Glossary of FY Gateway Japanese Throughout the summaries, you will find I've retained the original Japanese terms as they are said in the anime. Sometimes the phrase or word just sounds better in its original form, and I feel that retaining Japanse words and phrases helps preserve Fushigi Yuugi as it first appeared in the beloved manga, and then in the incredible anime. The Japanese terms left untranslated are words I have found to be commonly used in anime. I have not had any official schooling in Japanse, what I know I've learned from library books and watching hours of subtitled anime. If you know I have defined a word incorrectly, or can shed some light on a particular phrase or facet of FY, don't hesitate to let me know! Honto-yo!! You can reach me, Sailor Two Moons, at fushigi_yuugi@hotmail.com

Anata: You. This is a somewhat informal method of addressing another person.  The truly proper way would be with their name. Pronounced "Ah-nah-tah"

Ano: Ummm... Seiously, that's what it means!  ^^ It can be used just like the English translation, ie: to stall for time, to get attention, etc. Pronounced "Ah-no"

Are: That thing over there. For more info, click here. Pronounced "Ah-reh"

Arigatou Gozaimasu: Thank you. *bow* It is often shortened to the less formal "arigato" Pronounced "A-ree-gah-toe Go-zai-mahs "

Asoko: Over there. For more info, click here. Pronounced "Ah-so-koh"

Atashi: This word is an informal "I" used only by girls and women. Pronounced "Ah-tah-she"

Atsui: Hot, warm. It can also mean "thick", but in this case, it's definitely the first definition. Miaka has a thing for being warm, doesn't she? Of course, I would to, if said warmth came from proximity to gorgeous anime babes!!!!  Pronounced "Ah-tsoo-ee"

Baka: Idiot, Stupid, Moron, Fool, etc. As in English, it can be an insult, or a friendly jibe among friends, depending on the context. Pronounced "Bah-kah"

Baka yaro: "Yaro" can mean "person" in very rough Japanese, turning this phrase into a stronger version of "Baka." So take your favorite definition of "Baka" and make it more severe. ^^ Pronounced "Bah-kah Yah-row"

Bakamono: Fool, idiot, moron!, just like good ole "baka." Pronounced "Bah-kah-mo-no"

Chi: Spirit, soul. This is actually the Chinese pronunciation.  If Taiitsu-kun used the Japanese pronunciation, it would be "Ki".  Pronounced "Chee"

Chotto: A moment. In usage, it's a way tell someone to wait. See Matte for more info. Pronounced "Choh-toh"

Daijoubu: A hard word to tag to one definition, it is along the lines of "it will be okay/I am okay." With Ka added on the end, it becomes a question to see if someone is all right, and will oftentimes be answered with the same word in reply. Pronounced "Die-joe-boo"

Dame: No! Negative! Pronounced "Dah-meh"

Dare: "Who?" as in "Who is there?" And "Who is it?" This word is actually a short form of the more proper and polite expression, "Anata wa dare desu ka?" Pronounced "Dah-reh"

Datte: This is another one of those words which do not have one direct English translation. "But" and "even" are the two best English synonyms. "Especially" can also be used upon occasion. In other words, you decide which is best!!!! *wink* Pronouced "Dah-teh"

Demo: But-- Pronounced "deh-moh"

Dewa: Then, in that case. Pronounced "Deh-wah"

Doko: Where? What location? Pronounced "Doh-ko"

Doushite: Why? Pronounced "Doh-sh'teh"

Ecchi: Pervert! This is a softer version of the word "hentai", which means the same thing, only is considered more severe. "Ecchi" is often used among friends and family members. Pronounced "Etch-ee"

Gambatte: This word has no exact translation, but means along the lines of "Fight on! Keep trying! Work hard! Stick to it! Do your best!" Pronounced "ghahm-baht-eh"

Gomen nasai: I'm sorry! This expression is often shortened into just "gomen", which is less formal. Pronouced "Go-men Nah-sigh"

Hai: Yes. Prounced "Hi".

