5 Weird Japanese Words We Don’t Have In English
Marie Moore
Before, we taught you guys useful Japanese verbs and useful phrases at the conbini, but how about some weird words? Language is weird, no matter what language you speak there's going to be words or phrases that can't really be translated into other languages. In English we often have to borrow loan words from other languages, and Japanese does this often too! But what are some weird words that exist in Japanese that don't have an English equivalent?
Yuugen 幽玄
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt overwhelmed? Yuugen describes the feeling of gazing up at the stars and realising how small and insignificant your existence is in the scale of the universe. It's a feeling many have experienced yet there isn't a word for the experience in English!
Hikikomori 引きこもり
Hikikomori refers to those who shut themselves off inside and avoid leaving their homes. Hermit is the closest word we have for it in English but the nuance is slightly different as hikikomori is a uniquely Japanese situation. Often hikikomori are also otaku or nerd/geeks.
Chikan 痴漢
Sadly we wished a word for this didn't exist, but chikan refers to the perverts who grope women on trains in Japan or "train gropers". This word has even started being adopted by English speaking countries, with the British government advising citizens travelling to Japan to be wary of these chikan. Many Japanese netizens were embarrassed that this of all words had made its way abroad.
Kuidaore 食い倒れ
Kuidaore basically means to eat yourself poor! Aka bringing ruin upon oneself by eating extravagantly. Relatable. Raise your hand if you've ever experienced this!!!
Yuugata-Busu 夕方ブス
Literally "Evening ugly" yuugata busu means a woman who may look good in the morning but ugly in the evening when her makeup has all worn off. It's new slang but is slowly slipping it's way into common usage. Here at the office we can certainly relate!
What do you think of these words? Do you have words in your native language that don't translate into English? Let us know in the comments!
Keep up with all fun foodie news coming out from Japan by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Want to get a FREE Japanese candy box? Check out how to get one here!
Related articles
The Japanese Beach Experience: The Ultimate Guide
From the tropical shores of Okinawa to the surf towns of Kanagawa and Chiba, spending a day at the beach remains one of Japan’s favorite summer activities.
Dotonbori and More: The Ultimate Guide to Namba
Known for its bright neon lights, bustling streets, and the Dotonbori River, Namba captures Osaka’s energetic spirit, which is famous throughout Japan.
Osaka Expo ’70 Park: What’s The Story?
Located in northern Osaka, the Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is one of the region’s most unique cultural and recreational destinations. Known locally as Banpaku Kinen Koen, the park occupies the former site of the 1970 World Exposition. It’s a landmark international event that introduced millions of visitors to new technologies, architecture, and cultural exchange....
Japanese Street Food: Osaka is the Kitchen?
Osaka is one of the most popular destinations for Japanese street food. In Japanese, this title is often expressed as Tenka no Daidokoro, meaning “the nation’s kitchen.” The name reflects Osaka’s long history as a center of food distribution, trade, and commerce.
Tokyo Skytree Celebrated Spring With the Sakura Skytree Event
In 2026, Tokyo Skytree offered a different way to experience sakura season through its limited-time Sakura Skytree event, which ran from February 26 through April 14. The seasonal event combined panoramic city views with cherry blossom-themed decorations, spring illuminations, limited-edition food, and multimedia displays. Rather than focusing only on outdoor flower viewing, Tokyo Skytree created...
Inside MoN Takanawa, Tokyo’s New Museum of Narratives
In 2026, Tokyo opened a major new cultural space with the debut of MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives.
