Glossary of Novelization 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, watching hours of subtitled anime, and translating songs and manga. 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! Hontou-yo!! You can reach me, Sailor Two Moons, at slr2moons@hotmail.com!

Gateway glossary words A-M (for words N-Z, click here.)

Abunai: This is a warning, similar to "Look out!" It is essentially used the same way. And no, it isn't a negative verb, it's an adjective. ^^ Pronounced "Ah-boo-nigh"

Ahou: Fool! Simpleton! Idiot! Dipshit! I believe it is a bit stronger than "baka". Pronounced "Ah-hoe"

Anata: You. This is a somewhat informal method of addressing another person. The proper, respectful way would be with their name.  Anata can also be used as an endearment between couples. 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. It can also be used as an expression of astonishment or surprise. For more info, click here. Pronounced "Ah-reh"

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

Aru: To be, for inanimate objects. You would use this verb for your house, a clock, a car, or a tree. You would NOT use it for your friend, your cat, or a bee. For more info, read about the to-be verb for anime objects, which is iru. Pronounced "Ah-roo"

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"

Atatakai: Pleasantly warm. Pronounced "Ah-tah-tah-kah-ee"

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"

Atta: Informal past tense of Aru, which is the verb of existence for inanimate objects. If Aru means "is", then Atta must mean "was". ^^ If you came to this entry in Chapter Nine and you don't understand the sentence the verb is first used in, click here for some extra info. Pronounced "Ah-tah"

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." "Mono" (in this usage) means "person". ^^ Pronounced "Bah-kah-mo-no" 

Beddo: Bed. It's actually the English word, pronounced with a Japanese accent. You would use this word only for a Western-style bed, not for a futon on the floor. Pronounced "Be-doh"

Bishounen: Beautiful boy. This is a very important word, which every FY and anime fan should know. >:D~~~ "Bi" = beautiful, and "shounen" = boy. This word is used for all those lovely men who have that effeminate, delicate look that completely turns me and so many other women into mush. Yummy....*megadrool* Pronounced "Bee-show-nen"

Chi: This word has two possible meanings in the Novelizations. The first is spirit, soul, and isactually the Chinese pronunciation. If the Japanese reading were used, it would be "ki". The other meaning is less of a word, but more of a sound made when someone is frustrated, or needs to curse but doesn't want to be too obvious about it. Pronounced "Chee".  For the second usage, make it very sharp and angry.

Chikara: Power, strength. You hear this one all the time in anime, especially in the martial-arts titles, and ones with fight scenes, such as in the mahou shoujo genre. (IE: Sailor Moon, CCS, MKR, etc). Pronounced "Chee-kah-rah"

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

Da: Informal form of "desu", which is the verb of existence. Interestingly, "da" could be either a shortened slang form of "desu", or it could be the past tense of the verb. Whichever is the correct reading is implied through the context. ^^ Pronounced "Dah".

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 "Dah-ee-joe-boo", but it's commonly slurred into "Die-joe-boo"

Dakara: So, therefore, while it may be true that, just because, nevertheless, not necessarily, etc etc etc. Pronounced "Dah-kah-rah"

Dake: Only, just. Pronounced "Dah-keh"

Dakedo: However... Pronounced "Dah-keh-doh"

Dame: No! Negative! No good! 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 sentence, "Anata wa dare desu ka?" Pronounced "Dah-reh"

De: A particle/post position, this little word modifies the word it follows. It can either mark location, like ni, or show "by means of", as in "I went to the library by means of a taxi" or "I wrote my letter by using a pen". The word does have other usages, but these are the two we need for simple Novelizations Japanese.

Desu "To be, is". This is another one where no direct English equivalent can be found. One way of looking at it is like a verbal equal sign, the same way "ka" is a verbal queation mark. Yes, desu does mean "to be, is", but you can't use "desu" in all situations where you would use "to be" or some other form of "is" in English. d:P It can also be informally shortened to just "da". Pronounced "Dess", as the "u" at the end is almost always dropped in normal speech

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"

Dou shite and Dou shita Why? This word is actually two separate ones, they are commonly combined in romanization, but don't have to be. "Dou" is "why, how" and "shite/shita" are both forms of "suru", which is "to do". (Doushita would be the past tense of "Why", as explained in the definition for Suru.) Pronounced "Doh Sh'teh" and "Doh Sh'tah"

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. The word isn't Japanese in origin. Instead, it is the Japanese pronunciation of the name of the English letter "H", as in short for "hentai". ^^ Pronounced "Etch-ee"

Ga: please see Wa. ^^

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-bah-teh"

Genki Spunky, cheerful, energetic, lively, healthy, full-of-life. This word is almost always used for those bright, open, bounce-off-the-walls girls who are so often the main characters of our beloved shoujo stories. ^^ Prounounced "Gheh-n-key"

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: Can begin, can start. "Hajimeru" is actually the potential, or able-to form of Hajimaru, which means the same thing, more or less. So "Hajimeru" means "can start", "Hajimaru" means "to start". Wakatta? Iie? Don't worry about it. ^^ <:P Pronounced "Ha-jee-meh-roo"

