Japanese Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Speak Like a Tokyo Local

Japan’s pop culture and language have captivated global audiences for decades. However, the real test of fluency often lies in slang—those casual, everyday expressions that are rarely found in textbooks. Whether you’re strolling through Shibuya or chatting with friends in Shinjuku, dropping the right slang term can make you sound more local and help you connect with Japanese people on a deeper level.

In this guide, we’ve compiled 100 essential slang terms that are popular in Tokyo—covering everything from greetings to online chatter. Let’s get started!

Why Learn Japanese Slang?

Blend In and Make Friends
While polite Japanese (敬語 keigo) is crucial, everyday life in Tokyo often includes playful banter and colloquialisms. Using slang appropriately can break the ice.

Stay Updated on Trends
Slang evolves quickly—especially online. If you watch Japanese dramas, anime, or follow J-pop idols, you’ll notice new words popping up all the time.

It’s Fun and Memorable
Slang terms are catchy, short, and easy to remember. They reflect modern culture, so learning them can feel more like an adventure than study.

Fun Fact: According to a 2020 survey by NHK, over 60% of Japanese teenagers use slang daily in text messages or casual convos.

Quick Tips for Using Japanese Slang

1. Know Your Audience: Some slang is youthful and might sound odd if used with elders or in formal contexts.
2. Listen and Observe: Watch variety shows, YouTube vloggers, or anime to see how and when slang is used.
3. Ease In Gently: Don’t try all 100 expressions at once—pick a few that feel natural and go from there.
4. Be Aware of Politeness Levels: Even slang can have more polite or less polite nuances. Gauge the vibe before jumping in.

Greetings & Everyday Expressions (1–10)

1. ヤッホー (Yahhō)
   • Meaning: “Hey!” or “Hiya!” (very casual, fun greeting)
   • Usage: Among friends: “ヤッホー！元気？” (“Hey! How are you?”)
2. ちわーす (Chiwaasu)
   • Meaning: Slang-ish “Hello,” a shortened form of konnichiwa
   • Usage: “ちわーす、今日は何する？” (“Hey, what are we doing today?”)
3. おっす (Ossu)
   • Meaning: “Yo!” or “Sup!” from martial arts greeting, also Tokyo youth.
   • Usage: “おっす、最近どう？” (“Yo, how’s it going lately?”)
4. まじっすか (Maji ssuka)
   • Meaning: “Really?!” or “Seriously?!”
   • Usage: “まじっすか？信じられない！” (“Seriously? Can’t believe it!”)
5. うそ！ (Uso!)
   • Meaning: “No way!” or “You’re kidding!”
   • Usage: “うそ！もう帰るの？！” (“No way! You’re leaving already?!”)
6. やばい (Yabai)
   • Meaning: Versatile. Can mean “amazing,” “awful,” “dangerous,” or “wow!”
   • Usage: “それ、やばいね！” (“That’s crazy!” or “That’s awesome!”)
7. イケてる (Iketeru)
   • Meaning: “Cool,” “stylish,” or “good-looking”
   • Usage: “あの人、めっちゃイケてるよ。” (“That person is really cool.”)
8. めっちゃ (Meccha)
   • Meaning: “Really,” “super,” “very” (borrowed from Kansai dialect but used widely)
   • Usage: “これ、めっちゃおいしい！” (“This is super tasty!”)
9. だいじょぶ？ (Daijobu?)
   • Meaning: Slang short for “Are you okay?” (だいじょうぶ？)
   • Usage: “眠そうだけど、だいじょぶ？” (“You look sleepy, you okay?”)
10. おつ (Otsu)

• Meaning: Short for “otsukaresama,” used like “good job” or “well done.”
• Usage: “今日の仕事おつ！” (“Nice work today!”)

Describing People & Personalities (11–20)

11. イケメン (Ikemen)

• Meaning: “Hot guy,” “handsome man”
• Usage: “彼はイケメンだね。” (“He’s a hottie.”)

12. カワイイ (Kawaii)

• Meaning: “Cute,” used globally now
• Usage: “この服カワイイ！” (“These clothes are so cute!”)

13. ぶさいく (Busaiku)

• Meaning: “Ugly,” can be harsh
• Usage: “あのキャラ、ちょっとぶさいくじゃない？” (“That character is kinda ugly, right?”)

