Translation guide
Ways to express informal, everyday spoken language in Japanese, including casual speech patterns, slang, and conversational phrases.
The learner wants to speak or write in a casual, informal style typical of everyday conversation.
The plain form (da-style) is the foundation of casual Japanese. Use plain verb forms, だ instead of です, and drop polite endings.
It's hot today, huh?
What are you doing?
Refers to casual speech without honorifics, often used among close friends. It's the opposite of 敬語 (keigo).
You can speak casually with me.
Particles like ね, よ, よね, な, ぞ, ぜ add colloquial flavor and express nuances like agreement, emphasis, or seeking confirmation.
Sure / It's fine.
That's amazing!
The learner wants to use or understand very informal, often trendy or youth-oriented words and phrases.
A versatile slang word meaning 'dangerous', 'amazing', 'terrible', or 'crazy', depending on context. Extremely common in casual speech.
This ramen is insane (delicious)!
Means 'seriously' or 'really'. Often used as an interjection or adverb. Can be combined with で (マジで).
Slang for 'hilarious' or 'that's funny'. Literally means 'to receive', but in slang it means something is laugh-worthy.
The learner wants to use or understand shortened, colloquial versions of standard words and grammar.
Contraction of 〜ている / 〜でいる (progressive/resultative). Drop the い in casual speech.
What are you doing?
I'm already eating.
Contraction of 〜てしまう / 〜でしまう, indicating completion or regret. Very common in casual speech.
I ate it all (oops).
Contraction of 〜なければ / 〜なくては, meaning 'must' or 'have to'. Often used without the following ならない/いけない.
The learner wants to use common colloquial expressions that are not literal translations of English.
A very common way to ask 'What's wrong?' or 'What happened?' in a concerned, casual manner.
You seem down. What's wrong?
Means 'good feeling' or 'nice vibe'. Used to describe something that feels right or looks good in a casual way.
This song has a nice vibe, doesn't it?
Means 'so-so' or 'not bad'. Often used to give a lukewarm evaluation.
Many English colloquial expressions do not have direct Japanese equivalents. Trying to translate them word-for-word often results in unnatural Japanese. Instead, learn the natural Japanese expressions that convey the same intent in casual situations.
Colloquial Japanese varies greatly by region, age group, and social context. What is natural among close friends may be rude in a workplace. Pay attention to the relationship and setting before using casual forms.
Oh no, I'm gonna be late!
Seriously? / For real?
I'm seriously tired.
その話、ウケる！
That story is hilarious!
I forgot (darn it).
I have to study.
テストどうだった？まあまあかな。
How was the test? So-so, I guess.