ヲタク用語集

Wotaku Glossary

Want to increase your otaku knowledge? Look for no further! Presenting the Glossary section.

Region

Country	Comics	Animation
Japan	Manga	Anime
Korea	Manhwa	Aeni
China	Manhua	Donghua

Demography

Genre	Target audience
Kodomo	Kids (under 12)
Shounen	Boys (12-18)
Shoujo	Girls (12-18)
Seinen	Men (19-40+)
Josei	Women (19-40+)

Demography refers to the target audience for a piece of content. Studios and publishers need to market their content towards that specific audience, but it does not mean that only one demography will enjoy the show. Additionally, many anime/manga incorporate elements that appeal to various demographics.

Genre

Genre	Description
Ecchi	Anime or manga with lewd scenes but is not necessarily explicit or pornographic. Example: High School DxD
Isekai	Type of story where MC is transported to another world. Example: Mushoku Tensei
Mahou Shoujo	Literally 'Magical Girl', subgenre of fantasy centered around young girls with magical abilities. Example: Sailor Moon
Mecha	Abbreviation for 'Mechanical', shows heavily feature or focus on mechanical innovation. Example: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Shoujo-ai	Anime and manga exploring emotional, platonic, homoerotic relationships between women. Note: Explicit content is generally referred to as 'Yuri' or 'GL'.
Shounen-ai	Anime and manga exploring emotional, platonic, homoerotic relationships between men. Note: Explicit content is generally referred to as 'Yaoi' or 'BL'.
Slice of Life	Shows that focus on the day-to-day lives of fictional characters, offering chill experiences. Example: Nichijou
Wuxia	Literally means “Martial Heroes”. Fictional stories about humans with supernatural fighting ability. Themes of chivalry, tragedy, revenge & romance are common.

Terms

Terms	Meaning
Ahoge	Literally 'Stupid Hair'. refers to a strand of hair that springs upwards from the character's head. Example: Izumi Konata
Baka	Stupid.
Chibi	Literally "Small/Short". In real life it can be insulting but in anime it's used for cutesy style. Example: Doma Umaru
Chuunibyou	It's not possible to make a justified explanation without oversimplifying things. So, read this post instead.
Doujinka / Doujinshika	Doujinka is the creator of doujinshi and is a member of a doujin circle.
Doujinshi	Doujinshi refers to self-published works, which can be original creations or fan fictions, such as manga, novels, artworks, music, and games.
Ecchi	Lewd.
Fujoshi	'Rotten Girl'. Refers to a girl that fantasizes about guys being in a relationship with other guys, shipping male characters with other male characters in manga and anime.
Fudanshi	'Rotten Boy', the male equivalent of a fujoshi.
Gijinka	A type of fan-art or cosplay in which a non-human character is depicted in a human-like way (akin to personification)
Gravure idol	Gravure idols are models who pose in provocative swimsuit and lingerie photographs in magazines and photo books marketed towards teens (often in shonen magazine), men, similar to pin-up models.
Gyaru	English slang equivalent of "Gal". It refers to a subculture and fashion style in Japan where girls wear dramatic tan makeup, sport big hair, and embrace 2000s fashion trends. Example: Kitagawa Marin
Hentai	A term literally meaning pervert that is also used as a synonym for both animated and drawn pornography
Hikikomori	The people who don't go out of their home. The phenomenon can also be termed as Hikikomori. You can watch this video to get a clearer idea.
JK	"Joshi Kousei". Meaning high-school girl.
Kaiju	Giant monsters. It can be mentioned as a genre too.
Kawaii	Adorable.
Kouhai	Junior. Can be in a workplace or school.
Loli	Young or young-looking girl in anime and manga.
Moe	The feeling of emotional attraction when you see something cute in manga, anime or other weeb stuff. These are SFW and can be any gender.
Nakama	Literally "Comrade". Popularized by the series 'One Piece', it is nowadays used for a group of people who are closer than family.
Seiso	"Seiso" (清楚) refers to a particular aesthetic of purity and cleanliness that is often emphasized in the presentation of female idols. This can involve elements such as modest clothing, subtle makeup, and a generally wholesome image.
Senpai / Sempai	Senior. Can be in a workplace or school.
Sensei	Generally Teacher. But this can also be used to address someone who is a respected professional or very senior in the position.
Shikishi	It is a high-quality art board mainly used for calligraphy and painting. Due to its exceptional quality, it is often utilized for collecting autographs featuring both simple and highly detailed artwork. Additionally, it is sometimes used as a promotional material for the show. Examples of shikishi.
Shota	Young or young-looking boy in anime and manga.
Tokusatsu	Literally "Special effects". These term can be applied to movies and tv shows with superheroes with a recognizable style of special effects. Examples of Tokusatsu
Trap	A word used in the anime community to refer to a person who looks the opposite gender. Most commonly used for male characters who look female. Example: Urushibara Ruka from Steins; Gate
Yamato Nadeshiko	A Japanese term used to describe an ideal Japanese woman. They are the epitome of pure, feminine beauty.
Zettai Ryouiki	Translates to 'Absolute Territory'. Refers to the space of bare thighs between the skirt and above knee-length socks.