14. キモい (Kimoi)

• Meaning: “Creepy,” “gross”
• Usage: “その虫、マジキモい。” (“That bug is super gross.”)

15. かっこいい (Kakkoii)

• Meaning: “Cool,” “stylish,” or “good-looking”
• Usage: “新しい髪型、かっこいいね。” (“Your new hairstyle is cool.”)

16. しんどい (Shindoi)

• Meaning: “Worn out,” “tiring,” describing emotional or physical fatigue
• Usage: “仕事忙しすぎて、しんどいわ。” (“Work is so busy, I’m exhausted.”)

17. 天然 (Tennen)

• Meaning: “Natural airhead,” someone naive or innocent
• Usage: “彼女、ちょっと天然っぽくて面白い。” (“She’s kind of an airhead, but funny.”)

18. ドジ (Doji)

• Meaning: “Clumsy,” messing up frequently
• Usage: “また皿落としちゃったの？ドジだなー。” (“You dropped a plate again? So clumsy.”)

19. ポンコツ (Ponkotsu)

• Meaning: “Useless” or “junk,” sometimes joking about a person’s incompetence
• Usage: “あの先輩、ポンコツだけど憎めない。” (“That senior is hopeless but oddly endearing.”)

20. マイペース (Mai pēsū)

• Meaning: “At one’s own pace,” describing someone who does things their own way
• Usage: “彼はいつもマイペースで、周りを気にしないね。” (“He always does his own thing without worrying about others.”)

Internet & Tech Slang (21–30)

21. ググる (Guguru)

• Meaning: “To google (something)”
• Usage: “わからなかったらググってみて。” (“If you don’t know, just google it.”)

22. ツイる (Tsuiru)

• Meaning: “To tweet,” from “Twitter”
• Usage: “イベントのことツイっといたよ。” (“I tweeted about the event.”)

23. LINEする (LINE suru)

• Meaning: “To message on LINE,” a common messaging app in Japan
• Usage: “後でLINEするね。” (“I’ll message you on LINE later.”)

24. 既読 (Kidoku)

• Meaning: “Read receipt,” from messaging apps
• Usage: “既読スルーしないで！” (“Don’t read my message and not reply!”)

25. 草 (Kusa)

• Meaning: “Grass,” used like “lol,” from repeated “w” looking like grass
• Usage: “それ聞いて草生えた。” (“I heard that and LOL’d.”)

26. 神 (Kami)

• Meaning: “God,” used to say something is divine or amazing
• Usage: “このアプリ、神アップデートきたわ。” (“This app got a god-tier update.”)

27. ガチ勢 (Gachi-zei)

• Meaning: “Hardcore players/fans,” “serious group.”
• Usage: “あのゲームのガチ勢は課金やばい。” (“The hardcore players of that game spend tons of money.”)

28. リムる (Rimuru)

• Meaning: “To unfollow (someone),” from “remove.”
• Usage: “フォロワー整理したら、10人リムった。” (“I cleaned up my followers and removed 10 people.”)

29. TL (Ti-Eru)

• Meaning: “Timeline,” referencing Twitter feed or timeline on social media
• Usage: “TL見たら、みんな同じ話題してる。” (“Looking at my timeline, everyone’s discussing the same topic.”)

30. 厨 (Chū)

• Meaning: “Obsessed fan,” from “中毒 (chūdoku, addiction)” or “厨房 (kitchen, but used for immature fans).”
• Usage: “あのアイドル厨だから、グッズ集めすごいよ。” (“She’s obsessed with that idol, collecting tons of merch.”)

Expressing Feelings & Reactions (31–40)

31. やっぱ (Yappa)

• Meaning: Short for “yappari,” meaning “as expected” or “after all.”
• Usage: “やっぱ、寿司は最高だね。” (“After all, sushi is the best.”)

32. びみょー (Bimyō)

• Meaning: “Eh, not so great,” “so-so,” literally “subtle.”
• Usage: “この映画、正直びみょーだったよ。” (“Honestly, this movie was so-so.”)

33. ウケる (Ukeru)

• Meaning: “That’s funny,” “hilarious,” literally “to receive.”
• Usage: “その話ウケるわ！” (“That story is hilarious!”)

