be doing tsundoku. 

Tsundoku is the art of buying and accumulating books without ever reading them. The urge to buy a new book knowing that we won’t have time to read them indicates how much people love books, even as e-readers are present. I’m sure most of us have a book or two lying around and dying to be read. I am guilty as charged since I find it more and more difficult to leave my phone for a while.

Komorebi – 木漏れ日

Imagine you are in a park on a summer day, lying in the shade and enjoying a peaceful time. Suddenly you see the light filtering through the branches of a leafy tree and hitting the grass? In the Japanese language, it is called: komorebi. The shadow created on the ground, or even in our curtains, describes this everyday beauty. Poetic right? I don’t know if any other language has a way of describing this.

Cool Japanese Onomatopoeia Words

In the Japanese language, there are many onomatopoeia, words that mimic the sound of the things they are referring to. The Japanese language has different categories for onomatopoeia, each with its way of expressing things. Doki doki and Kasakasa are two of my favorites. 

Doki doki – どきどき – ドキドキ 

Doki doki expresses both the sounds of a living thing (gisei-go) and an emotional state (gijou-go), which describes the feeling of excitement or nervousness and the actual sound of a rapid heartbeat. 
When you exercise, for example, after climbing six flights of stairs, when you are excited, worried or upset, your heart rate goes faster, right? It goes something like dokidokidokidokidoki, but when you are relaxed, it’s more the slow doki…doki…doki… sound.

Kasakasa – かさかさ, カサカサ

Kasakasa is a word that describes the rustling sound that dry things make when they touch each other. 

I first came across this cute Japanese word when I visited Nikko with my Japanese friends. We walked along a path full of Ginko trees on an Autumn day. My friend said that the noise we were making when walking on Ginko leaves was “kasakasa”.

BONUS

Yoko-meshi – 横飯

Yoko-meshi is an expression I relate to and rank high on my favourites list. This beautiful Japanese word means “a meal eaten sideways”. It comes from “meshi”, which means ‘boiled rice’ and “yoko”, which means ‘horizontal”. And no, it doesn’t mean that we are eating rice the wrong way!

It refers to the stress and awkwardness of making yourself understood in a foreign language. The feeling you get when forced to speak in a different language and the anxiety of not being able to understand or be understood. 

This concludes my guide to beautiful and meaningful Japanese words. Hope you enjoyed the article; if you did, please comment below and share it more widely. What are your favourite Japanese words mentioned above or not?

Want to learn some Japanese words before your next trip to Japan? Check out this blog post too: 30+ Useful Japanese phrases for travellers

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Credit photos: Canva & SecretMoona