Shadow

Glossary of Japanese Words and Phrases

Chan: Suffix used for female friends or those younger than the speaker

Chigau yo: “It’s not like that” or “No.” Literally, “It’s different”

Deshou: “Right?” Used to look for agreement when the speaker isn’t sure what’s being said is accurate

Furoshiki: A cloth traditionally used to wrap lunch boxes or other goods

Genkan: The foyer or entrance of a Japanese building. Usually the floor of the genkan is lower than the rest of the building to keep shoes and outside things separate from the clean raised floor inside.

Hai: “Yes.” Also used as a filler word to show that one is listening to the speaker

Heiki: “It’s fine” or “I’m not concerned”

Ii yo: “Sure”

Inugami: A dog demon from Shinto tradition. Known for their uncontrollable wrath and murderous instincts

Ittekuru: Tough guy slang for Ittekimasu, “I’m leaving (and coming back).” Said when leaving the home

Itterasshai: “Go (and come back safely).” Said when someone is leaving the home

Kaasan: Tough guy slang for Okaasan, “Mom”

Kagura: An ancient style of theatrical dance

Keitai: Cell phone

Kendouka: A kendo participant

Kotatsu: A heated table used in Japanese homes in the winter.

Mou: As used in SHADOW, depicts annoyance at the situation. “Jeez!”

Nani: “What?”

Ne: “Isnt it?” It can also be used as “Hey!” to get someone’s attention (like “Ne, Tanaka”)

Ohayo: “Good morning”

Oi: “Hey”

Onigiri: Rice balls

Sakura: The cherry blossoms

Sa-me zo: Tough guy slang for Samui yo, “It’s cold”

Shabu shabu: Japanese hot pot, a popular meal. Raw vegetables, meat and fish are cooked in a shared pot of boiling broth on the table and then dipped in various sauces before eating

Shinai: A sword made of bamboo slats tied together, used for kendo

Shinkansen: The bullet train

Suki: “I like you” or “I love you,” often used when confessing feelings for the first time

Tatami: Traditional mat flooring made of woven straw

Torii: Shinto entrance monument to a shrine. The O-Torii is the famous orange gate in front of Itsukushima Shrine

Tousan: Tough guy slang for Otousan, “Dad”

Tsuki: A kendo hit to the throat

Urusai: “Shut up!” Literally, “it’s noisy”

Yokatta: “Thank god”

Yuzu: A citrus fruit popular in Japanese sauces, drinks and dishes