List of gairaigo and wasei-eigo terms


This is a selected list of gairaigo, Japanese words originating or based on foreign-language terms, including wasei-eigo.
Many of these loanwords derive from Portuguese, due to Portugal's early role in Japanese-Western interaction; Dutch, due to the Netherlands' relationship with Japan amidst the policy of sakoku during the Edo period; and from French and German, due to France and Germany's cultural and scientific prominence during Japan's modernization in the Meiji period.
However, most come from English, the dominant world language today. Due to the large number of western concepts imported into Japanese culture during modern times, there are thousands of these English borrowings. These English words are informally referred to as having been "Nipponized". A few of them, such as "salaryman", have nevertheless been borrowed into English together with their Japanese meanings.
Japanese vocabulary also includes large numbers of words from Chinese, borrowed at various points throughout history. However, since the Japanese language has such strong historical ties to the Chinese language, these loans are not generally considered gairaigo.
Many loanwords are in fact pseudo-borrowings: despite their links to foreign language words, the word forms as used in modern Japanese are not used in the same way in their languages of origin. In fact, many such terms, despite their similarity to the original foreign words, are not easily understood by speakers of those languages.
See the list of Japanese terms mistaken for gairaigo for details of words or terms mistaken for foreign loanwords and false cognates.

Examples

Due to the extent of Japanese borrowings, particularly from English, this list focuses mainly on pseudo-borrowings and commonly used loanwords from languages other than English. Most loanwords are transcribed in katakana, a kana whose usage approximates English italics. Older loans may be written using ateji, with Kanji used to represent their phonetic readings without necessarily inheriting their meaning. In words composed of both a loan and native Japanese, the Japanese can function as a morpheme within a compound, or can be attached to the foreign word to inflect or otherwise modify it, as if it were okurigana.
JapaneseHepburn romanizationOriginMeaningLanguage of origin
アベックabekkuavec romantic coupleFrench
アフレコafu-rekoaf + recorpostrecording, dubbingEnglish
アフターサービスafutā sābisuafter servicecustomer service, user support, after-care, serviceEnglish
アイドルaidoruidol idol, pop starEnglish
アイス, アイスクリームaisu, aisu kurīmuice/Eis, ice creamice; ice creamEnglish/German
アイスキャンディーaisu-kyandīice + candypopsicle, ice lollyEnglish
アイゼンaizeneisen cramponsGerman
アメフト amefutoAme footAmerican footballEnglish
アメリカンドッグamerikan dogguAmerican dogcorn dogEnglish
アニメ anime 'anima, animeanimation, animated cartoons or films English
アニソン anisonani + sonan anime song, most often the themeEnglish
アンケートankētoenquêtequestionnaire, surveyFrench
アンニュイannyuiennui, boredomFrench
アンサーansāanswerreply to a question, solution to a problemEnglish
アンチanchianti-hater, anti-fanEnglish
アパートapātoapartapartment, flat, though apāto are usually in small two-story wood-structure buildings, not multistory complexes as in the US usageEnglish
アポapoappoappointmentEnglish
〜アップ-appuupto upgrade or improve. Coupled with English or pseudo-English nouns that indicate what that something is; e.g., version-up: upgrade, buy the next-better version or model of something, improve the appearance of something; image-up: improve the image of, improve one's outward appearance; "weight-up": to gain weight; manner-up: improve one's manners, learn manners or etiquette; power-up: an object that instantly benefits or adds extra abilities to a video game character; base-up, level-up: take to the next or a higher level of quality; also base-up : to raise the base wage of the workersEnglish
アロエaroealoëaloeDutch
アロワナarowanaarwana or arowanaa freshwater bony fish of the family Osteoglossidae.Indonesian
アルバイト or バイトarubaito or baitoArbeit part-time jobGerman
アールブイārubuiRVtruck, van, SUV, recreational vehicleEnglish
アルコールarukōrualcohol, álcoolalcohol, alcoholic beverageArabic
アウトコースautokōsuout-courseoutsideEnglish
バーゲンbāgenbargaina sale at a storeEnglish
バイキングbaikinguvikingsmorgasbord, buffet. English
バイクbaikubikea motorcycle, but not a bicycleEnglish
バカンスbakansuvacancesholiday, vacationFrench
ブックカバーbukku kabābook coverdust jacketEnglish
バックミラーbakku mirāback mirrorrear-view mirrorEnglish
バックナンバーbakku nanbāback numberback issueEnglish
バックネットbakku nettoback neta backstop English
バンパーbanpābumpera horizontal bar fixed across the front or back of a motor vehicle to reduce damage in a collision or as a trimEnglish
バリアフリーbaria furībarrier-freeaccessible facilities for handicapped personsEnglish
バリカンbarikan:fr:Bariquand et Marre|Bariquand et Marrehand-operated or electric hair trimmerFrench
バスジャックbasu jakkubus jacka bus hijacking English?
