9 Japanese-English words that are different from what you think

Walking around Japan, especially in big cities like Tokyo, you’ll encounter many words borrowed from English and other foreign languages. These words have evolved and been incorporated into the Japanese language. usually written in Katakana Syllables (or Molek system), which are pronounced according to Japanese phonetic rules.

“Japanese English” words, e.g. Buteru (hotel) and eRebeta- (elevator) is direct English, while Depato (department store), pasocon (PC) and sumaho (smartphone) as a shortened mainstream nickname, aka a loanword for trim. Hoji Mushu (return Hot ground Mushu), or stapler, derived from the American office supplies brand EH Hotchkiss Company—an example of a brand name becoming a generic trademark. Sometimes, as in the Russian-derived kachusha (Headband), vocabulary sprouted seemingly at random.

But other times, what appear to be genuine foreign words (called Alien Ge) are an entirely different beast, with meanings completely different from the images they conjure up in the minds of English speakers. Such words of English origin are called Hoshi Eigocomposed of pseudo-English, some simple, but others completely original creations, composed of elements from multiple sources, in this case English words or phrases.

Here is a list of common and holy eigo terms you may come across that will make you think twice, with an explanation of what each word really means.

Common Wasei Eigo Terms

Luxury Homes | Manson

Mistaken for: mansion | Actual meaning: apartment or apartment

This is one of those words that often leads to miscommunication. although Manson While it may conjure up images of a luxurious, castle-like oasis, in Japanese the word simply means “apartment” or “apartment.” These multi-story residential buildings are usually made of reinforced concrete or steel and offer more security and sound insulation than other residential buildings. do what — Typically smaller apartment buildings are built with wood or light steel structures. High-end luxury homes may have more amenities, such as concierge services, but they are often modest homes.

takeout? When your friends invite you to their “manshon,” they probably mean “manshon,” so don’t set your expectations too high.

Coordination | Code

Mistaken as: code | Actual meaning: clothing

Code Yes the shortened version cordineto (coordination). While “coordinates” in English may sound a bit stiff, “ko-de” in Japanese simply emphasizes the intentional thought process used to create a cohesive and stylish whole. It is a casual term that describes any well-coordinated outfit or appearance.

Earrings | Piassoux

Mistaken for: Pierce | Actually means: Earrings

While a typical pierced earring could technically be classified as a “piercing,” the term generally refers to jewelry placed anywhere other than the earlobe—think tragus or navy piercings. However, the difference between “piercing” and “earring” in Japanese is different: Piassoux is an accessory that goes through the skin, and Yalingu See clip-on earrings.

In Japan, a 2014 study found that only 25% of Japanese women have had their ears pierced (fewer have had their ears pierced elsewhere), and many elementary and middle schools ban any form of piercing, so you’re likely to encounter more clip-on designs.

Vikings | Worshiping money

Mistaken for: Cycling | Actual meaning: Buffet

Cafeterias have various names. The Japanese term is taboo platform (all you can eat), but you’ll also see borrowed words biouf (buffet) and Worship money (Vikings). While the Japanese pronunciation of “Viking” sounds like a bicycling activity, it definitely isn’t – although it’s likely that biking will be required after “Viking” to combat the food coma that will almost certainly occur.

There are two opinions on the etymology of baikingu. One theory links the Vikings’ Nordic origins to Swedish buffets, while another claims the term became popular after Japan’s first buffet experience opened in 1958 at the Imperial Viking Restaurant in Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel.

Export | Consonto

Mistaken as: Agree | Actual meaning: Power socket

agree It does not mean granting permission; rather, it is the Japanese word for electrical outlet or outlet. A “concentric plug” is a tricky form of tailoring, a term that dates back to electrical sockets introduced to Japan from Europe during the Meiji era, and the devices were named for their rounded shape. Over time, the word was shortened to “konsento.”

Complex | Comprecusu

Mistaken as: Complex | Actually means: Insecurity

In English, the word “complex” has several meanings. However, when used alone, it usually refers to something that is challenging or complex – an activity, situation, system, etc. The most common meaning in Japanese comprecusuOn the other hand, concepts derived from inferiority complex. Although casual English has similar uses of the word “complex” to express feelings of inferiority or sensitivity, such as body parts, this specific usage is not as popular. In Japanese, konpurekkusu is a standardized noun that indicates an insecurity about oneself and leads to feelings of inferiority.

To make things more complicated, konpurekkusu can be shortened to kombuthe clipped form you hear in short compound words learn knowledge – Insecurities surrounding academic backgrounds when talking to highly educated people.

Seal|Shiru

Mistaken as: seal | Actual meaning: sticker

Many animals in the zoo are labeled with English loanwords, e.g. district (lion) and think (penguin), shi-ru Might be a confusing near homophone. However, it does not refer to the marine mammals known as “seals.” Instead, it means “sticker.”

The term “shi-ru” is believed to have been first used around 1911, when Japan’s Imperial Household Agency commissioned a seal bearing the imperial family’s 16-petal chrysanthemum crest to secure a gift for the coronation of British King George V. In the late 1920s, adhesives expanded the uses of seals and developed into the sticky-backed decorative stationery we know today.

Nowadays, stickers are also known as Sutka- ——Although there has been a lot of ink discussing shiru and sutekka– It’s the same thing. While neither seems to have a strict definition, many printing companies adhere to this guideline: Shi-ru is suitable for indoor use; Sutka– Suitable for outdoor use. That said, you will find some stationery Depending on the intended use, there is no clear distinction between the two.

Mechanical Pencil | Sand Basin

Mistaken as: sharpening | Actual meaning: mechanical pencil

In Japanese, “sha-pen” sounds like “sharpen,” but minus the “r,” and it’s not a verb; This is what “automatic pencil” means. The origins of this pseudo-Britishism – a cut form of “sha-pu penshiru” (sharp pencil) – have to do at least in part with Sharp, one of the world’s most famous electronics manufacturers. Before Sharp was founded, it was a metalworking shop owned and operated by Tokuji Hayakawa. In 1915, Hayakawa invented the Hayakawa mechanical pencil, which was patented in 1920. The pencil was eventually marketed as the Ever-Ready Sharp Pencil.

Across the Pacific in the United States, another mechanical pencil with the word “sharp” in its name is selling well: Eversharp pencils. Whether Hayakawa’s pencil was used alone or in combination, the name “sha-pu penshiru” stuck. Today, you’ll hear mechanical pencils referred to as “sha-pu penshiru,” “sha-pu pen,” “sha-pen,” and “sha-pu.”

Poker|Tolanpu

Mistaken for: (President) Trump | Actual meaning: playing cards

Derived from the popular English term “ace” in the 19th century, Tollamp Specifically refers to Western-style playing cards, such as the 52-card French playing cards, introduced in a meaningful way during the Meiji period. However, Toranpu is not suitable for Japanese style cards, e.g. damage.

While the context usually makes the meaning clear, when discussing U.S. presidents, you may see an honorific (e.g., Toranpu-shi) appended to the name to eliminate any potential confusion.

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