Hajimeru: To begin, to start. Pronounced "Ha-jee-meh-roo"

Hanase: "Let go! Unhand me!" Pronounced "han-nah-seh"

Heiki: Don't worry, everything's going to be fine! "Heiki" is most commonly used when someone is concerned about your health. Pronounced "Heh-ee-key"

Hentai: Pervert! Pronounced "Hen-tie"

Hidoi: Severe! Harsh! Cruel! Mean! Pronounced "Hee-doh-ee"

Honto: Really, honestly, truthfully. This can be used as a question, "Really?" or a statement, as in "That's my real father." The addition of "ni" does not change the meaning. d:) Formally pronounced "Ho-un-toh", but more commonly just "Hon-toh" or "Hon-toh nee"

Ii: Good, okay, fine. Pronouced "Ee-ee"

Iie: No. Pronounced "Ee-eh"

Itai: Ow! Owtch! That hurts, damn it! Pronounced "Ee-tay", but girls are more likely to say "Eat-tie" (Different pronunciations for guys and girls??? *What is this, French class???* X_x;;;)

Iya: That's distasteful! Unpleasant! But "Iya can mean "no" or "I refuse" when used alone as an exclamation. This word can be further shorted into "Ya" or "Ya da!", with the "Da" added for emphasis.  Pronounced "Ee-yah"

Ja ne: An informal way of saying goodbye, like "See ya!" It can be shortened to the even more informal "ja". Pronounced "Jya-Neh"

Janai: It is not! "Ja nai" is the informal version of "de wa arimasen". Here's a breakdown of the parts: In common Japanese, "De wa" became shortened to just "ja". "De wa" is a tricky one, but it can usually be translated as "It is". "Nai" is the informal negative verb suffix, and is what makes "it is" into "it is not." I hope that wasn't too much info!! *grins* Pronounced "Jah-nah-ee"

Jama: Obstacle! Pain in the butt! In the way! Obtrusive! You're a hinderance! Pronouced "Jah-mah"

Juku: This word is almost always translated as "cram school." In Japan, students must constantly study to pass the extensive tests required to get into the good schools. Most commonly in anime, they are studying to get into High School at the start of their Sophomore year. A LOT rides on good scores, because if you take a test for the school of your choice--and you fail--you're screwed. (THAT is why Miaka's friends were so shocked when she told them she was going to try to get into Jonan Academy, way back in Chapter One. They obviously don't think Miaka can make it, and are worried about her future.) "Juku" is a class session taken separately from normal classes, after your regular school is over for the day. Think of juku as a specialized study hall you pay extra for, aimed at helping you make the grade. Pronounced "joo-koo"

Ka: This one is literally a spoken question mark.  Pronounced just as it's spelled ^^

Kawaii: How cuuuuuuute!!! *giggle* Pronounced like Hawaii, only with a K.

Kimochi: The dictionary definition is "feeling." In common usage, the word is used to emphasize the warm fuzzies in a situation. An English equivalent would be, "Ohhhh, it's soooo romantic!! *sighs with hearts in eyes*

Kisama: This word is a rude and insulting pronoun for "you". Insert any derogatory term you find appropriate. d:) Pronouced "Kee-sah-mah"

Kiyotsukete: Be careful! Use caution! Look for danger!! Pronounced "Key-yo-tsoo-keh-teh"

Kono ama: Bitch! Interstingly, "ama" also means "nun." Don't ya just love foreign languages?? Pronounced "Koh-no Ah-mah"

Kore: This thing here. For more info, click here. Pronounced "Kor-eh"

Kuso: A curse! It literally means "sh*t" Heh! Pronounced "Kew-so", or as "K'so!" if they're really hacked. ^^

Mada: The condition now, which is the same as it was before. See (a href="glossary.htm#Mou">Mou for more info. Pronounced "Mah-dah"

Masaka: An expression of disbelief, like saying "No way!" or "Impossible!" or "How could this be?!" Pronounced "Mah-sah-kah"

Mattaku: "That's just TOO much" or "Oh, PLEASE," said with a rolling of the eyes. You get the idea. d:) It can be shortened to just "--taku!" Pronounced "Mah-tah-koo" or "Tah-koo"

Matte: "Wait!" Grammatically speaking, this is the informal imperative form of the verb "Matsu", to wait. It can also be combined with "Chotto", a moment,   making the phrase "Wait a moment!" Pronounced "Mah-teh" or "Choh-toh Mah-teh"

