Anime and Manga Terms Every Fan Should Know!

How many times have you watched a show, read something, or heard a friend talk about their favorite conventions they attended and thought to yourself, “Nani!”? I bet even then when reading the word “Nani” some of you may have thought “Kaito-san, what did you just say”?

In the vivid world of Anime, the multitude of Manga that are out there, and the exhilarating anime conventions, there will be an innumerable amount of words and expressions one may hear or come across. In this post, I will help clarify some of those words that you will be hearing, reading, and using.

A - Z Anime and Manga Terms

This A - Z list of anime/manga terms and phrases will help newcomers (and even seasoned fans, who sometimes forget) understand what their favorite characters and friends are saying:

Anime - Pronounced AH-nee-may, is an abbreviation for animēshon, which means animation. Used to describe hand-drawn or computer-generated cartoons from Japan that have become insanely popular worldwide. Some genres may include, but are not limited to: action, adventure, comedy, drama, horror, and romance.

Baka - A derogatory expression that means crazy, idiot, fool, or simply stupid. While it is derogatory, this word can be used playfully depending on who is saying it.

Chibi - Another way of calling someone or something (most of the time a small person or animal) cute!

Cosplay - This is a fun one! It means “COStume PLAY”! This is when you and your friends choose your favorite characters from your favorite anime, manga, or movie to dress up as and attend conventions, fairs, Halloween, or just for fun!

Daijōbu - An expression that means “fine” or “okay”.

Doujinshi (Dōjinshi) - Amature manga made by fans for fans.

Ecchi - Media that can be suggestive or slightly erotic, sometimes without being too explicit.

Fan Service - scenes added to a show or manga with no direct relevance to the plot to please fans.

Fujoshi - A female yaoi fan.

Gakuran - A school uniform worn by middle and high school students.

Harem - A term to express where a character is surrounded and loved by many men and women. Think of Haruhi Fujioka from Ouran, Highschool of Host.

Hentai - Pornographic anime with graphic or explicit images.

Itai - An expression a character may use for pain (hurt, ouch, sore)

J-Pop - Japanese pop music that is sometimes used in Anime. You may hear some in your favorite music shows such as Uta no Prince-sama Maja Love 1000%

Kawaii - Cute, tiny, lovable

Kuudere - A character who knows how to keep their composure in stressful situations. Ex: Neji Hyuga from Naruto.

Lolita - Japanese fashion in the style of Victorian-inspired outfits that can be elegant.

Manga - Japanese comics or graphic novels

Mangaka - Creator of Manga. The Mangaka is usually the writer and illustrator of the work! Ex: Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto), Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon), Eiichiro Oda (One Piece)

Moe - The character in the anime or manga who changes the most during the storyline.

Nani? - An expression that means “What” in English

Neko - A Japanese word that means cat or feline. Often used when referring to a character with cat ears or tail.

Otaku - A person who is obsessed with (maybe addicted) to anime, manga, or Japanese culture.

OVA - An acronym for Original Video Animation

Pocky - A Japanese cookie stick that is usually coated with strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla. May also come in different flavors (You should try one)

Q-Version - The cute version of a person, animal, or thing.

Ramen - A bowl of clear soup containing noodles, veggies, and sometimes bits of meat.

Ramune - A type of Japanese soda. The mouth of the soda is usually sealed with a marble instead of a screw top.

Sake - Also known as “Rice Wine” in North America. Sake is an alcoholic drink that is made from brewing rice.

Seinen - A genre of anime and manga that is aimed at adults (Men specifically) from the ages of 18 - 40, sometimes older. Ex: Parasyte, Vinland Saga, Hellsing Ultimate

Shojo - A genre of anime and manga that is aimed at young teen and tween girls due to its romantic storylines. Ex: Maid Sama!, Sailor Moon, Banana Fish

Shonen - A popular anime genre that is aimed at young teens and tween boys. It normally tells a story of action and adventure that features a young male hero. Ex: Demon Slayer, Soul Eater, Hunter x Hunter

Tsundere - A character (normally female) who can be depicted as mean, cold, and distant, but by the end of the series, is friendly, loving, and emotionally vulnerable.

Ureshii - An expression that means happy, pleased, relieved.

Visual kei (VKEI) - A visual art-style movement characterized by elaborate costumes, hairstyles, and makeup.

Weeb - A prefix to the derogatory slang term “weeaboo” for a Western person who is infatuated with Japanese culture (Not strictly just anime or manga) to the point where it consumes their life.

Yandere - a character (generally female) who initially has a loving personality, but eventually becomes a brutally deranged and psychotic character.

Yaoi - A genre of anime or manga that features romantic interest between male characters. Ex: Classmates, Junjou Romantica, Hitorijime My Hero

Yuri - A genre of anime or manga that features romantic interest between female characters. Ex: Fragtime, Sakura Trick, Bloom Into you

Zettai - an expression that means absolute, definitely, or no matter what

Zettai Ryouiki: Refers to a style of dressing, where a certain amount of skin is exposed between the miniskirt and the thigh-high socks.

As you can see, there are plenty of terminologies that you will come across as you delve into anime and manga! When you come across some of those words/phrases and forget what they mean, I implore you to come here and get the meaning! Good luck on your adventure, and if you come across a word or phrase, let me know, and I’ll help you break down that word! Dattebayo!

Dattebayo - An expression that means “Believe it”