34. チルする (Chiru suru)

• Meaning: “Chill out,” from English “chill.”
• Usage: “土曜は家でチルするつもり。” (“I’m planning to just chill at home on Saturday.”)

35. だるい (Darui)

• Meaning: “Feeling lazy,” “sluggish”
• Usage: “月曜日朝は本当だるいね。” (“Monday mornings are really sluggish.”)

36. ぐだぐだ (Guda guda)

• Meaning: “Lazing around,” “sloppy,” no motivation
• Usage: “休みの日はぐだぐだ過ごしてる。” (“On my days off, I just laze around.”)

37. ほんとそれ (Honto sore)

• Meaning: “Exactly,” “for real,” strong agreement
• Usage: “あの店高すぎる！ ほんとそれ。” (“That shop is overpriced! Exactly.”)

38. 最高かよ (Saikō ka yo)

• Meaning: “Is this the best or what?!” super praise or excitement
• Usage: “このライブ、最高かよ！” (“This concert is the best!”)

39. いまいち (Imaichi)

• Meaning: “Not quite there,” “somehow lacking”
• Usage: “今日の体調いまいちなんだよね。” (“My condition today is not that great.”)

40. ガーン (Gān)

• Meaning: “Shocked” or “devastated,” onomatopoeic for shock
• Usage: “財布忘れた…ガーン。” (“I forgot my wallet…shock!”)

Love & Dating (41–50)

41. リア充 (Ria-jū)

• Meaning: “Someone whose real life is fulfilling,” especially dating life
• Usage: “彼氏とデートばかりでリア充すぎる。”

42. こくる (Kokuru)

• Meaning: “To confess (one’s love),” from “告白 (kokuhaku).”
• Usage: “いつこくるの？早くしないと他の人に取られるよ！”

43. 惚れる (Horeru)

• Meaning: “To fall for someone,” can be slangy in casual contexts
• Usage: “あの笑顔見て惚れちゃった。”

44. 別れよ (Wakare yo)

• Meaning: “Let’s break up,” super direct slang version
• Usage: “もうムリ。別れよ。”

45. 壁ドン (Kabe-don)

• Meaning: “Wall slam,” a romantic trope where a guy corners a girl against a wall
• Usage: “少女漫画の壁ドンシーンにドキドキする。”

46. 両思い (Ryōomoi)

• Meaning: “Mutual love,” both sides like each other
• Usage: “やっと両思いになったんだって！おめでとう。”

47. 片思い (Kataomoi)

• Meaning: “One-sided love”
• Usage: “ずっと片思い中で辛い。”

48. イチャイチャ (Icha icha)

• Meaning: “Lovey-dovey,” “flirting,” being physically affectionate
• Usage: “公共の場でイチャイチャしないでよー。”

49. 好きバレ (Suki-bare)

• Meaning: “It’s obvious you like someone,” “love is exposed.”
• Usage: “行動が好きバレしすぎて、みんな知ってるよ。”

50. ラブラブ (Rabu rabu)

• Meaning: “Lovey-lovey,” describing a couple that’s super in love
• Usage: “あの二人、いつもラブラブね。” (“They’re always so lovey-dovey.”)

Negative Feelings & Frustrations (51–60)

51. ムカつく (Mukatsuku)

• Meaning: “Annoying,” “makes me angry.”
• Usage: “あいつの態度、ムカつくんだけど。”

52. だるっ (Daru)

• Meaning: “Ugh, so tiresome,” variant of だるい
• Usage: “朝から掃除？だるっ。”

53. 最悪 (Saiaku)

• Meaning: “The worst,” big disappointment.
• Usage: “雨も降ってるし、最悪だわ。”

54. やる気なし (Yaruki nashi)

• Meaning: “No motivation,” “not in the mood.”
• Usage: “やる気なしの日だ。家から出たくない。”

55. うざい (Uzai)

• Meaning: “Irritating,” “so annoying.”
• Usage: “何度もLINEしてくるなんて、うざい。”

56. テキトー (Tekitō)

• Meaning: “Random,” “sloppy,” “whatever is convenient.”
• Usage: “テキトーな仕事はやめてよ。” (“Stop doing sloppy work.”)

