Terminology

Ever see words used on our blog or in the anime community and wonder what they mean?  This section will help clarify some of the more popular terms such as types of manga books, genres and more!

This bunny shota needs help with terminology too so don't feel bad if you don't know every word - that's why we made this section!

[Updated: 2013/11/15]

A

◇ Anime - A term that we use loosely here.  The true definition of anime is a particular style of Japanese comic art and animation that follows a strict structure and style.  Video games also use the anime structure in genres such as Role Playing Games like Tales of Vesperia or the Summon Night series.

◇ Anthology - Anthologies are books like Shounen Jump that contain multiple stories by different artists.  Some common shota anthologies are; Shounen Ai no Bigaku; Ikenai Shota and ERO'S☆SHOTA.  Anthologies usually contain colored pages and covers as well as regular pages - they are usually printed by large publishing companies.  The main thing that makes an Anthology different than a Tankōbon is that Anthologies feature more than one artist, usually very popular artists and they typically revolve around a certain subject or topic.  Anthologies like the ones listed above commonly have different themes each month or each release. (See Example Below)

(Anthology Example) - ERO'S☆SHOTA 3 Cover

B

◇ Baka - A term most commonly used to call someone or something stupid.  More often used as an insult, in anime it can be playful but in real Japanese it can be a direct insult.

◇ Bakamono - is similar to "Baka" however it has a lot more emphasis ergo it is a lot more rude and 'stronger-meaning'. XD
 
◇ Bakemono - means "Monster."  It can be used either in the literal term of an actual beast/monster or in the case of calling a person a monster.  Used in anime a lot towards sinister people.

C

◇ -Chan - A familiar suffix used after a girls name.  It can be used by boys; girls as well as men and women.  Using this suffix on a woman can be degrading unless granted permission as it is a familiar term.  A familiar term is word/suffix used by someone close to represent the other person; either in conversation or in secondary talk with someone else about the original person.  Just know when you see this term, the person using the suffix is close to the female they are speaking to or about.

◇ Chibi - A Japanese term that has been adapted to represent a particular way of drawing an anime character.  Chibi characters do not follow the standard anime structure and are usually meant to show emotion by depicting the character smaller and more cartoonish, almost always super cute. (See Example Below)

(Chibi Example) Uchiwa - Chibi Allen Walker and Lena Lee (From D-Gray Man)

◇ Chinchin (A.K.A. Ochinchin) - A cute, childish way of saying penis.  I use it a lot on the blog posts and it appears a lot in our translations.

◇ Copybook - A copybook is a doujinshi-type book that is not necessarily mass produced.  Most are sketch and/or concept idea books.  They are usually rare as well as given out at conventions in Japan.  A copybook is basically a doujinshi published by either a small publishing company or, in most cases, the artist themselves.  They rarely have color and usually contain sketches but this isn't always the case.  (See Example Below)

(Copybook Example) Kine (Drum-kan) - Sono Tasho San

D

◇ Doujinshi [A.K.A. Doujin(s)] - A Japanese Fanzine/Fan-book.  These books are usually released by small to medium sized publishing companies but like copybooks, may be printed by the artist themselves.  Most of the books we have translated here are Doujinshi.  

Doujinshi can either be original material (such as the "School Boys Saga by Kiriya) or parodies of preexisting anime (such as Uchouten - Funky Lovechild which parodies the Shinrabansho Chocolate series).  

Parody work is the most common form of doujinshi artists create, but while this is true - that doesn't negate some artists, as mentioned, who can make and have a career on original material (Examples would be: Uchouten's Spitfire series; Kiriya's Schoolboys Series; etc.) 

Doujinshi usually have colored covers and are of a higher-quality than copybooks.  There are doujinshi that come in full-color too; O-Mars is an artist that is known for doing a lot of work in color. There is no need to post an example picture because 90% of our work consist of Doujinshi.

E

◇ Ecchi - The Japanese word used commonly by Westerners used to refer to Naughty, Pervy or Risque material.  Ecchi material usually consists of some kind of sexual reference, either outright or "in between the lines."

