everyday Japan
If you think every foreign-sounding word in Japan comes from English… think again! Many words that sound English actually come from German or French — and most Japanese people don’t even realize it. It’s one of those delightful quirks of language that shows how Japan borrowed, mixed, and reinvented words in its own way. Let’s explore some examples that might surprise you! German Words Hiding in Plain Sight During the Meiji era (late 19th century), Japan learned a lot from Germany — especially in medicine and science. That’s why many “English-looking” words in Japanese actually came from German. ...
Omikuji (おみくじ) are traditional Japanese fortune slips found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.Visitors draw them to receive guidance or predictions about different aspects of life, such as health, love, business, or travel.The word omikuji comes from kuji (lottery), reflecting the random nature of drawing a slip. History of Omikuji The origins of omikuji can be traced back to the Heian period (794–1185).Initially, they were used for decision-making at temples, often to determine important matters by divine will.Over time, omikuji became more accessible and transformed into a fortune-telling practice for ordinary people. Types of Fortunes Daikichi (大吉) – Great Blessing ...
Japan loves to borrow words from English — but what’s funny is that many of them have taken on completely new meanings here.They sound familiar to English speakers, yet… not quite right.These unique creations are called Japanese-made English, or wasei-eigo (和製英語). Let’s look at some fun examples you might come across in everyday Japan! “Salaryman” and “Office Lady” If you meet someone who introduces himself as a salaryman, he’s simply saying he’s an office worker — someone who earns a monthly salary.And his female colleague? She’s an Office Lady, or OL for short. These words are everywhere in Japan — ...
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