!['I'll Have an American Dog To Go' - 16 Weird Phrases Japan Has Taken From English](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/basic/a0002186_main.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
Japanese is a language teeming with loan words—many from English. However, a lot of the English sounding words in Japanese are actually made up by Japanese people. This can lead to a bit of confusion if it’s your first time hearing them! In this article, we’d like to introduce to you some of the most commonly seen words that can easily be misinterpreted.
1. Donmai (shortened from “don’t mind”) ドンマイ
![1. Donmai (shortened from “don’t mind”) ドンマイ](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac2022e92349.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
“Donmai” is heard quite a bit in casual conversations among friends. This means “don’t worry” or “never mind it”. For example, if something bad happens and you’re feeling a bit annoyed or a little down, your friend may give you a quick “Donmai!”, meaning to simply not worry about it!
2. Sand サンド
![2. Sand サンド](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac2036d3be23.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
The word sandwich is often shortened in Japanese to “sand”, so if you see a sign saying that they’re selling sand, don’t get too freaked out! They’re just selling some tasty sandwiches.
3. High Tension ハイテンション
![3. High Tension ハイテンション](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac203719c461.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
In Japanese, having “high tension” means that one is very full of energy or extremely enthusiastic.
4. Guts Pose ガッツポーズ
![4. Guts Pose ガッツポーズ](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac20634928bf.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
After doing something well or winning at an event, one may give a “guts pose” which is simply a victory pose.
5. One Piece ワンピース
![5. One Piece ワンピース](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac206766695d.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
The word “dress” in Japanese usually refers to a formal dress, and “one piece” used for casual dresses.
6. Trainer トレーナー
![6. Trainer トレーナー](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac208887c0fc.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
“Trainer” is used for the word “sweatshirt”.
7. American Dog アメリカンドッグ
![7. American Dog アメリカンドッグ](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac20b3f286b2.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
Perhaps from its origin, corn dogs in Japan are called “American dogs”.
8. Earring, Pierce イヤリング、ピアス
![8. Earring, Pierce イヤリング、ピアス](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac20b44ebc25.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
In Japan, many people will wear fake earrings instead of real ones. These fake earrings are referred to as “earrings”, and real earrings as “pierce”.
9. Kitchen Paper キッチンペーパー
![9. Kitchen Paper キッチンペーパー](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac20c1800af7.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
Kitchen paper is the word for “paper towel” in Japanese. If you say paper towel it’s likely that they will understand, but the correct word in Japanese is kitchen paper!
10. Soft Cream ソフトクリーム
![10. Soft Cream ソフトクリーム](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac20cb468d37.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
While similar to English, it may be a little confusing when hearing this at first! Soft cream is simply soft serve ice cream here.
11. Paper Driver ペーパードライバー
![11. Paper Driver ペーパードライバー](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac20d4ac8448.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
Without a meaning like it in English, a “paper driver” refers to someone with a driver’s license that doesn’t own a car and does not drive. If someone that you’re getting into a car with says that they’re a paper driver, you may want to buckle up and hold on!
12. Fried potato フライドポテト
![12. Fried potato フライドポテト](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac20ec0c455f.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
If you see “fried potato”, this simply means French fries! While they are fried potatoes, it may be a little confusing the first time hearing this!
13. Blue Sheet ブルーシート
![13. Blue Sheet ブルーシート](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac210b94cab9.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
“Blue sheet” is used for the word “tarp”. When you first encounter this word, the meaning may be a little unclear, but once you know what it is it’s very easy to remember!
14. Catch Ball キャッチボール
![14. Catch Ball キャッチボール](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac210bdc7433.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
Playing catch is called catch ball in Japanese.
15. Skinship スキンシップ
![15. Skinship スキンシップ](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac210c529f53.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
Skinship means “physical contact” in Japanese. If someone is touchy, others will probably say that they “do a lot of skinship”.
16. Gasoline stand ガソリンスタンド
![16. Gasoline stand ガソリンスタンド](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac211e5cfb19.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
Perhaps the most easily understood on this list, a gasoline stand is a gas station. It’s also sometimes shortened as “gassta”.
![](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/02/a0002186/img/en/a0002186_parts_5ac21312372fb.jpg?20200217172125&q=80)
As you can see, the Japanese language is full of words that are easily misunderstood for English speakers. Hopefully knowing these words can help you level up on your Japanese and maybe even surprise some people with your knowledge of this Japanese English!
Written by Lindsey Schultz
Top photo credit: Tuckraider / Shutterstock.com
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Skiing & Snowboarding
Niseko / Rusutsu
-
Appealing
Noboribetsu Onsen
Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
Noboribetsu / Lake Toya
-
Appealing
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Shopping Malls
Hakodate
-
Appealing
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Furano / Biei / Sounkyo
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Appealing
Asahiyama Zoo
Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
Asahikawa
-
Experience the Magic: Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival (August)
-
5 Quirky Japanese Summer Festivals You Must See: Dancing, Fire, Bellybuttons & More!
by: Miyu Shimada
-
Japan's Rainy Season Set To End July 20th! Summer Is Expected to See Sizzling Highs
-
Beat the Heat in Japan's Famous Hot Springs: 5 Recommended Summer Springs
by: Miyu Shimada
-
The Samurai Restaurant: An Insane, Energetic Night of Music and Lights
by: Cassandra Lord
-
Tokyo Summer Festivals: Bon Odori, Digital Festivals, and Theme Park Events for August 2024
by: Kaori Kimura
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
6 Most Scenic Spots Around Mount Yotei, Hokkaido: Gorgeous Sunflowers & More!
-
Secrets to Shopping in Japan: Guide to Annual Sales in Japan & Where to Shop
by: Miyu Shimada
-
Ramen Koichiro: Making Famous Hokkaido Ramen From the Age of 16?!
-
9 Days in Hokkaido: Suggested Itinerary Including Lake Toya, Muroran and Noboribetsu
-
Top 20 Things to Do in Furano: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Sightseeing, Food, and Shopping
-
15 Best Hokkaido Ski Resorts & Tips - According to a Japanese Tourism Expert
- #best sushi hokkaido
- #things to do hokkaido
- #best ramen sapporo
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sweets otaru
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best nature furano
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best japanese soft drinks