バターbatābutterbutter, sometimes used on food packaging for margarineEnglish
バッティングbattingubatting or buttingSwing the bat in baseball; or, to project forward or propose competitively on business or others by two or more parties, like "butting heads" by animals.English
ベビーカーbebī kābaby carstroller, pushchair or pram English
ベッドタウンbeddo taunbed townbedroom suburbs, bedroom community, dormitory suburb, commuter townEnglish
ビー玉bīdamavi + 玉 marblesPortuguese + Japanese
ビジネスホテルbijinesu hoterubusiness hotelbudget hotelEnglish
ビロードbirōdoveludovelvetPortuguese
ビルbirubuilbuilding English
ビールbīrubierbeerDutch
ボンベbonbeBombea steel for storing pressurized gas, such as a propane tankGerman
ボールペンbōru penball pena ballpoint penEnglish
ボタンbotanbotãobuttonPortuguese
ブランコburankobalançoa swingPortuguese
ブラセラ or ブルセラburasera or buruserabloo sailorpanty fetishism, especially with teenage girls wearing school outfits and bloomers.English
ブルセラショップburu-sera-shoppubloo + sailor + shopa shop selling schoolgirls' used underwear and other fetish itemsEnglish
ブレザーburezāblazerblazer, or a Japanese school uniform that includes that garment. It usually has buttons down the front and a vest under it with a white collared shirt.English
ブルマburumabloomersshort pants worn for exercise by girls, usually in PE class in high schoolEnglish
キャビンアテンダントkyabin atendanto cabin attendantA flight attendantEnglish
チャージchājichargeto top up, to add value, used for e-paymentEnglish
チャンプルーchanpurūcampurstir fry dish from OkinawaMalay or Indonesian
チェンジレバーchenji-rebāchange + levergearshift, gear lever, gear stickEnglish
チェリーボーイcherī bōicherry boya male virginEnglish
チアガール, チアマン, チアリーダーchia gāru, chia man, cheerleadercheer girl, cheer man, cheerleader, cheerleaderEnglish
チアリーディングchiarīdingucheerleadingcheerleadingEnglish
チケットchikettoticketticketEnglish
チンキchinkitinktuurtinctureDutch
チューハイ or 酎ハイchūhai酎 + higha kind of alcoholic drink from JapanJapanese + English
コラボkorabocollabcollaboration; crossoverEnglish
コンピューター or コンピュータkonpyūtā or konpyūtacomputercomputerEnglish
ダブル, ダブる. Also: "W"daburudouble double; double-breasted, or turn-ups on trousers; to be redundant or doubledEnglish
ダンプカーdanpu kādump cardump truck, dumper English
ダストボックスdasuto bokkusudust boxrubbish bin, garbage can English
ダッチワイフdatchi-waifuDutch + wifesex dollEnglish
ダウンロードオンリーメンバーdaunrōdo onrī menbādownload-only membera computing leechEnglish
〜ティック or 〜⁠チック-tikku or -chikku"-tic", as in tic, tic-esque, attached to a noun. For example, a product with cute character illustrations may be considered "Akihabara-chikku". English
デッドボールdeddo bōrudead ballhit by a pitchEnglish
デコレーションケーキdekorēshon kēkidecoration cakea fancy cakeEnglish
電子レンジ or レンジdenshi renji or renji電子 + rangea microwave ovenJapanese + English
デパートdepātodepartdepartment storeEnglish
デパ地下depa chikade + 地下 a shopping area, often focused on food and located adjacent to train stations, found in major cities in JapanEnglish + Japanese
デリバリーヘルスderibarī herusudelivery healtha form of prostitution, essentially a call girl or escort serviceEnglish
デッサンdessandessinline drawing, sketchFrench
デスクdesukudeskan editor for a certain section of a publication. English
ドアカットdoakattodoor + cutselective door operationEnglish
ドイツdoitsuDuits, DeutschGermanyDutch, German
ドクター ストップdokutā sutoppudoctor stopwhen the doctor tells a patient to stop doing somethingEnglish
ドンマイdonmaidon mi"don't worry about it", "don't pay any mind", "it's/I'm OK", "no problem". Used when something goes wrong.English
ドライバーdoraibādrivera screwdriver; motor vehicle driverEnglish
ドライブインdoraibuindrive inrest area, motor lodge, drive-inEnglish
ドラマdoramadramaTV drama, soap operaEnglish / Spanish / Latin
ドリフトdorifutodriftdrifting English
エアコンeakonair con / conair conditioning or air conditionerEnglish
AVēbui or ēvuiwasei-eigo AVadult video; audiovisual English
エキスekisuexextractDutch
エネルギッシュenerugisshuenergischenergeticGerman
エンストensutoen stostall English
