Language
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. ...
If you walk through a Japanese neighborhood early in the morning, you’ll see small children in uniforms heading to school — each carrying the same box-shaped backpack. That backpack is called a “randoseru” (ランドセル). For many Japanese people, it’s a nostalgic symbol of childhood — and surprisingly, its name came from Dutch. From Dutch Soldiers to Japanese Schoolchildren The word randoseru is derived from the Dutch word “ransel”, meaning “backpack.” During the late Edo and early Meiji periods, Japan adopted many ideas from Western countries, including the Netherlands. The original ransel was a military backpack used by Dutch soldiers. ...
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