 ◇ Ero - This is a common term not only used by the Japanese but by westerners alike.  It's an abbreviated form of Erotic.  An example wold be a shota series with actual characters and background story - that would be an Ero Shota Series.

F

◇ Futanari - The Japanese word used to refer to She-Males.  Meaning the character has both a vagina and a penis.  Some people also use this term for Transvestites with boobs (I.e. A male with male genitals but a female chest)

G

◇ Genre - The category a particular item belongs to.  Genre's can be as vague as Shota and Loli down to niche genre's like Kemo-mimi loli (animal-eared loli).

◇ Guro - A form of anime you won't see much of here.  It consist of gratuitous violence and/or gore.

H

◇ Hentai - This word has two meanings.  The first of which is the Japanese meaning which is "pervert."  The second, and more popular Western usage is Hentai is adult anime, either doujnshi, animated dvd etc. featuring straight adult sex.  Some may also use the word Hentai for reference to adult female x adult female sex but the correct term for that is Yuri which is listed under Y. (See Example Below)

(Hentai Example) Cannabis [Shimaji]

 I

◇ Imouto - The Japanese word for sister.  I bring it up as you will hear it here and there.

J

◇ Janken - The Japanese version of Rock-Paper-Scissor.  It is used commonly in anime and played often in Japan amongst friends for deciding who gets to do what first, etc.

◇ Josou - The Japanese term used for cross-dressing.  Most often used for cross-dressing shota's. (See Image Below)

 Josou - From a Shounen Shikou anthology

K

◇ Kawaii - The Japanese word for cute.  It's used so often that most people know what it means.

◇ Kemono - Japanese Anime-Style Furry art.  Sometimes referred to as Kemo-shota / Kemo-Loli in respect to the content.  While Kemono is similar to Western Furry comics, the difference between Kemono and Furry is, naturally, Japanese Kemono follows more along the lines of traditional Japanese anime styles.  

It's the same concept as Western drawn Anime and Traditional Japanese anime.  

In case you don't know, Kemono are "humanimals."  What I mean by that is, a lot of the time, Kemono characters resemble animals (usually completely covered with pelt of hair, with exception to Sharks characters; Pokemon also fall under this category) etc.  This is not always the case but for the most part Kemono is animals/beasts with some human qualities, it is a very common doujinshi genre - especially shota and loli.  

(See Image Below)

(Kemono Shota Ex.) Harusuke [Harugoya]

◇ Kemo-Mimi - This is a simple one.  Kemo-mimi characters are humans with animal features such as ears, tail etc.  They are still humans unline Kemono.  The characters can from Hentai, Loli, Shota or even regular anime genres. (See Below Image)

(Kemo-Mimi Ex.) Fuwawa - A Gaul Parody Book

◇ Kōhai - This is a term used by upperclassmen to refer to their junior.  While it is most commonly used among students, it is also used in the work place.  It is also a word used to refer to younger people. (For Kohais counterpart, Senior see: SENPAI)

◇ -Kun - This is a word used by familiar people towards a boy/male character.  Most commonly used on boys/teens/young men that aren't quite men yet however, that is subjective.  Just know when you see this term, the person using the suffix is close to the male they are speaking to or about.

L
 (This letter doesn't exist in the Japanese language but a few words do translate with 'L's', the Japanese use the 'R(vowel)' for words with 'L')

◇ Loli - In Japan it is spelled as 'RoRi' using two different characters.  The full Japanese word is Lolicon (RoRiKoN), which refers to one that loves little girls.  The west has adapted this term, and the Japanese, as well, to to fit the genre of anime and doujinshi characters that feature young girls, usually in an explicit manner. (See Image Below)

(Loli Example) NEKOWORKi

M

◇ Manga - A term everyone should know.  Manga is usually the basis of all anime.  First comes a Manga series then comes and Anime Adaptation.  This is usually the situation but not always.  Manga is anime in book form - it is always read from right to left just like doujinshi.  Manga is always published by major publishing companies with few exceptions.  A Manga series will, more often than not start of in a weekly serialization magazine and from there the stories are compiled into chapters and manga if the series becomes popular.