NGenu-jīn + gnot good or no good, acronym, usually director's cuts, bonus scenes that had to be cut, which takes place somewhere of the main runtime, relevant to show unlike Omake, not broadcast along with main, of movies, shows, animeEnglish
エレベーターerebētāelevatorelevator, lift English
エロeroeroeroticGreek / English / Spanish
エログeroguero + logerotic blog, adult-oriented blogEnglish
エログロeroguroero groan artistic movement featuring "erotic grotesque nonsense" that emerged in Japan in the early 20th centuryEnglish
エールēruyell to cheer on a player in a sports competition; to express support for a candidate in an electionEnglish
LLCeruerushīacronym for "long-life coolant"antifreeze coolantsEnglish
エスカレーターesukarētāescalatorescalatorEnglish
エステesuteesthébeauty salon, esthetic clinicFrench
エッチetchiH dirty, naughty; sex. English
ファイナルfainarufinallastEnglish
ファイトfaitofightoften used to mean "Do your best!" or "I'll do my best."English
ファミコンfamikon, Famicom 'fami comthe Nintendo Entertainment System. Also a catch-all term by the older generation for any gaming console.English
ファンファーレfanfāreFanfarea musical fanfareGerman
ファンタジックfantajikkufantasy + -icfantasticEnglish
ファッションヘルスfasshon herusufashion healtha form of brothelEnglish
フェッチfetchifetch To fetch an instruction from main memory when a microprocessor executes a commandEnglish
~フェチfechifetifetish English
フィリピンパブfiripin-pabuPhilippines + puba bar with Filipino staffEnglish
フォアボールfoabōrufour ballwalk, base on, ball fourEnglish
フライfuraiflyfly ball English
フライfuraifrydeep fryingEnglish
フライングゲットfuraingu gettoflying getto purchase an item before its official release dateEnglish
フライドポテトfuraido potetofried potatofrench fries, chips English
フライングfuraingu flying premature start, breakawayEnglish
フリーダイアル or フリーダイヤル, フリーコールfurī daiaru or furī daiyaru, furī kōrufree dial, free calltoll-free callEnglish
フリーサイズfurī saizufree sizeone-size-fits-allEnglish
フリーターfurītāfree Arbei
or: free time
underemployed young adults, people who opt to work part-time jobs rather than engage in permanent employmentEnglish + German
フロントfurontofront the reception desk, e.g. at a hotel or a sentōEnglish
フロントガラスfuronto garasufront glasswindshield, windscreen English
ガードマンgādo manguard mana security guard, a person who directs traffic around work sitesEnglish
ガラス or 硝子garasuglas or glassglass Dutch or English
ガソリンスタンドgasorin sutandogasoline standgas station, petrol station English
ガタパーチャgata pāchagetah perca or gutta perchaa hard tough thermoplastic substance which is the coagulated latex of certain Malaysian treesMalay via English
ガッツポーズgattsu pōzuguts posefist pump, victory poseEnglish
ガーゼgāzeGazegauzeGerman
ゲームセンター or ゲーセンgēmu sentā or gēsengame centrevideo arcadeEnglish
ゲレンデgerendeGelände ski slopeGerman
ギブgibugive to give upEnglish
ギプス or ギブスgipusu or gibusuGipscast German
ゴムgomugomrubber, eraser, rubber bandDutch
ゴールデンアワー or ゴールデンタイムgōruden awā or gōruden taimugolden hour or golden timeprime time in Japanese televisionEnglish
ゴールデンウィーク or ゴールデンウイークgōruden wīku or gōruden uīkugolden weekA week of holidays in Japan, Golden Week.English
ググるgugurugoog + -ru to googleEnglish + Japanese
グラビアgurabiagravureglamour photographyEnglish
グラスgurasuglassdrinking glassEnglish
グロgurogrogrotesqueEnglish
ギャラリーgyararīgalleryan art gallery, audience, or a pool of celebrities on a program.English
ギャルgyarugala young woman who belongs to the gyaru subcultureEnglish
ハイカラhaikarahigh colla a person who was devoted to Western fashions, trends and values. E.g., manga/anime Haikara-san ga Tōru.English
ハイネックhainekkuhigh neckA turtleneck style shirt or sweaterEnglish
ハイオクhaiokuhigh octanehigh-octane gasolineEnglish
ハイタッチhaitatchihigh touchHigh fiveEnglish
ハッカーhakkāhackerrefers specifically to a computer black hatEnglish
ハモるhamoruharmo + -ru to harmonize English + Japanese
ハンバーグhanbāguhamburgSalisbury steak English
ハンチング帽hanchingu-bōhunting + 帽 deerstalker cap, hunting capEnglish + Japanese
ハンドルhandoruhandlesteering wheel or bicycle handlebarsEnglish