Common Honorifics

Terms	Meaning
-san	It is used after a person's name to show respect. It is equivalent to 'Mr.', 'Mrs.', or 'Miss' in English.
-sama	Formal version of -san, used to address a person of higher rank/importance, also commonly used by employees when addressing customers.
-kun	Used most often when referring to boys, this indicates affection or familiarity. Although it may occasionally be used by older men within their social circle, it can also be employed by anyone in reference to someone of lower status.
-chan	An affectionate honorific indicating familiarity used mostly in reference to girls; it is also used in reference to cute people or animals of either gender.
-chin	Cutesy way of saying chan among girls. Can be sarcastic sometimes, depending on the context.
-tan	Generally used for childish-talk among girls. It's also used in romantic talk (in private scenario), adding moe-vibe in ther coversation or in bar where hostess address themselves as -tan.
-(o)nii-chan	A familiar, somewhat childish way to refer to one’s older brother.
-(o)nee-chan	A familiar, somewhat childish way to refer to one's older sister.
-senpai	It is used to address upperclassmen or more experienced coworkers.
-sensei	A respectful term for teachers, artists, or high-level professionals.
No honorific	Indicates familiarity or closeness; if used without permission or reason, addressing someone in this manner would constitute as an insult.

If you want to mention a family member in formal way, here is the guide.

Doujin Basics

Terms	Meaning
Doujinshi	Doujinshi refers to self-published works, which can be original creations or fan fictions, such as manga, novels, artworks, music, and games.
Doujinka / Doujinshika	Doujinka is the creator of doujinshi and is a member of a doujin circle.
Doujin	'Doujin' refers to a group of people who share a common interest.
Circle	The term 'circle' refers to the group that releases doujinshi, the circle may consist of a group of people or a single individual.

Idol / VTuber terms

Terms	Meaning
Idol	Idols are live entertainers who are expected to be 'Seiso' or pure, meaning they do not engage in romantic relationships. Their primary goal is to entertain their fans. Idol culture is particularly popular in Asia, especially Japan and Korea. Idols are usually local, but occasionally, they can be foreigners too. However, the idol culture can be dark and questionable, despite being portrayed as glamorous in anime and manga. Idol groups can be a girls or boys group. Example: AKB48. Nowadays, VTuber groups such as Hololive are managed as an idol group.
VTuber	A content creator, typically a streamer, who utilizes a 2D or 3D avatar instead of appearing as themselves. However, it is becoming increasingly common for VTubers to reveal themselves on social media or during streams. This often depends on the policies of the managing agency.
Oshi	One's favourite idol. Also known as bias.
Gachikoi / Riako	The fan himself. It's generally used when the affection is on a serious level.
Kamioshi	If someone has more than one oshi, then his/her most favourite oshi is known as kamioshi.
DD / Daredemo Daisuki	Literally means "I like everyone". Used when one likes everyone in the idol group.
Chika Idol	Underground Idol.
Corpo / Corporate VTuber	A VTuber under contract with an agency is known as a corporate VTuber.
Indie / Independent VTuber	If she/he is not under any sort of contract.
Oshi Mark	It's used to indicate an idol or VTuber. It can be based by their name, their VTuber model, inside joke or just random. For example, Hoshimachi Suisei's oshi mark is . It's because the term "Suisei (彗星)" means comet. Ninomae Ina'nis's because of her model.