Minna: This is like saying "Everyone" or "everybody!" By changing the suffix used, it can be addressed to different people. "Mina-san" would be used among strangers, "Mina-chan" or just "Minna" among friends. For more info on the meaning of suffixes, visit the Honorifics Explained page. And I have no clue why the second "n" is dropped if a suffix is added. That's what someone more knowledgeable than me said. So until I hear otherwise...^^ Pronounced "Me-nah"

Mo: Also, to, as well as. This word doesn't always translate literally, it's one of those you have to just get a feel for using. Pronounced "Moe"

Mou:The condition now, as opposed to the condition before. "Mou" is used to when something has changed in the situation. In this case, the evil Miaka has decided she wants to stay with Hotohori and give up their journey. Hence, the situation has changed. ^^ To make things even more confusing, "Mou" can also be an expression of frustration.  That particular usage makes a bit more sense when you consider the first definition. d:) For still more info, see Mada. Pronounced like "Mo" above, only draw out the vowel sound for two beats instead of just one.

Nanda: "Nan" means "what", and "da" is an informal version of "is", thusly, "Nanda" means "What is it?" Pronounced "Nan-dah"

Nani: "What". It is used just as we use "what", hence, "nani" can be a question, as in "What was that you said?" or a statement of disbelief or anger, like "WHAT WAS THAT AGAIN???" Sometimes "o" is added to the end.  This does not change the meaning, "o" is a post-position for the direct object.   Too confusing??  Then just look at the definition of "nani" and leave it at that.  ^^ Pronounced "Nan-ee" or "Nan-ee oh"

Nani kore?: If you've been reading the novelizations since Chapter 1, you should be very familiar with "Nani" by now!  Now, "kore" means "this." Put the two together and you've got, "What is this?" *laughs* Sugoi, ne??   A longer version of the same line is "Nani o kore"  Pronounced "Nah-nee Kor-eh"

Ne: This is another word with no direct traslation into English. It is used like we use "Eh," as an attention-getter, or at the end of rehtorical question. Pronounced "Neh"

No: This word implies ownership or belongong to. It is also used to make adjectives. d:P Pronounced just like it's spelled.

[Someome's name] no baka!!: The "no" implies ownership or belonging to. And "baka" is defined above. You figure it out. It's not that hard! ^^  Pronounced just as it's spelled, with the addition of the unfortunate subject's name, of course.  d:P

Oi: Hey! Pronounced just as it's spelled

Omae: An informal way of saying "You." You would never use this word in polite conversation with strangers.  However, if you know the person pretty well, "Omae" is fine.   Taiitsu-kun is walking a fine line with this word, IMO.  She does speak rather shortly, but then, considering her age and power, I guess she has the right.  ^^   Pronounced "Oh-mah-eh"

Onegai: "Favor". This is actually an abbreviated form of "Hitotsu onegai ga aru n desu,"  which means, "I have one favor to ask." If that's a bit much, think of it as simply saying "Please" d:) It can sometimes be as translated as strongly as "beg". Pronounced "Oh-neh-gai"

Onee-chan: Older sister. This can be shortened to just "--'nee-chan" as an informal way of referring to any girl. Pronounced "Oh-neh Chan"

Onii-chan: Older brother. The word "onii" is also used with the suffix "san", making the term more formal than onii-chan. For more info on the meaning of suffixes, visit the Honorifics Explained page. "Onii-" is also often used by girls when referring in a friendly manner to a guy older than them, but not yet in the middle-aged range. Pronounced "Oh-nee Chan"

Otoko: Man, male. Pronounced "Oh-toe-koh"

Sensei: Commonly defined as "Teacher", this word is also used for "Master" and "Doctor". To read more about "sensei's" use as an honorific suffix, visit the Honorifics Explained page. Pronounced "Sen-seh"

Seifuku: Uniform! Pronounced "Seh-ee-foo-koo"

Sekai: World. Pronounced "seh-kah-ii"

Shichiseishi: In Fushigi Yuugi, the word is commonly used to refer to the seven individuals who bear the kanji of their representative constellations upon their bodies. It is made uo of two words, "shichi" (seven) and "seishuku" (constellation).  As far as I can tell, "seishi" is a shortened form of "shuku". 