ハンドルキーパーhandoru kīpāhandle keeperdesignated driverEnglish
ハンドルネームhandoru nēmuhandle namehandle, screen nameEnglish
ハンカチhankachihankerchiehandkerchiefEnglish
ハンストhansutohun sthunger strikeEnglish
ハッピーエンドhappī endohappy enda happy endingEnglish
ハウス hausu house greenhouse or glasshouseEnglish
ヘアピンカーブheapin kābuhairpin curvehairpin turnEnglish
ヘルスメーターherusu mētāhealth meterbathroom scales, scalesEnglish
ヒステリーhisuterīHysterieloss of controlGerman
ヒップhippuHipsbuttocks, buttEnglish
ホルモンhorumonHormonhormone; also offal when served for yakiniku or hotpotGerman
ホースhōsuhoosa hoseDutch
ホッチキスhotchikisuHotchkissstapler English
ホテヘルスhote-herusuhote + healtherotic massage provided in a hotel roomEnglish
ホテトルhote-toruhote + Tursexual services provided in a hotel roomEnglish
ホットケーキhotto kēkihotcakea pancake, hotcakeEnglish
ホームhōmuforma railway platformEnglish
ホワイトデーhowaito dēWhite + DayWhite Day, a month after Valentine's DayEnglish
イエスiesuJesusJesusGreek
イギリスigirisu*inglês or inglésEnglish, England or the United Kingdom*Portuguese and Spanish
イクラikuraикра salmon roeRussian
イメージimējiimagean image, often used to indicate an artist's rendering or a graphic intended to provide a conceptual image of a situation; especially in advertising and design, a conceptual description intended to conjure a mental image of an abstract situation; impression or perception of an entity.English
イメージクラブimēji-kurabuimage + cluba type of brothel in which the staff dress in costumes English
インスタinsutaInstagramInstagramEnglish
インフレinfureinflainflationEnglish
イン・キーin kīin keylocking one's car keys inside of one's carEnglish
イラストirasutoillustan illustrationEnglish
イヤー・オブ・ザ・コーチiyā obu za kōchiyear of the coachcoach of the year English
ジャンパーjanpājumperjacket, jumper English
ジェンダーフリーjendā furīgender freegender equality, gender blindEnglish
ジェットコースターjetto kōsutājet coasterroller coasterEnglish
ジンギスカンjingisukanGenghis Khanjingisukan Mongolian
ジーパンjīpanjea + panjeansEnglish
ジープjīpujeepa small, sturdy motor vehicle with four-wheel drive, especially one used by the militaryEnglish
ジュースjūsujuicesoda or energy drinks, regardless of whether they contain any juiceEnglish
カーセックスkā-sekkusucar + sexpublic sex English
カチューシャkachūshaKatyusha, a character in the novel ResurrectionAlice band: horseshoe-shaped hairband made of metal or plastic. However, in Russian it is ободок.Russian
カメラマンkameramancameramanphotographer or cameramanEnglish
カモン or カモーンkamon or kamōncome onAn invitation to join an activity or event.English
カン or 缶kankancan Dutch
カンニングkanningucunningcheatingEnglish
カッパ or 合羽kappacapa, capa coatPortuguese / Spanish
カランkarankraanfaucetDutch
カラオケkaraoke空 + orchekaraokeJapanese + English
カリウム or カリ or 加里kariumu or karikaliumpotassiumDutch
カルキkarukikalklime Dutch
カルピスkarupisucal + सर पिस pis Calpis English + Sanskrit
カルタkarutacartakaruta Portuguese / Spanish
カルテkaruteKarte medical recordGerman
カシューナッツKashū nattsucashew nutcashewEnglish
カステラkasutera Castela castella, a kind of sponge cake at festivals and a street food in JapanPortuguese
カタルシスkatarushisukatharsis catharsis, purification, purgationGreek
キーホルダーkī horudākey holderkey ring or key chainEnglish
キーボードkībōdokeyboarda keyboardEnglish
キリスト or 基督kirisutoCristoChrist*Portuguese / Spanish
キスマークkisu mākukiss markhickeyEnglish
キッチンペーパーkitchin pēpākitchen paperpaper towelEnglish
コーヒー or 珈琲kōhīkoffiecoffeeDutch
コインランドリーkoin randorīcoin laundrylaundromat, launderette English
コインロッカーkoin rokkācoin lockercoin-operated lockerEnglish
コックkokkukoka cookDutch
コマーシャルメッセージ or CMkomāsharu messejicommercial messagetelevision advertisementEnglish
コミカライズkomikaraizucomic + to make a comic strip version of an originally non-comic strip title, such as a novel, movie, or TV show.English
コンビニkonbiniconveniconvenience storeEnglish
コンビナートkonbinātoкомбинат combine Russian
コンクールkonkūruconcoursa contest, a competitionFrench
コンセントkonsentoconcentpower outletEnglish
コントkontocontea short comedyFrench
コップkoppucopoa glass or tumblerPortuguese
