TwinSeven's Dictionary

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Sarker Zeely's Happenstance Anime Dictionary

NOTE: July 3, 2002: This dictionary is not complete, and Japanimation Haven takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content therein. This dictionary is accurate as far as we know. If you wish absolute accuracy, please refer to a printed English-Japanese dictionary or a guide to Japanese culture, such as a tourist guide.

These are terms I've found useful to know to add some flair to my anime watching. If anyone has any revisions or corrections, plase send them to my staff and we'd be more than happy to fix whatever is broken. Other than that, have fun with the random words I've picked up while watching anime.
-Sarker Zeely

These are the basic, most useful terms (we could find) that can be used as a reference when wading through the unfamiliar territory that is Anime. For further references, please feel free to look up any unfamiliar terms not included here in *Jefferson's Online Japanese Dictionary* and *The Anime Companion*. And of course, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email the 'Haven.

NOTES ABOUT BASIC PRONUNCIATION
In Japanese phonetics (phonetics being words sounded out and written how they sound,) words often have implied letters included in them. The implied letter *is* in the word, but it isn't said completly. It's like starting to say a vowel but stopping and quickly finishing the word.

1. "su" - If you see a word with "su" at the end of it, the "u" can be said, but it's often used simply as another "s". For example, when introducing oneself, you can can use the word "desu" and your name. In 'Haven terms, you could say, "I'm Sarker Zeely". This would translate as "Zeely Sarker desu" in this case. The "desu" can be said "de'soo", but is shortened to "dess" in common speech. Words ending in "su" are, therefore, usually pronounced as "ss". Simply pronounce the word then at the end of it mold your lips like you're going to pronounce the "u", but don't actually say it.

2. "i" - The letter "i" found in the middle of words is sometimes not even pronounced. Unless preceeded or proceeded by another vowel, "i" can also be implied. Please note that much like "su", the "i" will be in the phonetic spelling of the word. It is up to you to know when to pronounce it. Example: "Thank you very much" is "Domo arigatou gozaimashita". The "u" at the end of "arigatou" is implied, and the second "i" in "gozaimashita" is not pronounced. So it is therefore pronounced "go-zai-mashta".

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A

ai - (eye') - "love". There are a few different words that sound like "ai". One if "love". One is "pathetic", and one is a female name. (i.e. "Video Girl Ai"

aisu - (EYE'soo) - "ice"

aka - (AW'ka) - "red" as in colour

akachan - (AW'ka chan) - "baby"

akari - (AW'karee) - "light"

ame - (AW'may) - "rain"

anata - (aw'NA'ta) - "you"

aneki - (ANN'e-kee) - "big sister", honourable

aniki - (ANN'a-kee) - "big brother", honourable

animeshon - (A'nee'MAY'shon) - "animation"

ano - (A'no) - Japanese equivalent of "uhm". As in, "Uhm, excuse me..."

ao - (OW)- "blue" as in colour

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B

baka - (BA'ka) - "fool", "idiot"

baka na - (BA'ka na) - "stupid"

bara - (BAra)- "rose" as in flower

basu - (BAss) - "bath"

beru - (BE'roo) - "bell"

bo - (bOH)- "stick", also as in "bo" staffs used in martial arts

buraja - (BOO'raw'jaw) - "brassiere"

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C

chansu - (ch'AN-soo, chANss) - "chance". Often said by a character when striking a bit of luck.

chi - (chEE) - "blood". Can also be used to refer to spirit or spiritual power

chichi - (chEE'chEE) - formal of "father". The "i"s are pronounced very quickly.

chichiue - (chiCHI'you way) - "Father", honourable; if target is of nobility or has a title.

chikyu - (sh'kYOU) - "earth", as in the planet. The "i" is implied, not said.

chosho - (chO'show) - "strength", "virtue"

choshoku - (chO'show'koo) - "breakfast"

chozo - (chO-zo) - "statue"

chugoku - (chu'GOKe) - "China". The last "u" is implied, not pronounced.

chushoku - (chu'SHOke) - "lunch". The last "u" is implied, not pronounced.

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D

daidokoro - (DIE'dokorow) - "kitchen"

daigaku - (die'GACK) - "university". The "u" at the end of the word is implied, not pronounced.

dakara - (DA'ka-ra) - "because"

dansu - (DAnss) - "dance". The "u" at the end of the word is implied, not pronounced.

dare ka - (DA'ray kaa) - "someone"

dezato - (dayZA'tow) - "dessert"

do itashimashite - (doh ee'tah'sheeMASH'tay) - "you're welcome". The last "i" is not pronounced.

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E

eigo - (EYE'ko) - "English" as in language

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F

firumu - (fIR'moo) - "film". The first "u" is very short, almost implied.

furo - (FOO'row) - "bath"

furoba - (foo'RO'ba) - "bathroom"

fuu - (FOO) - "wind"

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G

gakuen - (gaKOO'en) - "academy"

gakko - (ga-KO) - "school"

gakusei - (gakooSAY) - "student"

gakusei-ryo - (gaKOOsay reeyO) - "student dormitory"

genki - (GEN-kee) - "in good spirits", "well". "Genki, genki" means "I'm okay" in response to someone asking if you're hurt.

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H

ha - (haw) - "Yessir" or "Yes Ma'am". Said abruptly, shortly. "Ha" also means "leaf" and "tooth", but is pronounced differently.

haha - (Haha) - "Mother", honourable. Pronounced quickly.

hahaue - (haHAooway) - "Mother", honourable; if target has a title or is nobility.

hanabi - (HAnabee) - "fireworks"

hane - (HAnay) - "feather"

heiwa - (HAYwa) - "peace"

heiya - (HAY'ya) - "plain" as in landscape

hi - (hEE) - "fire", "sun"

hibiki - (hEE'bi'kee) - "sound", "noise"

hidari - (hEE'daree) - "left", as in direction

hidoi - (heeDOI) - "extreme", "very bad". You'll see characters saying this and it translated as "That's too cruel!" or something to that effect.

hikari - (hEEkaree) - "light"

hikaru - (hEEkaROO) - "to shine"

himitsu - (heeMEEtsoo) - "secret"

honto ni - (hO'ntoe nee) "truly". You'll see this translated as "really".

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I

ichi - (EE'chee) - "one", as in the number.

iku - (EE'koo) - "to go". See "ikimashou".

ikimashou - (EE'key-ma-SHOW) - "(I am) We are leaving". Traditionally said as one leaves the house to let the other members know you're leaving. Also "ikimasu" (EE'key-mass). Meaning "Let's go".

imoto/imouto – (ee MOE’toe) - "older sister"

inazuma - (EEnaZOOma) - "lightning"

inori - (EEnoree) - "prayer"

inshoku-ten - (eenSHOkoo-ten) - "restaurant"

iro - (EEroe) - "colour"

ishi - (EEshe) - "stone"

itai - (eeTAI) - "painful". Almost always translated as "ouch".

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O
ototo/otouto - (O' toe-toe) - "younger brother"

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