What Are Loanwords Used by Japanese People? Are They the Same as the Original Words in Terms of Pronunciation?

There are people who find loanwords “difficult” and others who find them “easy to understand.” Why is that? By understanding the characteristics of loanwords, I encourage you to learn them and give them a try.

Loanwords are words that have been borrowed from other languages and are used as part of a different language. In Japan, most loanwords were introduced during the Meiji era (around 1868) and are typically written in Katakana.

Most of the loanwords we use today are primarily from English, which makes up about 80% of them.

The rest of the loanwords are from languages such as Portuguese, Dutch, German, Italian, French, and more. In a broad sense, Kango—words that came from China—are also included, but only words from Western languages, aside from those of Chinese origin, are considered loanwords.

Loanwords often undergo changes in pronunciation due to differences between the phonetic systems of the original language and Japanese. However, there are also loanwords that have been adopted into Japanese with pronunciations nearly identical to their original forms.

Kafe (Cafe): The French word “café” literally means “café” in Japanese, and the pronunciation is almost the same. We adopted both the café culture and the word, using it as is.

Ankēto (Enquête): This word also comes from the French word “enquête,” and its pronunciation is quite close to the original. It is used in a wide range of contexts, such as surveys and questionnaires.

Bīru (beer): The English word “beer” is adopted into Japanese with almost the same pronunciation, written as “bīru,” due to the popularity of beer in Japan.

Hoteru (Hotel): This is a loanword from English, and its pronunciation is quite close to the original. It is also known as an accommodation facility.

When loanwords are adopted into the Japanese language, their pronunciations occasionally change due to differences in phonetic systems.

Arubaito (Arbeit): The German word “Arbeit” originally means “job.” However, in Japanese, the word “Arubaito” refers to a part-time or temporary job, which is a meaning not present in the original German word.

Opera (Opera): The Italian word “opera” has a wide range of meanings, such as “artwork” or “labor.” However, in Japanese, it specifically refers to “theatrical art,” aligning with its meaning in English as a particular cultural form.

Kokku (Cocque/Cook): The French word “cocque” describes a person who is in charge of cooking and is related to the English word “cook.” In Japanese, “kokku” refers to a chef. The pronunciation is slightly different, and the meaning is somewhat narrowed compared to the original.

Manshon (Mansion): In English, “mansion” means a large, grand house. However, in Japanese, “manshon” refers to a condominium or apartment building. This is an example of how the word’s usage differs from its original meaning.

Sarariiman (Salary man): The term “salaryman” does not exist as a word in English. However, in Japanese, it refers to a businessman or office worker. It is a type of wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) created by combining “salary” and “man.”

The background to how loanwords are adopted in forms different from their original languages is rooted in Japan’s unique culture and social structure. For example, the term “mansion” became widely used in Japan due to urbanization and increased housing demand during the period of rapid economic growth. Similarly, the widespread use of the term “salaryman” reflects Japan’s distinctive corporate culture.

Loanwords can enrich your Japanese vocabulary, but they may require some caution when it comes to using them. The meanings and nuances of original words may not be directly reflected in Japanese, which can lead to misunderstandings or inappropriate usage in certain situations.

The English word “compliance” originally means “adherence to laws” or “obeying rules.” However, the Japanese word “konpuraiansu” is often used in a broader range of meanings, such as “corporate ethics” or “social responsibility.” To use the term correctly in actual contexts, you should pay attention to its nuances to avoid misunderstandings.
Additionally, the English word “risk” describes danger, but in Japanese, it is sometimes used to mean “challenge” or “resolve.” This usage might lack the full meaning of the word “risk,” so it is important to use it carefully depending on the context.

“Mainasu ion” (minus ion) is a wasei-eigo term that was uniquely created in Japan. In scientific terms, it is known as “negative ion,” but it is primarily used to suggest health benefits. When using this term, it is important to be aware that it may give the impression of lacking scientific basis. “Pēpā doraibā” (paper driver) refers to someone who, despite having a driver’s license, rarely drives. The term “paper driver” originates from the fact that, in the past, driver’s licenses were made of paper rather than the plastic cards we use today. As a result, people began calling those who rarely drive “drivers with just a paper.” In English, people commonly use the term “inexperienced driver.”

The English word “celebrity” refers to famous people, but the Japanese term “serebu,” which is short for “celebrity,” is used to refer to the affluent or privileged class. For this reason, using the term without knowing its original meaning can lead to giving the wrong impression to others. Additionally, the English word “about” means “approximately” or “concerning,” but in Japanese, “abauto” is often used to mean “careless” or “vague.” This usage is not understood in English-speaking contexts, so caution is needed.
In my experience teaching Japanese classes, I used to say, “When my kid was small, I often went out with a baby car.” I always received puzzled reactions from students. It turns out that “baby car” is a wasei-eigo, and the correct term in English is “stroller.” My students initially thought it referred to a toy car for babies rather than a ride.
Furthermore, ”My students looked completely shocked when I said, “I went viking at the hotel with my friend.” The word “baikingu,” derived from the English word “viking,” actually means “all-you-can-eat” or “buffet” in Japanese.

Loanwords are very useful but can also be challenging for those studying Japanese. This is especially true for words whose pronunciations are altered to make them easier for Japanese speakers to pronounce, such as “enerugī” (energy) and “arukōru” (alcohol).
You can make a list of frequently used loanwords or focus on categories that interest you. For example, if you love anime, you might start with loanwords related to that. Listen to these words repeatedly in YouTube videos or TV shows. Find a study method that works best for you!

To master the growing number of loanwords, it is important to regularly encounter and use them, learn their origins and backgrounds, and integrate them with foreign language studies. At TCJ, you can learn a range of loanwords, from basic ones to those used in specialized fields, through class lessons, private lessons, and online lessons. Why not join us at TCJ and discover loanwords that will enhance your skills in daily conversation, business, and specialized fields?