コラーゲンkorāgenKollagencollagenGerman
コロッケーkorokkecroquettecroquette, a small fried rollEnglish
コスプレkosupurecos playcosplay English
クラブ or 倶楽部kurabucluba club or societyEnglish
クラクションkurakushonKlaxonhorn English
クランケkurankeKrankerpatientGerman
クレームkurēmuclaima complaintEnglish
クレーンゲームkurēn-gēmucrane + gameclaw crane English
クリスタルkurisutarucrystalshiny or clearEnglish
キャバクラkyabakuracabaret clubhostess clubEnglish
キャベツkyabetsucabbagecabbageEnglish
キャンペーンkyanpēncampaigna sales campaign or sweepstakesEnglish
キャンピングカーkyanpingu kācamping-cara recreational vehicle. French-made English
キャッチボールkyatchi bōrucatch ballthe game of catchEnglish
キャッチホンkyatchi honcatch phonecall waitingEnglish
キャッチコピーkyatchi kopīcatch copytaglineEnglish
キャップkyappucapcapEnglish
マグカップmagu kappumug cupmugEnglish
マイナスドライバーmainasu doraibāminus driver screwdriverEnglish
マイ〜mai~mySomeone's own. E.g., mai būmu: personal taste; mai kã: one's own car; mai waifu : one's wife; mai hōmū: one's own house; mai pēsu: doing things at one's own pace, taking one's time. Confusingly for English speakers, this can be used to refer to someone else's car, wife, home, etc.English
マジックインキmajikku inkiMagic Inkpermanent marker English
マジックテープmajikku tēpumagic tapevelcroEnglish
ママmamamamámomSpanish / Portuguese
マンダラ or 曼陀羅mandaraमण्डल mandalaSanskrit via Chinese
マニアmaniamaniaenthusiasm, enthusiastEnglish
マンジャカニmanjakanimanjakani a species of oak, bearing galls that used for traditional medicine in AsiaMalay
マンションmanshonmansionmodern concrete apartment / condominium blockEnglish
満タンmantan満 + tanfull tank Japanese + English
マントルman-toruman + Tursexual services provided in a private apartmentEnglish
マロンmaronmarronchestnut, metaphor for brown eyesFrench
マスコミmasukomimass communicationmass media, the media, the pressEnglish
マザコンmazakonmother comOedipus complex, a strong attachment to one's mother ; "girly man"English
マゾmazo masochistemasochistFrench
メーカーmēkāmakermanufacturerEnglish
メールmērumaile-mailEnglish
メールマガジンmēru magajinmail magazinee-mail newsletter, ezineEnglish
メルヘンmeruhenMärchenfairy taleGerman
メタボmetabometaboFat around the middle, big-belliedEnglish
ミクスチャーロックmikusuchā-rokkumixture + rockrock music with rap, hip-hop, and reggae influences; also, as a catch-all term to describe such genres as rap rock, nu metalEnglish
ミニアルバムmini-arubamumini + albumextended playEnglish
ミイラ or 木乃伊mīramirra a mummyPortuguese / Spanish
ミルクmirukumilkmilk, non-dairy creamerEnglish
ミシンmishinmachinesewing machineEnglish
モバイルmobairumobilemobile communications, mobile communications capability, or mobile communications devices, esp. PDAs and personal computers with wireless communications capabilitiesEnglish
モバメmobamemobile + mailmobile phone-based mailing list subscription, usually used by entertainers to share their daily activities with fansEnglish
モボmobomo bo young men adopting western styles and behavioursEnglish
モガmogamo gi young women adopting western styles and behaviours, flapperEnglish
モーニングコールmōningu kōrumorning callwake-up callEnglish
モーニングコート or モーニングmōningu kōto or mōningumorning coatmorning coatEnglish
モーニングサービス or モーニングmōningu sābisumorning servicebreakfast special, complimentary toast, hard-boiled egg et al. that is served at cafes when a cup of coffee is ordered English
モラトリアム人間moratoriamu ningenmoratorium + 人間 a person who, having completed education and other preparations, delays the transition from student to productive member of society, staying in an uncertain limbo of continued education, part-time work, and parental support English + Japanese
モーテルmōterumotelrecently called as "love hotel". Does not have meaning of English "motel" used by tourists with their own vehicles.English
ムーディmūdimoodyniceEnglish
ムーンサルトmūnsarutomoon + Saltoan artistic gymnastics maneuver. Also used to describe a professional wrestling maneuver.English + German
ナイターnaitānight + -era night gameEnglish
ナンバーディスプレイnanbā disupureinumber displaycaller IDEnglish