57. イライラ (Ira ira)

• Meaning: “Frustrated,” “on edge,” onomatopoeic
• Usage: “待たされすぎてイライラする。”

58. めんどい (Mendoi)

• Meaning: “Annoying,” “pain in the neck,” short for “mendokusai.”
• Usage: “買い物めんどいからネットでいいや。”

59. ガッカリ (Gakkari)

• Meaning: “Disappointed,” from the sound of deflation
• Usage: “試合に負けてガッカリだよ。”

60. ドンマイ (Donmai)

• Meaning: “Don’t mind,” “No worries,” from English “don’t mind.”
• Usage: “失敗してもドンマイ、次があるよ。”

Pop Culture & Trends (61–70)

61. 神回 (Kami-kai)

• Meaning: “God-tier episode,” unbelievably good TV/anime episode
• Usage: “今週のアニメは神回だったね。”

62. 激アツ (Geki-atsu)

• Meaning: “Super hot,” “intense,” can refer to excitement or literal heat
• Usage: “新作ゲーム、激アツ展開！”

63. 推し (Oshi)

• Meaning: “Favorite idol/character,” from idol culture.
• Usage: “私の推しはあのVTuberです。”

64. 厨二病 (Chūni-byō)

• Meaning: “Middle school 2nd year disease,” describing teenage edginess
• Usage: “そのセリフ、厨二病っぽいね。”

65. 神ってる (Kamitteru)

• Meaning: “Godlike performance,” from “Kami” + “-tteru”
• Usage: “あの選手、今日神ってるよ。”

66. 映え (Bae)

• Meaning: “Instagrammable,” from “映える (to look great)”
• Usage: “このカフェ、映えスポットが多い。”

67. エモい (Emoi)

• Meaning: “Emotional,” “touching,” from “emo.”
• Usage: “この曲めっちゃエモいね。”

68. タピる (Tapiru)

• Meaning: “To go get bubble tea,” from “tapioca.”
• Usage: “放課後にタピろうよ！” (“Let’s grab bubble tea after class!”)

69. 推し活 (Oshi-katsu)

• Meaning: “Supporting your favorite idol,” “fan activities.”
• Usage: “週末は推し活でグッズ買いに行く。”

70. 地雷系 (Jirai-kei)

• Meaning: “Landmine style,” edgy-goth-lolita fashion trend
• Usage: “地雷系ファッションが今トレンドらしいよ。”

Family & Daily Life (71–80)

71. ママ友 (Mama-tomo)

• Meaning: “Mom friends,” mothers who bond over children
• Usage: “幼稚園でママ友が増えた。”

72. パパ活 (Papa-katsu)

• Meaning: Controversial slang for “dating older men for financial support”
• Usage: “パパ活はちょっと…あぶないよ。”

73. ゴロゴロ (Gorogoro)

• Meaning: “Lazing around at home,” “rumbling.”
• Usage: “日曜日はゴロゴロして過ごす。”

74. 奥さん (Okusan)

• Meaning: “Wife,” can also be used slangily among wives themselves
• Usage: “奥さんたちが井戸端会議してる。”

75. イクメン (Ikumen)

• Meaning: “Dads who actively participate in childcare”
• Usage: “彼はイクメンで有名だよ。”

76. おひとりさま (Ohitorisama)

• Meaning: “Single person” or “solo-living,” sometimes used proudly
• Usage: “おひとりさまでも全然寂しくないよ。”

77. ちゃんとする (Chanto suru)

• Meaning: “Do properly,” used in daily scolding or advice
• Usage: “部屋をちゃんと片付けなさい。”

78. マジ卍 (Maji manji)

• Meaning: “Seriously insane/crazy,” from teen slang, “卍” used symbolically
• Usage: “この課題量、マジ卍。”

79. きつい (Kitsui)

• Meaning: “Tough,” “harsh,” “grueling”
• Usage: “朝6時出勤はきついわ。”

80. コスパ (Kosupa)

• Meaning: “Cost performance,” i.e. good value.
• Usage: “このレストラン、コスパめっちゃいいよ。”

Random Must-Know (81–90)

81. ドヤ顔 (Doya-gao)

• Meaning: “Smug face,” from “doya” meaning “look at me.”
• Usage: “テスト満点で彼ドヤ顔してた。”

82. がっつり (Gattsuri)

• Meaning: “Hearty,” “substantial,” describing a big meal or serious approach
• Usage: “ランチはがっつり食べたい。”

83. ワンチャン (Wanchan)

• Meaning: “One chance,” meaning “maybe there’s a possibility.”
• Usage: “ワンチャンいけるかも。” (“Maybe we can succeed.”)