Shijintenchisho: This is the actual Japanese title of "The Four Gods' Sky and Earth". Pronunciatin is interesting.  A literal one is "She-jeen-ten-chee-sho", but the seiyuu tend to slur the last two syllables together in some strange conglomeration I can't quite romanize.  Ghaaa!

Shikashi: However, but. Pronounced "She-kah-shee"

Shikkari shite: "Be steady! Hang on!" The literal meaning of the first word, "shikkari", is "firmly" , "tightly", or "steady". The second word, "shite", makes the first part a verb and literally means "do", and is a command form. This phrase is used when someone finds a comrade has been hurt. Think of it as a way of expression concern for the injured party, and urging them not to give into the wound at the same time. Another form is "Shikkari shiro". Pronounced Shee-khar-ee-shteh" and "Shee-khar-ee-sheerow"

Shite iru To know. d:) Pronounced "She-teh Ee-roo"

Sore: That. For more info, click here. Pronounced "Sor-eh"

Sou ka: Is that so? It is often used as a statement of agreement, like saying, "Ahhhh," or "I see." Pronounced "Soh-kah"

Sou da: I see. Pronounced "Soh-da"

Sou sou: That's right! That's so! This one's used in agreement with another person's statement. Pronounced "Soh-soh"

Sugoi: Cool! Awesome! Wow! Great! Pronounced "Soo-goi"

Suki: Dictionaries define "suki" as "to like, to favor," but subtitled anime always translates it as "love". Perhaps "love" is an informal definition for daily usage. *shrugs* In any case, in THIS sentence, it means "love." ^^ Pronouced "Soo-kee" or "Skee"

Sumimasen: The usage of this word makes its closest English definition "Excuse me" or "Please forgive me". Like its English equivalents, Sumimasen can be used for everything from appologizing to getting someone's attention to squeezing your way through a crowd.  Pronounced, "Sue-me-mah-sen"

Tasukete: Help! Pronounced "tass-keh-teh"

To: And. Pronounced "Toe"

Urusai: This one means "Annoyance!" and "Loud and irritating!" It is often snapped at those who are getting on someone's nerves. Think of it as a way of telling a person to shut up and quit being obnoxious. Pronounced "Ew-rew-sigh"

Uso: "Lie!" It is also commonly used by girls to expressed disbelief at something, like Masaka.  Pronounced "Ew-so"

Wa: The use of "wa" after a noun identifies that word as the subject of a sentence.  Another word that does the exact same thing is "Ga," only "Ga" is more emphatic than "Wa."  Easy enough, ne?   Pronounced "Wah" and "Gah"

Watashi: This word is a formal way of referring to oneself. In other words, it means "I" and "me." For more info, see Atashi. Pronounced "Wah-tah-shee"

Yakusoku: To promise. ^^ Pronounced "yah-k'so-koo"

Yamette: "Stop!" This word is the informal command form of "Yameru", which means "to stop." Another form of this verb is "Yame".  Pronounced "Yah-meh-teh"

Yahari: This is the more formal version of "Yappari". Pronounced "Yah-ha-ree"

Yappari: "I knew it!" or "I was right!" Pronounced "Yah-pah-ree"

Yatta: This is an expression of joy or delight, like saying "Yay!!" It literally means, "I did it!"  Pronounced "Yah-tah"

-Yo: This is a suffix attachted to the end of words to show assertion and stress. For example, saying "Honto!" means "Really!", but saying "Honto-yo!" means "I'm telling you and it's TRUE!" Pronounced just as it's spelled.

Yokatta: Thank goodness! What a relief! All right! Prounounced "Yo-kah-tah"

Yoshi: Literally, it means something similar to "Good". Depending on the usage, "yoshi" can mean "All right!", "Let's go!", "Let's do it!", etc. Think of it as a way to strengthen and declare one's resolve to do something. Formally pronounced "Yosh-ee", but it often sounds as if the second syllable is left off, making it just "yosh."

 

Many thanks go out to Stephen Congly, Derik DeVecchio, Beth J., Alex C. Lau, Lyndall, Paul Starr, Iskandar Taib, Lawrence Wang, and Washuuchan for their help with my glossary! I would ESPECIALLY like to thank Barbara Chambers, who helps me most of all!!!!   Domo arigatou gozamashita, mina-san!!!

The glossary last tweaked on 8-9-00 by Slr2Moons.  ^^