1st February – 如月 (Kisaragi)

日本の使える言葉　（Tsukaeru　Kotoba）‐　Japanese Useful Words

The following words have official meanings but did you know there are different interpretation depending on the situation?

寒い (Samui): cold – This also means not funny. Somebody saying old jokes which are not funny anymore = そのジョーク、寒いよ。。。(Sono Jyoku, samui yo): That joke is old fashion and not funny.

痛い (Itai): Hurt – This also means pathetic, embarrassing to watch, often written in Katakana. When you see somebody who decorates his / her car with anime character all over and feels embarrassing to watch and would not do the same = あの車、イタい。。。(ano kuruma, itai): That car looks embarrassing and I would not do the same.

There area many ‘New’ words that are often used mostly by younger generation, those are probably not taught in language school but used in real life a lot. Today’s blog is going to give some useful words but should not be used in formal talks!

やばい (Yabai): Originally means dangerous, original Kanji was 厄場(Yaba). Now it is stands for expression for more emotions such as wonderful, beautiful, happy, delicious, wow, funny, very bad, impressed, weird…….and more. Basically this word can express all the emotions both positive and negative, this can be interpreted depending on context.

すごい(Sugoi): Originally means extreme. Now it can be used as brilliant, impressive, wow as well as the actual meaning. Sugoi is an adjective so the latter word should be noun, Sugoku is an adverb so adjective comes next. Many Japanese confuse with this difference and use Sugoi with adjective (eg:すごい面白い人… Sugoi omoshiroi hito　Very funny person). In this example case, using Sugoku is the right way to make this sentence.

まじ(Maji): Word comes from 真面目 (Majime) – hard-working, and it means for real, truth, really, seriously. Often written in Katakana. These days, many young generation use Maji with 卍 (Manji) saying マジ卍 (Maji Manji). Among young generation, apparently 卍 seems like it can emphasize the meaning. This stands for really Yabai, Really Sugoi or the person is very cocky.

うける (Ukeru): Means funny, LOL. Origin word was 受ける(ukeru)、getting awards, praise.

どうも (Doumo): Originally means impressed and cannot express in words. Nowadays, it is used for casual hi, hello, thank you, sorry and probably. Many people omit the word which should come after like Doumo Konnichiwa, Doumo Arigatou, however it is grammatically incorrect.

If you nail with this expression and use in real life, your Japanese friends will surprise how great you use those 若者言葉(Wakamono Kotoba)!＝Younger generation words