84. いける口 (Ikeru kuchi)

• Meaning: “Can handle your alcohol” or “able to handle something.”
• Usage: “日本酒いける口？” (“Can you handle sake?”)

85. 大丈夫っしょ (Daijoubu ssho)

• Meaning: “Should be fine, right?” casual, slightly masculine tone
• Usage: “まだ間に合うから大丈夫っしょ。”

86. しまった (Shimatta)

• Meaning: “Oops!” or “Oh no!”
• Usage: “しまった、電車乗り遅れた。”

87. くそ (Kuso)

• Meaning: “Crap,” “damn,” used as an expletive
• Usage: “くそ！課題締切過ぎた。”

88. わざとじゃない (Wazato janai)

• Meaning: “Not on purpose,” used to defend yourself.
• Usage: “ごめん、わざとじゃないんだ。”

89. テヘペロ (Tehe-pero)

• Meaning: “Tehe” + “licking tongue,” cutesy “oops, my bad” expression.
• Usage: “ドジしちゃった、テヘペロ〜。”

90. 一応 (Ichiō)

• Meaning: “For the time being,” “kind of,” “just in case.”
• Usage: “一応、傘持って行くか。”

Additional 10 Slang Gems (91–100)

91. 空気読む (Kūki yomu)

• Meaning: “Read the air,” sense social cues
• Usage: “空気読んで発言してね。”

92. ニート (Nīto)

• Meaning: “NEET,” unemployed not in education or training
• Usage: “彼はずっとニート状態らしい。”

93. パリピ (Paripi)

• Meaning: “Party people,” those who love clubbing and partying
• Usage: “渋谷でパリピが集まるイベントがあるんだ。”

94. バズる (Bazuru)

• Meaning: “To go viral,” from “buzz.”
• Usage: “このツイート、バズってるね！”

95. 鬼〜 (Oni ~)

• Meaning: “Demon-level,” intensifier, e.g. 鬼高い (crazy expensive)
• Usage: “あの店、鬼高いよ。”

96. 秒で (Byō de)

• Meaning: “In seconds,” meaning “super fast”
• Usage: “秒で終わったわ、この作業。”

97. イチ推し (Ichi oshi)

• Meaning: “Number one recommendation,” from idol culture’s oshi concept
• Usage: “このラーメン屋がイチ推しだよ。”

98. フラグ立つ (Furagu tatsu)

• Meaning: “Flag is raised,” referencing a sign something’s about to happen (gaming/anime)
• Usage: “あのセリフは死亡フラグでしょ？”

99. うけみん (Ukemin)

• Meaning: “Passive person,” from “受け身,” someone who doesn’t take initiative.
• Usage: “彼、めっちゃうけみんだから誘わないと来ない。”

100. リアタイ (Ria tai)

• Meaning: “Real-time,” used for watching live broadcasts or events.
• Usage: “アニメをリアタイで見たいから、早く帰る。”

Conclusion: Level Up Your Tokyo Slang Game

お疲れさま (Otsukaresama)! You’ve powered through 100 essential Japanese slang terms that’ll help you sound more like a Tokyo local. Remember, slang in Japan is fun, but it’s also context-sensitive. Gauging the situation—whether you’re among close friends, older colleagues, or brand-new acquaintances—is key.

Final Tips:

• Experiment in Moderation: Overusing slang can be jarring. Start with a few favorites.
• Watch & Listen: Variety shows, anime, YouTube vlogs—real-life usage is the best teacher.
• Stay Curious: Japanese slang evolves quickly—keep an ear out for emerging trends.

Call to Action:

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Now it’s time to put these expressions to use. 頑張って (Ganbatte!)—have fun and surprise your Japanese friends with your new, slang-savvy vocabulary!

Another Must-Read: Chinese Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms for Modern Mandarin Street Talk