Translation guide
A newly coined word or expression, or an existing word used in a new sense. In Japanese, this concept is most commonly expressed with the loanword ネオロジズム in academic contexts, but more naturally discussed using terms like 新語 or 造語 depending on whether the focus is on newness or coinage.
Referring to a word or phrase that has recently entered the language.
The most common and neutral term for a new word. Used in everyday conversation and media.
「エモい」は最近の新語だ。
"Emoi" is a recent neologism.
新語辞典を買った。
I bought a dictionary of neologisms.
Emphasizes the act of coining a word, often intentionally. Can refer to a coined term that may not be widely adopted.
この造語は作者が作ったものだ。
This neologism was created by the author.
Direct loanword from English, used mainly in academic or linguistic discussions. Not common in everyday speech.
言語学ではネオロジズムの研究が盛んだ。
In linguistics, the study of neologisms is active.
When an established word gains a new sense or usage.
A simple, natural way to describe a new meaning of a word without using a technical term.
この言葉には新しい意味が加わった。
A new meaning has been added to this word.
A more technical term for a new meaning, often used in dictionary contexts.
辞書に新義が追加された。
A new sense was added to the dictionary.
Discussing neologisms as a general linguistic or cultural phenomenon.
Literally 'birth of new words', a natural way to talk about the emergence of neologisms.
インターネットは新語の誕生を加速させた。
The internet has accelerated the birth of neologisms.
Refers to the methods or processes of word coinage, often used in linguistic analysis.
日本語の造語法には複合や省略がある。
Japanese word-formation methods include compounding and abbreviation.
新語 focuses on the newness of a word in the language, while 造語 emphasizes the act of creating it. Use 新語 for general new words, and 造語 when highlighting that someone coined it.
若者の間で使われる新語
neologisms used among young people
作家による造語
a neologism coined by the writer
The English word 'neologism' is not commonly used in everyday Japanese. Using ネオロジズム outside academic contexts may sound unnatural. Stick to 新語 or 造語.