◇ Moe - A Japanese term that has become popular in the west.  It is used to refer to extremely cute characters.

N

◇ Neko - Very commonly used.  This is the word for "Cat." Another related term is, Koneko, which is the Japanese word for Kitten/Kitty; but basically a baby cat.

◇ Neko-mimi - Very simple to figure out if you read the Kemo-mimi entry.  This is the word for Cat Ears and is a very common Genre and Tag used in the anime/manga community to represent a character that posses cat-ear and cat-like quality.  It is an extremely popular Genre.  A popular manga series that features the neko-mimi theme is Loveless. (See Below Image For An Example)

(Neko-Mimi Example) Uchoten - Aero Cat Boys

 O

◇ Omake - Another Japanese term that has become popular in the west.  It is used to refer to bonuses or extra's, usually included with purchases of anime goods.  In a few cases we release Omake material in our releases.  It directly translated to "Bonus" or "Extra" being a Japanese term, it is one of the few words that aren't always translated.

◇ Onii-san - A term commonly left untranslated in most anime and manga.  This is a familiar word one would use to refer to their older brother.  It is a term of endearment.  It can be used by boys or girls.

◇ Onee-Chan - Another term commonly left untranslated in most anime and manga.  This is a familiar term one would use to refer to their older sister.  Also a term of endearment, it can be used by boys or girls.

 ◇ Otokonoko - Another term that is the equivalent of "boy" in English.  It is seen in a lot of cross-dressing doujinshi/manga but definitly not limited to just that genre as it is very commonly used.  When it is explained as a formula it makes more sense; Otoko no Ko is how the words would be spaced in English.  'Otoko' means man/male in Japanese.  The 'no' in this case, and in many many others is a binding particle.  Lastly, the word 'Ko' means kid/child.  Therefore Man + Kid = Boy

◇ Oi / Oii~- This is a common exclamation left untranslated in many anime and translations.  First and foremost, it is pronounced 'Oh-ee' and is not to be confused with the Jewish term '[t]oy' minus the 'T'; The 'T' was added to show that the vowel part in Hebrew is like the 'oy' in toy.  Although they sound different the have a similar meaning but the Japanese have more than one meaning for it.  The common ground between the two languages is that 'Oi' is an exclamation for exasperation.  But it is not limited to that as said.  In Japanese context is key to understanding words.  When used during a conversation or at the beginning of one, 'Oi' can be a greeting similar to 'Hey or Yo'

◇ ō / ou - While not a word itself you will see these two syllables a lot.  In Japanese 'ou' is pronounce as an extended 'oh' but in English it has various sounds such as the words 'variOUs; sOUnds; and yOU.' So, translators have adapted the 'ō' character to help represent the true Japanese pronunciation of a word.

P

◇ Panpan - A slang type of word used to represent sex.

Q

(Doesn't Exist In Japanese Language)

R

◇ R-18 - The term used to refer to doujinshi/manga that is meant for adults only.  It basically means Restricted For Persons Under 18.  These type of doujinshi/manga show genitalia and/or sexual acts or extreme violence and vulgar language.

◇ R-16 - The term used to refer to doujinshi/manga that is meant for older teens only.  It basically means Restricted For Persons Under 16.  These type of doujinshi/manga may show genitalia or sexual acts but not in detail but an R-16 rating can also signify violence or vulgar language.

S

◇ -San - This is one of the most common suffixes used in Japanese.  It is standard polite and a catch all for Mr/Mrs/Ms and it always used when talking to people.  If unsure what suffix to use, you can't go wrong with this.  You will commonly see this suffix in translations of Japanese material.

