Japanese Words That Sound Like English pop up everywhere, adding an unexpected familiarity to everyday conversations. This is part 4 of our series, where we bring you 12 more loanwords that might make you do a double-take. Ready to expand your knowledge and strengthen your ear for these linguistic gems?
1. ボール (booru)
Borrowed from “ball,” this refers to any spherical object used in sports or play. Notice the elongated “oo” that softens the pronunciation.
2. マイク (maiku)
Means “mic” or “microphone.” Japanese conveniently shortens the English term, and you’ll hear it in settings like karaoke or live performances.
3. ネクタイ (nekutai)
“Necktie” becomes ne-ku-tai in Japanese. If you’re shopping for formal attire, you’ll definitely encounter this word.
4. テーブル (teeburu)
A clear adaptation of “table.” Stretched out into three syllables—te-e-bu-ru—it might take a moment before you realize you already know what it means.
5. マスク (masuku)
Refers to a face mask. Whether it’s for fashion or health, “masuku” is a common term you’ll hear daily in Japan.
6. ワイン (wain)
“Wine” morphs into wa-in. Perfect for when you’re at a restaurant and feeling fancy. Just remember that slight vowel shift.
7. エンジン (enjin)
“Engine,” pronounced en-jin. If you’re talking about cars or machinery, this loanword is bound to pop up in conversation.
8. モデル (moderu)
“Model” is mo-de-ru. You’ll see it used for fashion models or product models in ads and magazines.
9. ニュース (nyuusu)
Means “news.” Stretched vowels make it sound slightly different, but once you catch on, it’s easy to recognize.
10. キャンセル (kyanseru)
“Cancel” becomes kyan-se-ru. Useful for politely declining or retracting something, like an appointment or reservation.
11. ハンドル (handoru)
“Handle” is ha-n-do-ru, and can mean anything from a steering wheel handle to a literal handle on an object.
12. シートベルト (shiitoberuto)
“Seat belt” rearranged to shi-i-to-be-ru-to. Whenever you hop into a car, you’ll likely see a label with this term for safety instructions.
Why These Japanese Words That Sound Like English Are So Intriguing
They reflect the natural evolution of language, where foreign words are borrowed and adapted to fit local sounds. From subtle elongations to consonant-friendly adjustments, each term offers a fresh look at how English and Japanese intertwine.
Final Thoughts on Japanese Words That Sound Like English
From マイク to シートベルト, these words blend seamlessly into Japanese while retaining just enough English essence to feel familiar. Keep your ears open for them in day-to-day life, and you’ll develop a sharper linguistic sense. Who knows? You might already be speaking more Japanese than you realize.
Embrace these loanwords as stepping stones to mastering the language’s unique rhythm—and be proud of each moment you recognize a “borrowed” term. After all, every little spark of familiarity makes learning Japanese that much more exciting!