Translation guide
The love of or enthusiasm for what is new or novel. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through compound nouns, adjectives describing a fondness for new things, or set phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
Expressing a general fondness or enthusiasm for new things, trends, or experiences.
A common noun meaning 'a person who likes new things' or 'neophile'. It can also be used as an adjective with な (新し物好きな).
彼は新し物好きで、いつも最新のガジェットを買っている。
He's a neophile and always buys the latest gadgets.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to like new things'. It's natural and easy to use in conversation.
Referring to neophilia in academic, psychological, or evolutionary contexts.
A technical term used in psychology and biology meaning 'novelty-seeking behavior' or 'neophilia'. It is the most direct equivalent in academic writing.
There is no single, everyday Japanese word that perfectly matches 'neophilia'. Using the loanword ネオフィリア may not be understood outside of specialized contexts. It's better to describe the trait using phrases like 新しいものが好き or 新し物好き.
新し物好き is a neutral or positive term for someone who likes new things. ミーハー often implies a lack of discernment or blindly following trends, and can be slightly derogatory.
私は新しいものが好きで、よく新製品をチェックします。
I like new things, so I often check out new products.
Means 'full of curiosity'. While not a direct translation, it captures the spirit of neophilia when referring to an eagerness to explore new ideas or experiences.
彼女は好奇心旺盛で、新しい趣味にすぐ飛びつく。
She's full of curiosity and jumps at new hobbies right away.
A slightly dated slang term for someone who chases fads or is easily influenced by trends. It can carry a mildly negative nuance of being shallow or bandwagon-ish.
あの人はミーハーだから、流行っているものは何でも試す。
That person is a trend-chaser, so they try anything that's popular.
A less common term for someone who is always eager for the newest thing. It has a colloquial feel.
うちの父は新しがり屋で、スマホが新しくなるたびに買い替える。
My dad is a neophile; he replaces his smartphone every time a new one comes out.
Neophilia is a concept used to explain exploratory behavior in animals.
A more literal, descriptive phrase meaning 'love of newness'. It can be used in formal or explanatory contexts.
人間の新しさへの愛好は、文化の発展に寄与してきた。
Human neophilia has contributed to the development of culture.
The direct loanword from English. It is understood in academic or psychological contexts but is not commonly used in everyday Japanese.
ネオフィリアという用語は、心理学の文献で見られる。
The term 'neophilia' can be found in psychology literature.