◇ -Sama - This suffix is used towards someone you ultimately respect, or a master.  It is sometimes a less dignified word to be used by the speaker, it shows that you are lower than the person you're speaking to.  Some people demand to be referred to with the -Sama suffix to show that they are worshipped; more powerful; or just plain better.  It can also be part of a bet.  (For example: "If you lose this game, you have to call me Taku-Sama from now on.")  (A regular example, such as talking to your boss or someone you utterly respect would be: "Thank you so much, Yuu-Sama!" or "What do you want me to do next "Shinji-sama")

◇ Sensei / -Sensei - This word is one of the most common words known to Westerners, whether they are fans of anime or not.  Sensei is most known as the word for 'teacher.'  It is also used to represent Teachers, but Doctors and Masters (of a trade) as well.  In most cases you would refer to the person using Sensei as a suffix.  (For Example: "I aplogize Shinji-Sensei" or "I understand Miyamoto-Sensei" or any other Doctor; Teacher; Master conversation you may use)  This word is very commonly untranslated in anime and manga.

◇ Senpai / Sempai - The word for senior.  This word is used both by students and by people in the work place.  Basically, it is used in any situation where you are referring to someone who is either a higher grade or rank thank you.  It is not to be used in place of the SENSEI suffix.

◇ Shounen - The basic term used to represent the word of "Boy."  Sometimes it is used in anime and manga as a degrading word such as "punk" or "baby."  Context is a good 80% of the Japanese Language.

◇ Suffixes - This isn't a Japanese word but they are used a lot.  A suffix is simply a word added to the end of another word.  Some examples of suffixes are -Chan; -Sensei; -mimi;  Suffixes have a variety of meanings but perhaps the most important suffix to note is the lack of suffix with a name.  When some is granted permission to call another person just by their name with out suffix, it is a great honor (called: Yobitsute). However if not granted this permission it may be taken as very rude and impolite. 

T

◇ Tankōban - A tankōban is essentially an Anthology type of book.  However, there is one major difference.  Anthologies in the anime community usually contain several artist's contributing to a primary theme.  A tankōban is different in the sense that it is a series or compilation of a single artist's work.  The works can be a random collection or in a manga style telling a long story via a few or bunch of short stories.  (See Below Image For An Example)

Kikaider Reijhiro - Nipple Boy Fragments
Already translated for sometime now by another team/solo translator this is a popular and perfect example of a Tankōban.

U

◇ Usagi - This is the word for Rabbit.  You may see it from time to time, especially in the form of Usagi-mimi meaning Rabbit Ears, usually referring to a character with rabbit ears, tail and other rabbit qualities.  A good example of Usagi-mimi is at the very top of this page.

◇ Uwaa! - A common exclamation used to express shock or disbelief.

 

V

(Not really used in Japanese outside of the transcription of non-Japanese words and pronouns)

W

◇ Wai! / Wai~  - Pronounced as 'why'; This is the Japanese counterpart to English's 'Yay!'  The latter is an extended form showing more excitement 'Yaaay!'

X

(Doesn't Exist In Japanese)

Y
(No Entries Yet)

Z

(No Entries Yet)

Symbols

◇ ~ / ～  - This symbol is very common in literary translations.  It extends the vowel or consonant that precedes it with a kind of up and down type sound.  It is hard to explain but it can be compared to the famous movie quote "Heeyy you guuuys" where the boy's voice rises and lowers in tone.  It can also just be a simple extension with a more "playful" feeling to it.


◇ ー - This symbol is also very commonly used.  Not as complex as the above symbol as far as rising and lowering tones.  This symbol can extend a vowel or consonant; it can be a lead off of a thought like an elipses; It can also be used to show that a word has ended abruptly when the word is missing a letter or two and has this bar instead.  The one shown here is for horizontal text.  Verticle text uses the same symbol, just verticle '|'.

There are so many words and expressions out there that this is an ongoing effort because the list of words we could put in here is essentially endless.  So, we have to widdle it down to the gems and most common phrases, words and grammer. 
This page was last updated 11/10/2012


Please feel free to leave comments below as well as questions to a certain word you may have come across, that is the point of this section - to help our readers not only understand words that we use but to help you understand words used in the anime community as well!