Translation guide
The English word 'meme' is widely used in Japanese as a loanword. This guide covers how to talk about internet memes, image macros, viral content, and related concepts in Japanese.
Referring to a viral internet meme, such as an image macro, video, or catchphrase.
The direct loanword for 'meme', used in the same broad sense as in English. Common in online and tech-savvy contexts.
This meme spread quickly.
Internet memes are part of culture.
A versatile word meaning 'material' or 'content', often used for joke material, viral topics, or meme-worthy content. Can refer to the concept behind a meme.
That meme is already old.
This image will make a good meme.
Literally 'funny image', often used to describe image-based memes or humorous pictures shared online.
I'm collecting funny memes.
Short for 'copy and paste', refers to copypasta or text-based memes that are repeatedly shared.
I saw that long copypasta again.
Describing something that has gone viral or become a widespread trend online.
A verb meaning 'to go viral' or 'to buzz'. Derived from 'buzz'. Commonly used for tweets, videos, or memes that gain sudden popularity.
That video is going viral.
This tweet might go viral.
Means 'topic' or 'hot subject'. Used to describe something that is being talked about a lot, including viral memes.
A verb meaning 'to become popular' or 'to be in fashion'. Can be used for memes that catch on.
Specifically referring to an image with superimposed text, often humorous.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'something with text put on an image'. The most direct way to describe an image macro.
I like these image macros.
Short for 'collage image', often used for photoshopped or edited images, including memes. Can imply a manipulated picture.
That meme image is hilarious.
Referring to a meme that is surreal, ironic, or intentionally low-quality.
Literally 'shit meme', used similarly to 'dank meme' in online communities. Very casual and can be vulgar.
I keep looking at dank memes.
Means 'surreal meme', used for absurd or nonsensical memes.
He likes surreal memes.
The loanword ミーム is widely understood among internet users, but in more formal or general contexts, you may need to explain the concept. Words like ネタ or 面白画像 are more accessible to a broader audience.
Do not try to translate 'meme' as 文化遺伝子 (cultural gene) unless discussing the academic concept coined by Richard Dawkins. For internet memes, stick to the loanword or common alternatives.
今、ネットで話題のミームだよ。
It's a meme that's trending online right now.
そのフレーズが急に流行り出した。
That phrase suddenly became a meme.