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

Hayaku: Quickly! Hurry! Move it! Used all the time in anime. Prounced "Hah-yah-koo"

Hen: Weird, strange, unusual, suspicious, etc. Pronounced "Heh-n"

Heika Your Majesty. If you listen closely, this is the Japanese word that everyone uses for Hotohori, the same way that the Japanese world for Miaka's role is "Suzaku no Miko", and the guys are called "Shichiseishi". I decided to use this original Japanese term, as well. Prounced "Heh-ee-kah", but the "ee" in the middle is usually dropped

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 "He-n-tie"

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

Hisashiburi: It's been a while, Long time no see. ^^ Pronounced "He-sa-she-bu-ree"

Hito: A person. Pronounced "He-toe"

Hontou: 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. :) Formally pronounced "Hoh-n-toh", but more commonly just "Hon-toh" or "Hon-toh nee"

Hora: An expression to call attention to something. It's similar to "check this out!" or "Look at that!" Pronounced "Ho-rah"

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

Iie: No. Pronounced "Ee-eh"

Iku: To go. A Japanese verb, when used in the plain/dictionary form, can have two different meanings, present and simple future. So iku can mean both "Go", and "will go". ^^ Pronounced "Ee-koo"

Ima: Just now, the present time. Prounounced "Ee-mah"

Inai: Isn't here. Specifically, the negative form of Iru. Pronounced "Ee-nah-ee"

Iru: To be in existance, as in "She is here." Remember how I mentioned that "desu" could not be used for all ocurrances of "to be"? Well, here's one of them. ^^ Specifically, this is the "to be in existance" for animate objects. So you would use "Iru" for your cat, your cousin, and your fish, but not for your car, your houseplant, or your apartment. Those would use "Aru", which means the same thing as "Iru"--but used only for INanimate objects. Japanese is SOOO much fun!! Pronounced "Ee-roo"

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

Itadakimasu: Literal definition: "Recieving!" Figurative definition: "I'm going to enjoy this!" This word is used all the time in anime--usually when characters are fixing to eat. It is usually subtitled as a Western-culture pre-meal equivalent, namely "Thanks for the food." If you listen closely to your subtitled anime, you will also hear this used when someone is preparing to treat themselves to something they know they will like. For example, a guy peeking in the girls' dressing room could very well whisper it around all the drool.

Iya: That's distasteful! Unpleasant! But "Iya" can mean a very strong "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: A contraction of desu. Pronounced "Jah"

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

Ja nai: It is not! "Ja nai" is the informal version of "dewa arimasen". Here's a breakdown of the parts: In common Japanese, "Dewa" became shortened to just "ja". "Dewa" 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! In the way! Obtrusive! You're a hinderance! Pronouced "Jah-mah"

Jaa: Well, well then. Slang, quite obviously. ^^ Pronounced "Jah", but hold out the "ah" part a bit longer than usual.

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 for the start of the tenth grade. A LOT rides on good scores, because if you take a test for the school of your choice--and you fail--you're screwed until the next chance to take the test. (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 ^^

Kao: Face, as in the part of your anatomy. Pronounced "Kah-oh"

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

Kazoku: Family, family members. Pronounced "Kah-zoh-koo"

Kimochi: The dictionary definition is "feeling." In common usage, the word is used to emphasize the warm fuzzies/feel goods 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. :) Pronouced "Kee-sah-mah"

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

Koe: A voice. ^^ Pronounced "Koh-eh"

Koi: This word has two different possible definitions: Love, or the fish found in Japanese ponds. (Different kanji, same reading.) You figure out which one is appropriate. ^^ Prounced "Koh-ee"

Koko: Here, this place. For more info, see here.

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 "Koh-reh"

Kowai: Frightening! Scarey! Terrifiying!!!! I think it's interesting how closely this word resembles "Kawaii". Heh. ^^ Pronounced "Koh-wah-ee"

Kuso: A profanity! It literally means "shit" Heh! Pronounced "Koo-so", or "K'so!" if they're really hacked. ^^

Mada: The condition now, which is the same as it was before. See Mou for more info. Pronounced "Mah-dah"

!-----> move to liner notes as a PUN!!!!  Makura: Total darkness. It can also mean "short sightedness", which would be an excellent pun. ^^ Pronounced "Mah-koo-rah"

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

Matsu: To wait. Pronounced "Mah-tsoo"

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

Minai: Don't look! For much more grammatical information, see the liner note entry, Japanese verbs! Waiiii! ^^ Pronounced "Me-nah-ee"

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"

Mono: Thing or person, as indicated by the context. Pronounced "Moh-noh"

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. :) For still more info, see Mada. Pronounced like "Mo" above, only draw out the vowel sound for two beats instead of just one.

(For words N-Z, click here.)

Many thanks go out to Barbara Chambers, Stephen Congly, Derik DeVecchio, Beth J., Alex C. Lau, Lyndall, Paul Starr, Iskandar Taib, Lawrence Wang, and Washuuchan for their help with my glossary! Doumo arigatou gozaimashita, mina-san!!!

This half of the glossary last tweaked on 5-6-03 by Slr2Moons. ^^