Japanese

Woman sitting alone, looking down pensively

What Does Hirune Mean? How to Say “Nap” in Japanese

Hello, I’m Kodak. How do you say “nap” in Japanese? The simplest and most useful answer is 昼寝 (hirune). Learner Does hirune mean any short sleep, or only a nap taken at lunchtime? Kodak 昼寝 (hirune) means sleeping during the daytime. It does not have to happen at exactly noon, and it does not have to come immediately after lunch. If you intentionally sleep for a while during the day, 昼寝 is usually the most natural word. Quick answer 昼寝 (hirune) ⇒ a daytime nap ⇒ sleeping for a while during the day 昼寝する / 昼寝をする ⇒ to […]

Neru vs Nemuru: What Is the Difference Between Japanese Sleep Verbs?

Hello, I’m Kodak. Japanese has two very common verbs that are both translated as “to sleep”: 寝る (neru) 眠る (nemuru) Learner If both mean “sleep,” how do I know which one to use? Kodak Start with this simple image: 寝る (neru) ⇒ to lie down, go to bed, or sleep 眠る (nemuru) ⇒ to enter or remain in the state of sleep The difference is not absolute. When you simply mean that someone sleeps, both verbs may be natural. However, 寝る has a broader connection with lying down, going to bed, and the daily act of sleeping, […]

What Does Gussuri Mean? Japanese Sleep Onomatopoeia Explained

Hello, I’m Kodak. Japanese has many expressive words for different kinds of sleep. You can sleep lightly, peacefully, noisily, restlessly—or so deeply that you do not wake up even when there is noise around you. The word for that last image is ぐっすり (gussuri). Learner Does gussuri simply mean “sleep”? Kodak Not by itself. ぐっすり (gussuri) is an adverb describing how someone sleeps. It means sleeping deeply, soundly, and without easily waking up. Quick answer ぐっすり ⇒ soundly ⇒ deeply ⇒ in a deep and restful sleep ぐっすり眠る / ぐっすり寝る ⇒ to sleep soundly ⇒ to sleep deeply […]

Japanese Words for Sleep: How to Say “Sleep” in Japanese & Sleep Culture

Hello, I’m Kodak. How do you say “sleep” in Japanese? When you check a dictionary, you may find several answers: 寝る (neru) 眠る (nemuru) 睡眠 (suimin) 眠り (nemuri) Learner Why are there so many Japanese words for one English word? Kodak Because English sleep can be a verb or a noun, and it can describe many different situations. For a beginner, start with this: 寝る (neru) ⇒ to sleep / to go to bed 睡眠 (suimin) ⇒ sleep as a formal noun The beginner’s quickest answers “To sleep / go to bed” ⇒ 寝る (neru) “To be […]

Elegant gourmet dish plated at a restaurant

What Does Agari Mean at a Sushi Restaurant? Japanese Sushi Lingo for Tea

Hello, I’m Kodak. When reading about Japanese sushi culture, you may come across the word agari. Learner Is agari a kind of sushi, a special tea, or something you say when you finish eating? Kodak At a sushi restaurant, あがり (agari) means tea—usually hot Japanese green tea. However, it is traditionally sushi-shop jargon used by the restaurant staff, not the ordinary Japanese word for tea. Quick answer Agari: あがり / アガリ Meaning in sushi lingo: tea served at a sushi restaurant Usually: hot green tea Ordinary Japanese word for tea: お茶 (ocha) Safest phrase for a customer: お茶をお願いします […]

Person deep in thought with hand near chin

What Does “KY” Mean in Japanese? Kuuki Yomenai & Kuuki wo Yomu Explained

Hello, I’m Kodak. You are talking with a group of Japanese friends. Everyone wants to change the subject, but one person continues telling an embarrassing story. Then someone quietly says: KYだね。 Kē-wai da ne. Learner “Kay-why”? Are those English letters? What does KY mean in Japanese? Kodak Yes. KY uses the English letter names K and Y. In Japanese slang, it usually stands for: K = 空気 (kūki) Y = 読めない (yomenai) Together, 空気が読めない means “unable to read the room.” Quick answer KY (kē-wai) ⇒ short for 空気が読めない ⇒ unable to read the room ⇒ socially unaware […]

What Does “Ki wo Tsukete” Mean in Japanese? 気をつけて, 気をつけてね & 気をつけてください Explained

Hello, I’m Kodak. You are about to leave, and a Japanese friend says: 気をつけて！ Ki wo tsukete! Learner Does that mean “Be careful” or “Take care”? And why do I also hear 気をつけてね and 気をつけてください? Kodak All three are based on the same expression! 気をつけて means “be careful,” “take care,” or “watch out,” depending on the situation. The endings ね and ください change the tone and level of politeness. Quick answer 気をつけて (ki wo tsukete) ⇒ Be careful. ⇒ Take care. ⇒ Stay safe. ⇒ Watch out. 気をつけてね (ki wo tsukete ne) ⇒ Take care, okay? ⇒ […]

What Does Yuuki Mean in Japanese? 勇気 (Courage) Kanji, Usage & Examples

Hello, I’m Kodak. You want to say “courage” in Japanese, so you look it up and find: 勇気 yūki / yuuki Learner Does yuuki simply mean “courage”? What do the two kanji mean, and how do I actually use the word in a sentence? Kodak Yes. 勇気 (yūki) is the standard Japanese noun for “courage.” It combines: 勇 = brave, courageous, strong 気 = spirit, mind, energy The core image is “the inner strength to face something difficult or frightening.” Quick answer 勇気 (yūki / yuuki) ⇒ courage ⇒ bravery ⇒ the mental strength to face danger, […]

Assorted appetizer platter with hors d'oeuvres

Nigiri vs Sashimi vs Sushi vs Maki: What’s the Difference?

Hello, I’m Kodak. You open a Japanese restaurant menu and see four words: sushi nigiri sashimi maki They may appear next to similar photos of fish, rice, and seaweed, so it is completely normal to wonder: Learner Are these four different foods, or are they different names for the same thing? Kodak The easiest way to understand them is this: Sushi is the large category. Nigiri and maki are two types of sushi. Sashimi is not sushi, because it is served without sushi rice. Quick answer Sushi A broad category of dishes made with seasoned vinegared rice. […]

What Does Yokozuna Mean in Sumo? 横綱, Dai-Yokozuna & Kanji Explained

Hello, I’m Kodak. If you have watched sumo—or searched for Japanese wrestling terms—you may have seen the word yokozuna. Learner I know yokozuna is connected to sumo, but is it a wrestler’s name, a championship title, or a rank? Kodak In professional sumo, yokozuna (横綱) is the highest rank a wrestler can reach. It can refer to both the rank itself and a wrestler who holds that rank. Quick answer Yokozuna (横綱) means the highest rank in professional sumo. It is commonly translated as “grand champion.” The word originally referred to the special thick white rope worn by […]