Japanese Words That Sound Like English continue to offer fascinating insights into how languages mix and evolve. Here, in part 5, we present 12 fresh loanwords that might catch your ear with their almost-familiar tones.
1. エレベーター (erebeetaa)
Adapted from “elevator.” Pronounced e-re-be-e-taa, it adds extra vowels for smooth articulation. When you see a sign in a building, you’ll know exactly what it points to.
2. リモコン (rimokon)
Means “remote control.” In Japanese, ri-mo-kon rolls off the tongue neatly. Whether for your TV or air conditioner, it’s a word you’ll hear often.
3. コップ (koppu)
A direct borrowing of “cup,” but with a doubled “p” sound. If you ask for a koppu of water, you’ll receive a regular drinking cup.
4. デパート (depaato)
Short for “department store.” De-pa-a-to feels slightly drawn out, and you’ll spot this word on storefronts in major shopping districts.
5. サラダ (sarada)
“Salad” becomes sa-ra-da. It’s common on menus throughout Japan, fitting right in with Western-style meals.
6. レンタル (rentaru)
Derived from “rental.” Used for anything you can rent—movies, cars, bikes. Just add a bit of flair to the pronunciation.
7. キャンプ (kyanpu)
Means “camp,” typically referring to outdoor camping. You might see this term on travel brochures promoting nature getaways.
8. ノート (nooto)
“No-te” for “note” or “notebook.” In stationery shops, you’ll find a variety of nooto for writing, drawing, or journaling.
9. プリント (purinto)
Adapted from “print.” Can refer to printing documents or printed handouts. If someone mentions purinto, they need something on paper.
10. タクシー (takushii)
“Taxi” with a twist. Ta-ku-shi-i sounds a bit elongated, but it’ll still get you a ride around town.
11. セルフ (serufu)
From “self,” often used in contexts like self-service. For example, a self-serve restaurant might be labeled serufu.
12. スマホ (sumaho)
A shortened form of “smartphone.” Popular in casual conversation when referring to mobile devices.
Final Thoughts on Japanese Words That Sound Like English
Whether it’s エレベーター or スマホ, these terms highlight Japan’s knack for adapting English to its own phonetic style. Recognizing Japanese Words That Sound Like English makes learning the language both fun and approachable. Keep listening for more unexpected loanwords—you might be surprised by how many you already understand!