Kemonomimi

"Kemonomimi" means "animal ears." They are human-like characters who possess animal features such as ears, tails etc. Example: Tokai Teiou from Uma Musume

Types	Meaning
Inumimi	Dog ears
Kitsunemimi	Fox ears
Nekomimi	Cat ears
Nezumimi	Mouse ears
Umamimi	Horse ears
Usagimimi	Rabbit ears
Ryumimi	Dragon ears

Dere Types

Words used to describe anime girls based on their personality.

Bakadere

As clear by the word "baka", these character(s) are literally idiots, clumsy, and do things that are questionable, but due to their child-like innocence and optimism, they are kind-hearted to other characters, even though they may not realize that, and are very annoying to a protagonist. Example: Hanabatake Yoshiko from Aho-Girl

Hanabatake Yoshiko

Byoukidere

'Byouki' means illness, so these character(s) usually have some kind of physical disease, often fatal. They are mostly confined to a wheelchair or a hospital room. Generally, they are kind, caring and sweet in nature. Example: Miyazono Kaori from Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso

Miyazono Kaori

Dandere

Introverted character(s) that are shy, quiet, and asocial, they don't like to get involved in conflicts, but their affection is shown when they are alone or with a small group of people that they love and care. Example: Komi Shouko from Komi-san wa, Komyushou Desu.

Komi Shouko

Deredere

'Dere' means love, so a deredere character is all about being lovey-dovey. These character(s) are sweet, kind and very affectionate towards the person they love, while also being generally friendly towards other characters. Example: Miia from Monster Musume

Miia

Terms	Meaning
Oujodere	A lady-like (as denoted with "oujo") version of deredere, that is more mature, calm and collected, typically they have a strict-nature on the outside, but are sweet on the inside. Prefer to share less about their crush, but is always pleased to help their crush and others, even in tough times. Example: Hanekawa Tsubasa from Bakemonogatari
Megadere	Think of it like mega-deredere. An extreme version of deredere, that has an abnormal-obsession with their crush and are not afraid to show it to their crush. Example: Tachibana Marika from Nisekoi

Goudere

Over-achieving character(s) that are loyal to their masters, they view their masters as their savior and grace, so they do anything to their ability to keep them happy, and can also involve other characters as a means to contribute to their happiness, even though their master doesn't ask for that. Example: Tooru from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid

Tooru

Hajidere

Character(s) that aren't nervous and embarrassed with others, but on the contrary, are when they are around their crush. Example: Boa Hancok from One Piece

Boa Hancock

Himedere/Oujidere/Kamidere

Terms	Meaning
Himedere	Hime means princess. It's a character who wishes to be treated like a princess or a queen by the person she loves, even if she is not actual royalty. Example: Nakiri Erina from Food Wars
Oujidere	Ouji means prince. It's the male counterpart. Example: Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass
Kamidere	Kami means god. It's the same concept but taken to the extreme. Example: Kiryuuin Satsuki from Kill la Kill

Hinedere

A Character(s) who has cynical world views, is cold-hearted, and is highly arrogant. They will get easily annoyed by other people, including their love interest at first. Example:Annie Leonhart from Attack on Titan

Annie Leonhart

Hiyakasudere

'Hiyakasu' means 'to tease'. They are character(s) who likes to tease others and sometimes flirt with those they like. They will act really seductively in front of other people and will tease those that get embarrassed easily by their actions and words, possibly the love interest. Example: Holo from Spice & Wolf

Holo

Kanedere

'Kane' means money. They are the anime equivalent of gold diggers. They often just care about how much money a person has, and nothing else. However, if they truly love someone, the habit can be broken. Example: Eva Heinemann from Monster

Eva Heinemann

Mayadere

A character(s) who used to be an antagonist or villain of the series but switched sides after falling in love or becoming fond of another character. Example: Esdeath from Akame ga Kill!

