Translation guide
The practice of dressing up as a character from anime, manga, video games, movies, or other media. In Japanese, the word is コスプレ (kosupure), a loanword from English 'costume play'. This guide covers how to talk about cosplay naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the act of dressing up as a character, often at events or conventions.
The standard Japanese word for cosplay. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (コスプレする).
週末に友達とコスプレをしました。
I did cosplay with my friends over the weekend.
彼女はコスプレが大好きです。
She loves cosplay.
The verb form meaning 'to cosplay' or 'to do cosplay'.
今度のイベントで何のキャラクターをコスプレするの？
Which character are you going to cosplay at the next event?
A cosplayer; someone who does cosplay.
彼は有名なコスプレイヤーです。
He is a famous cosplayer.
Referring to the actual costume or outfit worn for cosplay.
Cosplay costume. 衣装 means costume or outfit.
このコスプレ衣装は手作りです。
This cosplay costume is handmade.
The English loanword 'costume', often used in the context of cosplay or Halloween.
ハロウィン用のコスチュームを買った。
I bought a costume for Halloween.
Dressing up in costume, often for Halloween or parties. Less specific to anime/game characters than コスプレ.
Referring to an event where cosplay takes place.
A cosplay event or gathering.
来月、大きなコスプレイベントがあります。
There's a big cosplay event next month.
Short for コミックマーケット (Comic Market), the huge doujinshi convention where cosplay is also popular.
コミケでコスプレするのが夢です。
It's my dream to cosplay at Comiket.
コスプレする is the most common way to say 'to cosplay'. You can specify the character with を: 「初音ミクをコスプレする」 (to cosplay as Hatsune Miku).
コスプレ specifically refers to dressing as characters from anime, manga, games, etc. 仮装 is a broader term for dressing up in costume, including Halloween, masquerades, or historical costumes. Use コスプレ for otaku culture contexts.
ハロウィンで仮装するのは楽しい。
Dressing up for Halloween is fun.
アニメキャラのコスプレをする。
I cosplay anime characters.
コスプレが大好きです。
I love cosplay.
彼女はセーラームーンのコスプレをしました。
She cosplayed as Sailor Moon.
そのコスプレ衣装はどこで買いましたか？
Where did you buy that cosplay costume?
I'm going to a costume party.