As anime is Japanese you’ll often find that there are plenty of Japanese words or phrases included, and that the sub culture has something of its own language.
You’ll also see plenty of cultural Japanese references when you watch anime or read manga, and this glossary aims to cover the basics so you can speak (or at least understand) the lingo.
A – ANIME
Anime is animation from Japan, and it can also refer to any animation that emulates Japanese art style.
B – BAKA
An insult often used in anime meaning idiot, or stupid.
C – CHIBI
A small animal or person that is very cute due to its slight size.
D – DOUJINSHI
Fan-made manga that is sold in stores or online.
E – ECCHI
Anime that includes sexual themes that are not explicit.
F – FAN SERVICE
Any shots that add a bit of sex appeal such as cleavage or up skirt imagery that don’t really enhance the story but add enjoyment factor for fans.
G – GAKURAN
The middle and high school uniform worn in Japan.
H – HAREM
A sub-genre of anime where the protagonist is surrounded by women (or men) who are attracted to them. A harem is often used to illustrate a characters popularity.
I – ITAI
In English the direct translation would be the exclamation Ouch!
J – J-POP
Japanese pop music that is often used as a theme song.
K – KAWAII
Kawaii means cute.
L – LOLITA
A Japanese fashion where girl’s wear outfits that aspires to make them look child like.
M – MANGA
Traditionally a black and white Japanese comic style.
N – NANI?
In English nani means What?
O – OTAKU
A fanboy or hardcore anime fan.
P – POCKY
A cookie on a stick.
Q – Q-VERSION
A cute person, animal or object.
R – RAMUNE
Popular flavoured soda that has a ball in the bottle of the neck. Perfect for drinking when watching anime or playing the online Roulette Australia has to offer.
S – SHOUNEN and SHOUJO
Shounen means boys and shoujo means girls.
T – TSUNDERE
A cold, indifferent character that gradually develops over time to reveal their warm and happy personality.
U – URUSAI
This means noisy, but can also be used a bit rudely to say shut up.
V – VISUAL KEI
A Japanese fashion that was started by musicians that is flashy and elegant. Elaborate costumes and make up are part of the look, and often the focus is on androgyny.
W – WEEABOO
A rude term for a non-Japanese person who is obsessed with the culture and tries to emulate it at every turn.
X – X GESTURES
The X is Japan’s way of saying NO very firmly. You’ll often see it displayed in anime and used to illustrate a very firm no.
Y – YAOI/YURI
These terms describe anime or mange that has a love story based on homosexuality or gay love. Yaoi refers to men and Yuri for women.
Z – ZETTAI
Means absolutely in English, and is often used when a charter is making a very firm stand about something.