Introduction
Ever wondered about Japanese words that sound like English words but have entirely different meanings? These “false friends” are a fun and fascinating part of learning Japanese! Whether you’re a language learner or just curious about Japanese culture, this list of 20 Japanese words will surprise you and improve your understanding of the language. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone looking to avoid potential misunderstandings!
1. サービス (Saabisu)
Sounds Like: Service
Meaning: In Japanese, it refers to something free or extra, often in restaurants or stores. For example, you might get a “service dessert” after your meal.
2. マンション (Manshon)
Sounds Like: Mansion
Meaning: This word means “apartment building” or “condominium,” not a luxurious estate like in English. Be careful not to mix these up when discussing housing in Japan!
3. バイク (Baiku)
Sounds Like: Bike
Meaning: Refers specifically to a motorcycle, not a bicycle. Motorcycles are popular in Japan for city commutes and countryside tours.
4. アイドル (Aidoru)
Sounds Like: Idol
Meaning: Used to describe pop stars or celebrities, often in music groups. Japanese “idols” are a major part of the entertainment industry.
5. ノート (Nooto)
Sounds Like: Note
Meaning: Refers to a “notebook” or “notepad.” Students and professionals frequently use ノート for jotting down notes or sketches.
6. クレーム (Kureemu)
Sounds Like: Claim
Meaning: In Japanese, it means “complaint,” especially in customer service situations. If you’re dealing with Japanese businesses, this is a word to know.
7. コンセント (Konsento)
Sounds Like: Consent
Meaning: Refers to an electrical outlet. If you need to charge your phone, look for a コンセント!
8. トランプ (Toranpu)
Sounds Like: Trump
Meaning: This word means “playing cards” in Japanese. It has no political connotation—it’s all about games!
9. ミルク (Miruku)
Sounds Like: Milk
Meaning: While it translates to “milk,” it’s often used for coffee creamer or a milk-based ingredient in recipes.
10. パン (Pan)
Sounds Like: Pan
Meaning: Refers to “bread,” a staple in Japanese bakeries. The word originates from Portuguese.
11. ドライブ (Doraibu)
Sounds Like: Drive
Meaning: Used for a leisurely car ride or road trip. Planning a countryside Doraibu is a popular activity in Japan.
12. カンニング (Kanningu)
Sounds Like: Cunning
Meaning: Refers to “cheating,” especially in academic settings. Be mindful of this word during exams!
13. グラス (Gurasu)
Sounds Like: Glass
Meaning: Used for a drinking glass, not window glass.
14. ハンドル (Handoru)
Sounds Like: Handle
Meaning: Refers to a steering wheel in vehicles. Essential for anyone renting a car in Japan.
15. カーブ (Kaabu)
Sounds Like: Curve
Meaning: Used for a bend or turn in the road. Drivers, take note of those カーブ ahead!
16. スタンド (Sutando)
Sounds Like: Stand
Meaning: Often refers to a desk lamp or small table, depending on the context.
17. サイダー (Saidā)
Sounds Like: Cider
Meaning: In Japan, this means a lemon-lime soda, not the alcoholic beverage you might expect.
18. メール (Meeru)
Sounds Like: Mail
Meaning: This word means “email,” while postal mail is called 郵便 (Yuubin).
19. シャープ (Shaapu)
Sounds Like: Sharp
Meaning: Refers to a mechanical pencil, not a cutting tool. A must-have for students in Japan!
20. ピンチ (Pinchi)
Sounds Like: Pinch
Meaning: Used to describe a “crisis” or difficult situation. It’s often heard in sports or during tense moments.
Conclusion
Learning Japanese words that sound like English is a fun way to deepen your language skills and avoid common misunderstandings. These “false friends” reveal just how uniquely Japanese borrows from English while giving words their own twist!
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with fellow language learners or bookmark it for your next study session. Don’t forget to comment with any other surprising Japanese-English word connections you’ve discovered!