ナンバープレートnanbā purētonumber platenumber plate, license plate English
ナトリウムnatoriumuNatriumsodium Latin via German
ニート or NEETnītoNot in Employment, Education or Trainingunderemployed young adults, akin to freeterEnglish
ノイローゼnoirōze:de:Neurose|NeuroseneurosisGerman
ノークレームノーリターンnō kurēmu nō ritānno claim, no returnsold "as is"English
ノルマnorumaнорма , minimum requirement Russian
ノートnōtonotea notebookEnglish
ノートパソコンnōto-pasokonnote + perso + comlaptopEnglish
ニューハーフnyūhāfunew-halfA transgender individual that has undergone a sex change operation.English
オーバーōbāoveroverreaction to a situation or the end of a dating relationshipEnglish
OB, OGōbī, ōjīold boy, old girlalumnus, alumna, former student; furthermore used for former sport team members, employees, politicians etc., for former members of any kind of organisation likewiseEnglish
オーダーメードōdā-mēdoorder + madebespoke English
オーディエンスōdiensuaudiencegroup of people who participate in a showEnglish
オードブルōdoburuhors-d'œuvrehors-d'œuvreFrench
オーエルōeruO.L. female office worker, usually in a clerical or support jobEnglish
オフofuoffa sale at a store; e.g., a "big summer off" English
オフヴォーカルofu-vōkaruoff + vocalbacking track, instrumentalEnglish
オイルショックoiru-shokkuoil + shockoil crisisEnglish
オージーōjīorgyan orgyEnglish
オナニーonanīOnaniemasturbation German
オンリーワンonrīwanonly one one-of-a-kind or unique; e.g., オンリーワン技術 or オンリーワン商品 English
オペopeOP surgical operation, minor surgeryGerman
オープンカーōpun kāopen carconvertible English
オーライōraia righall right, OKEnglish
オルゴールorugōruorgela music box or any instrument that operates off of a music roll, such as a calliopeDutch
オートバイōtobaiauto-bimotorcycle, motorbikeEnglish
パインpainpinepineappleEnglish
パーマpāmapermapermEnglish
パンpanpão, panbreadPortuguese / Spanish
パネリストpanerisutopanelistpanelistEnglish
パンクpankupuncflat tireEnglish
パンストpansutopan + stopantyhoseEnglish
パソコンpasokonperso comPCEnglish
パーソナルコンピューターpāsonaru konpyūtāpersonal computerpersonal computerEnglish
パンツpantsupantsunderpants English
パパpapapapà or papádadItalian or Spanish
ペチカpechikaпечка Russian stoveRussian
ペアルックpea rukkupair lookmatching outfits English
ペニスpenisupenisthe penisLatin
ペンションpenshonpensiona resort hotel / chalet / cottageFrench
ペーパーカンパニーpēpā kanpanīpaper companydummy company, shell companyEnglish
ペーパードライバーpēpā doraibāpaper drivera person who has a driver's license but does not usually drive English
ペーパーテストpēpā tesutopaper testwritten examination/testEnglish
ピエロpieropierrota clownFrench
ピーマンpīmanpimentsweet bell pepperFrench
ピッケルpikkerupickel ice axeGerman
ピンサロンpin-saronpink + salonsex parlorEnglish
ピンチpinchipinchpotentially disastrous situation English
ピンセットpinsettopincettweezersDutch
ポエマーpoemāpoema + -era poetEnglish + Spanish
ポケベルpokeberupocke bellbeeper, pagerEnglish
ポケモンPokémonpocke monPokémonEnglish
ポンプponpupomppumpDutch
ポシェットposhettopochettea small bagFrench
ポストposutoposta mailbox, a postbox English
ポテチpote-chipotato + chipspotato chipsEnglish
プラスアルファpurasu arufaplus alpha in addition, a little bit more, with something elseEnglish + Greek
プラスドライバーpurasu doraibāplus driverPhillips screwdriverEnglish
プレイガイドpurei gaidoplay + guide ticket agencyEnglish
プリクラpurikuraPrint Club photo booth#purikuraEnglish
プロpuroprofessionaldescribes a business professional or professional sportsEnglish
プロフィールpurofīruprofila profileFrench
プロレスpuroresupro wrestprofessional wrestlingEnglish
プッシュホンpusshu honpush phonepush-button telephone. A genericized trademark first registered by the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public CorporationEnglish
ラブドールrabu-dōrulove + dolla sex doll made of siliconeEnglish
ラブホテルrabu hoterulove hotellove hotel English
ライバルraibarurivalA fellow competitor or an enemyEnglish
ライブアクションraibu akushonlive-actionanimated or comic form stories made into TV shows/movies involving real actors. It's the opposite of komikarizuEnglish
ライブハウスraibu hausulive houseclub with live music, rock barEnglish
ライフラインraifurainlifelineinfrastructureEnglish
ラッコrakkorakkoa sea otterAinu