Esdeath

Nemuidere

Character(s) that are sleepy - they sleep with or without an intent to do so, they will also try to get as much sleep as they can. Accompanied by those qualities they may also be lazy (which in this case they'd be both a nemuidere and darudere), so they need motivation from others to do something, but they are usually very smart and artsy when they are too much of a sleepyhead. Example: Princess Syalis from Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle

Princess Syalis

Terms	Meaning
Darudere	Similar to Nemuidere, but the difference is that where 'Nemui' means sleepy, 'Daru' means sluggish, they are very lazy and sluggish and unlike Nemuidere, they will only do things for people they care for and complain about it through the process of doing something, otherwise they are just dull and lazy to others. Example: Doma Umaru from Himouto! Umaru-chan

tl;dr: Nemui are sleepy characters, where as daru is lazy.

Nyandere

Character(s) that are cat-loving fanatics, it could come in several variations: - They are a nekomimi themselves and just have a lot dere for cats - A regular human that is normal or show no emotion to others, but show their nyandere side when around cats, portrayed through showing imaginary cat ears and paws

Example: Mizuno Kaede from Nyan Koi!

Mizuno Kaede

Sadodere

Character(s) that indulge in the manipulation of their crush's feelings and humiliating them. They are cold, violent and merciless to others, hence making them difficult to connect with others. They are also sadistic due to finding joy in inflicting pain on their crush. Example: Nagatoro from Don`t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro

Nagatoro

Terms	Meaning
Masodere	Character(s) that enjoy humiliating themselves, they compliment sadodere, so when combined together they are called Sadomasodere. Example: Darkness from Konosuba

Kekkondere

Character(s) type that is obsessed with getting married right away, even if it's someone they just met, in other words love at first sight, Their insistence on getting married comes from wanting to spend the rest of their life with their love interest, it could get to the point where it becomes unhealthy, where they may turn into yanderes! Example: Fujinomiya Neko from Masamune-kun no Revenge

Fujinomiya Neko

Kuudere

Character(s) who is always calm and collected, especially in the most stressful of situations. They never panic and usually analyze and think through things til' they solve the problem, it's rare for them to show affection or emotion to others in varying situations, however they could be hiding how they actually feel deep down. Example: Hishiro Chizuru from ReLife

Hishiro Chizuru

Terms	Meaning
Shundere	Shundere is an extreme version kuudere version, where they are emotionless all the time due to sadness or depression. They choose to lock themselves away from others and fully hide their emotions more than the Kuudere. Example: Kuroki Tomoko from Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaete mo Omaera ga Warui!

Tsundere

Character(s) that show coldness and hostility on the outside, but have a heart of gold on the inside. Due to their prideful character, they tend to act mean to their love interest as a means to hide how they actually feel, because they don't want to hurt their pride, so they are not honest with themselves.

Types	Meaning
Type A: TsunTsun	Harsh by default. Only someone close will be able to bring out their soft side. They can't seem to control their temper and will lash out for any reason. Example: Taiga Aisaka from Toradora!
Type B: DereDere	Sweet by default. Their Tsun side comes out when they get embarrassed. Feelings of awkwardness around feelings and convos about love, overprotective of their partner, this can result in a lash out if their love interest or their relationship is threatened. Example: Makise Kurisu from Steins;Gate

There are several variations of the Tsundere types, which you can check out here

Yandere

Character(s) whose love and devotion are so strong that they become excessively obsessive and possessive. They are depicted as becoming crazy after falling in love, capable of doing any number of immoral things if it means being able to get closer with their love interest. Also, if they ever think they can't be with their love interest or that he is cheating on her, they'd rather kill him and then herself rather than letting him be with someone else. Example: Yuno Gasai from Mirai Nikki

Yuno Gasai from Mirai Nikki

Yottadere

Character(s) that can never stop having alcohol, they usually will always have alcohol with them, and they are usually sober when they are with someone they love. They can also have different personality types, from someone serious and passionate - to someone wild and brute. Example: Vanessa Enoteca from Black Clover

Vanessa Enoteca