ラムネramunelemonaRamune English
ランドセルrandoseruransela hard schoolbag, worn on the back, carried by young children to schoolDutch
ランジェリーパブranjerī-pabulingerie + puba public house in which the waitresses work in their underwearEnglish
ランニングホームランranningu hōmu ranrunning home runan inside-the-park home run English
ランニングシャツranningu shatsurunning shirta sleeveless T-shirtEnglish
レジュメrejumerésuméa resume, an outlineFrench
レントゲンrentogenRöntgenX-ray, X-ray medical imagingGerman
レースクイーンrēsu kuīnrace queenumbrella girlsEnglish
レストランresutoranrestaurantrestaurantFrench
リベンジribenjirevengereturn match, rematch, chance for redemption after a failed attemptEnglish
リーチrīchireachOne step away from winning. Usually used in bingo.English
リードオンリーメンバーrīdo onrī menbāread-only memberan internet lurker, thought to be a pun on "read-only memory"English
リフォームrifōmureformremodel, renovation English
リモコンrimokonremo conremote controlEnglish
リンクフリーrinku furīlink freefree to linkEnglish
リニューアルrinyūarurenewalremodelingEnglish
リサイクルショップrisaikuru shoppurecycle shopsecondhand shop English
リセマラrise-marareset marathonuninstalling and reinstalling a game in order to re-roll certain starting items or statistics until a desirable result is achievedEnglish
リストラrisutorarestru restructuring, but with emphasis on lowering headcounts as in downsizing, termination as a redundancy; to downsize, lay off or terminate as a redundancy. When used in the passive, to get or have been made redundant, downsized English
ロードショーrōdo shōroadshowpremiere, especially of a filmEnglish
ロケーションハンティング, ロケハンrokēshon hantingu, rokehanlocation huntinglocation scoutEnglish
ロマンromanromannovel, something that rouses one's dreams / longingsFrench
ロマンスグレーromansu gurēromance greysilver-gray hairEnglish
ロマンスカーromansu kāRomancecardeluxe train English
ロンパリronpariLon + Parisslang for strabismus, alluding to one eye looking toward London while the other looking toward ParisEnglish + French
ロープウェーrōpuwēropewayropewayEnglish
ロリコンrorikonLoli comsexual attraction to fictional and real underage girls, or ephebophilia. English
ロスタイムrosu taimuloss timeadded time, additional timeEnglish
ルーrouxroux, most commonly used in describing the sauce of the popular dish, curry riceFrench
ルポruporeporeportageFrench
リュックサックryukkusakkuRucksackbackpack, rucksackGerman
サービスsābisuserviceservice, often used to describe something as being free of chargeEnglish
サボるsaborusabo + -ru to slack off, to shirk one's dutiesFrench + Japanese
サドsado sadisteFrench
サイドブレーキsaido burēkiside brakehand brake, parking brake, emergency brakeEnglish
サイダーsaidācidera kind of soda unrelated to actual ciderEnglish
サインsainsignsignature, autographEnglish
サインペンsainpensign penmarker, Trade name of Pentel'sEnglish
サンドイッチ or サンドsandoitchi, sandosandsandwichEnglish
サンドバッグsandobaggusandbagpunching bagEnglish
サラダsaradasalada or saladsaladPortuguese or English
サラリーマンsararīmansalaried mansalaryman: a salaried office/white collar workerEnglish
セックスsekkususexsexual intercourseEnglish
セフレsefurese + friecasual sexual partnerEnglish
セクハラsekuharasex harasexual harassmentEnglish
セメダインsemedain, Cemedineceme dyneglue, adhesive. A genericized trademark of Cemedine Co., Ltd.English
センスsensusenseunderstanding of subtletiesEnglish
セレブserebuceleba rich person, whether or not they are famousEnglish
セツナ or 剎那setsunaक्षण momentSanskrit via Chinese
シャボン玉shabondama:wikt:xabon|xabon + 玉 soap bubbleSpanish + Japanese
シャープペンシル or シャーペンshāpu penshiru or shāpenShar pencilmechanical pencil English
シャッターチャンスshattā-chansushutter + chancethe perfect opportunity to take a photographEnglish
シーエムshīemuC.M. television commercialEnglish
シールshīrusealsticker, decalEnglish
シルバーシートshirubā shītosilver seatpriority seating on public transportation. English
シュークリームshūkurīmuchou crèmea cream puffFrench, English
シュプールShupūruspoortrail from/for skisDutch
ソフトsofutosoftvideo game console or computer software; also used to describe tasks or work requiring imagination, foresight, and intuitionEnglish
ソフトクリームsofuto kurīmu or softcreamsoft creamsoft serve English
ソーラーシステムsōrā shisutemusolar systema solar batteryEnglish
すべた or スベタsubetaespada unattractive woman*Portuguese / Spanish
スイートルームsuīto rūmusuite rooma suite in a hotelEnglish
スケボーsukebōskaboskateboardEnglish
スケルトンsukerutonskeletontranslucentEnglish
スキーsukīski skiingEnglish
スキンシップsukinshippuskin + -shipskinship English
スコップsukoppuschoptrowel, spade, shovelDutch
スマートsumātosmartslim, stylish, well-dressed, cool, handsomeEnglish
スマホsumahosma + hosmartphoneEnglish
スムーズsumūzusmooth When a plan or transaction happens without incidentEnglish
スーパーsūpāsupersupermarketEnglish
スパッツ, スパッツタイツsupattsu, supattsu taitsuspats, spats tightstights, leggingsEnglish
スペルsuperuspell spellingEnglish
スピンsupinspina ribbon or tassel on a bookEnglish
スポイトsupoitospuitsyringe, dropperDutch
スリーサイズsurī saizuthree sizethree primary female body measurements English
スタイルsutairustylebody shape; styleEnglish
ストライキ or ストsutoraiki or sutostrike or stlabor strikeEnglish
ストレートティーsutorēto tīstraight teablack tea without milk or lemonEnglish
ストーブsutōbustovespace heaterEnglish
スーツアクターsūtsu akutāsuits actorsuit actor, an actor who performs wearing a cartoon-character costumeEnglish
タバコ, たばこ or 煙草tabakotabacotobacco, cigarette*Portuguese / Spanish
タイムオーバーtaimu ōbātime overwhen a time limit has been reachedEnglish
タイムリーtaimurītimely a clutch hit, on timeEnglish
タオルケットtaoru kettotowelket a type of blanket made of a material similar to a beach or bath towelEnglish
タレントtarentotalent, talentoTV personality/celebrityEnglish / Spanish
テーマtēmaThemathemeGerman
テンキーtenkīten keynumeric keypadEnglish
てんぷら or 天ぷらtenpuratempero & têmporatempura. Conflation of Portuguese :wikt:tempero#Portuguese|tempero and :wikt:têmpora#Portuguese|têmpora.Portuguese
テンションtenshontensiona state of excitementEnglish
テレビterebitelevitelevisionEnglish
テレビゲームterebi gēmutelevi gamevideo gameEnglish
テレフォンterefontelephonetelephone, phoneEnglish
テレカterekatele caprepaid card for using public telephonesEnglish
ティーンエージャーtīn'ējāteenagerteenager, teenEnglish
トーチカtōchikaточка bunkerRussian
トイレtoiretoiletoilet, bathroom, washroom, restroomEnglish
トンカツtonkatsuton + katsu pork cutletEnglish
トップページtoppu-pējitop + pagehome page, start pageEnglish
トラブル, トラブる toraburutrouble trouble, a dispute or altercation; to encounter or experience trouble, to break down or not function as expected English
トラックメーカーtorakkumēkātrack makermusic producerEnglish
トランプtoranputrumpplaying cardsEnglish
トレーナーtorēnātrainersweatshirtEnglish
トレーニングパンツtorēningu pantsutraining pantspants for toddlers or babies; diaperEnglish
ツイッターtsuittātwittertwitter appsEnglish
ウィンカー or ウインカーwinkā or uinkāwinkerturn signal, a.k.a. blinker or indicator on an automobileEnglish
ウーパールーパーūpārūpā or WuperRuperuperan axolotlEnglish
ヴァージンロードvājin rōdovirgin roadthe aisle English
ワイドショーwaido shōwide showtalk showEnglish
ワイシャツ or Yシャツwai shatsuY shirtdress shirt English
ワンパターンwan patānone patternof uniformity or conformity, lacking of variation. Used to describe behavior and responses as well as objects. Being "in a rut"English
ワンピースwan pīsuone piece dressEnglish
ワープロwāpurowor proword processorEnglish
ウォシュレットwoshurettowashlet a toilet with a built-in bidet English
ヨットyottoyachta sailboat or yachtEnglish
ヤンエグyan eguyoun exyoung executiveEnglish
ヨードyōdoJod, YodoiodineGerman / Spanish
ヨードチンキyōdo chinkiJodtinkturtincture of iodineGerman
ユニットバスyunitto basuunit bathmodular bath, prefabricated bathEnglish
Uターンラッシュyūtān rasshuU-turn rushthe rush of traffic and people, and attendant traffic jams and crowding of transportation facilities, that occurs as everyone returns home after extended holidays, esp. New Year's, Golden Week, and the summer o-bon week.English
ザイルzairuSeil rope German
ゼミナール or ゼミzemināru or zemiSeminar or SemiseminarGerman
ゼン or 禅zenध्यान a meditationSanskrit via Chinese
ゼロzerozérozeroFrench / Italian / Latin
トマトtomatotomatotomatoNahuatl
ズボンzubonjupon'' trousers, pants French