60+ Anime Phrases in Japanese That You Need to Know

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Anime expert Nicole Favarelli shares iconic catchphrases and exclamations from anime

Co-authored by Nicole Favarelli and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: February 16, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Common Phrases
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• Interjections
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• Useful Phrases
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• Risky Phrases
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• Romantic Phrases
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• Iconic Anime Phrases
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A
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• Tips

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Whether you’re a die-hard otaku (obsessed anime fan) or a casual watcher, there are plenty of common anime phrases that you’ve probably heard before. Some of them, like Ohayōgozaimasu (おはようございます), can even be used during a trip to Japan or when you’re learning Japanese. In this article, we go over some of the most common and useful anime phrases, plus ones to avoid (or at least be careful using), with help from anime expert Nicole Favarelli.

Most Common Japanese Anime Phrases

Anime expert Nicole Favarelli says some common phrases you’ll hear in anime include suffixes like –san, –chan, and –kun, which refer to the relationship between characters, and expressions like Ganbatte (good luck) or Daijōbu (I’m fine). Other popular phrases include:

• Senpai (せんぱい) - An elder or upperclassman.
• Kawaii (かわいい) - Cute/Adorable.
• Ne na no (変あの) - That’s weird.
• Yokatta (よかった) - It was good/I’m glad/What a relief.
• Chotto matte (ちょっとまって) - Wait a moment/One second.
• Muri muri (無理無理) - That’s impossible/No way!
• Nani (何 / なに) - What?

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Section 1 of 6:

Common Anime Phrases

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1. 
   Check out these often-heard anime expressions. Favarelli explains that “there are certain words and expressions that, after watching a lot of anime, you naturally start to understand and associate with specific meanings,” which “convey context and emotion.” Many of the most common phrases are also frequently used in Japanese culture. These phrases include things like greetings, apologies, expressions, and general reactions.

   • Daijōbu (だいじょうぶ) - I’m fine/It’s okay (Typically used to affirm someone or let them know you’re okay).
   • Kudasai (下さい) - Please.
   • Hai (はい) - Yes (Formal; Useful for most situations).
   • Īe (いいえ) - No (Formal; Useful for most situations).
   • Sō desu (そうです) - That is so/That’s right (You may hear this one as sō desu ka, which means “Is that so?”).
   • Sugoi (すごい) - Amazing/Wow/Superb!
   • Nani (何 / なに) - What?
   • Sumimasen (すみません) - Excuse me.
   • Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) - I’m sorry.
   • Wakarimashita (わかりました) - I understand/Got it (Formal; Useful for most situations).
   • Wakatta (わかった) - I understand/Got it (Informal; Useful for casual situations).
   • Ogenki desu ka (お元気ですか) - How are you doing?
   • Tomodachi (ともだち) - Friend/Pal.
   • Ureshii (うれしい) - Happy/Glad.
   • Oniisan (おにいさん) - Older brother.
   • Imōto (いもうと) - Younger sister.
   • Senpai (せんぱい) - An elder or upperclassman.
     • Favarelli notes that “suffixes like –san, –chan, –kun, or –senpai added to the end of a character’s name mean very specific things. They can tell us a lot about the relationship between characters, their level of respect, or even their age and social position.”
   • Kawaii (かわいい) - Cute/Adorable.
   • Maji (まじ) - Really.
   • Hisashiburi (久しぶり) - Long time, no see.
   • Kakkoi (かっこい) - Cool.
   • Ne na no (変あの) - That’s weird.
   • Yokatta (よかった) - It was good/I’m glad/What a relief.
   • Chotto matte (ちょっとまって) - Wait a moment/One second (Informal; Useful in casual situations).
   • Muri muri (無理無理) - That’s impossible/No way!
   • Ganbatte (頑張って) - Good luck/Do your best.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Nicole Favarelli is a content creator and film and video director. Her work specializes in blending psychological horror with emotionally driven storytelling.
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Section 2 of 6:

Popular Anime Interjections

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1. 
   Casually work these Japanese interjections into your conversations. Just like English, there are plenty of interjecting words that help spice up your Japanese conversations. Some, like ara ara and eto, are used in anime all the time! They’re great ways to add expression to your conversations and show off your liveliness! Those interjections include:

   • Ara ara (あらあら) - A playful phrase used to denote amusement or surprise.
   • Eto (えと) - Um. Used as an interjection when you’re trying to think of or remember something.
   • Eh (えー) - A reaction phrase used to denote confusion, surprise, and/or disbelief.
   • Heh (へー) - A small sound of realization used when you finally figure something out.
   • Naruhodo (なるほど) - A thoughtful way to say “I see” or “I understand now.”
   • Yosh/Yoshi (よしよし) - A motivational way to say “Alright/Let’s do this!”
   • Hmph (ふん) - A sound that expresses light pride or annoyance that’s often used by tsunderes.
   • Maa maa (まあまあ) - Used to tell someone to calm down or to say something is neither good nor bad.
   • Un (うん) - An enthusiastic way to say yeah and expresses agreement or determination.
   • Saa (さあ) - Well then/now. Typically expresses the start of an action-packed battle.

Section 3 of 6:

Useful Anime Phrases

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1. 
   Use these anime phrases the next time you’re in Japan. When you take a trip to Japan and need a refresher on some essential phrases, there are plenty of Japanese greetings and phrases you can familiarize yourself with. You’ve probably heard them in your favorite anime, as they’re commonly used in Japanese. Some of those phrases include:

   • Arigatō/Arigatōgozaimasu (ありがとうございます)- Thank you/Thank you very much!
   • Dōitashimashite (どういたしまして) - You’re welcome!
   • Ohayōgozaimasu (おはようございます) - Good Morning!
   • Konnichiwa (こんにちわ) - Hi/Hello/Good Day/Good Afternoon! (Generic Greeting).
   • Konbawa (こんばんわ) - Good Evening!
   • Oyasuminasai (おやすみなさい) - Goodnight!
   • Sayonara (さよなら) - Goodbye (Formal; Typically used when you aren’t going to see someone for a long time).
   • Hajimemashite (はじめまして) - Nice to meet you (Introductory greeting).
   • Osusume wa arimasuka (おすすめはありますか) - Do you have any recommendations?
   • Oishii (おいしい) - Delicious!
   • Kanpai (かんぱい) - Cheers!
   • Itadakimasu (いただきます) - An expression of thanks and gratitude spoken before a meal.
   • Gochisōsama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) - An expression of thanks and gratitude spoken after a meal.
   • Ittekimasu (いってきます) - I’m going/See you later!
   • Tadaima (ただいま) - I’m home/I’m back.
   • Itterasshai (いってらっしゃい) - Please come back/Take care (Used as a parting greeting).
   • Okaerinasai (おかえりなさい) - Welcome back!
   • Chigau (ちがう) - Wrong/Different/Disagree.
   • Ikura desu ka (いくらですか) - How much? (Used to ask how much something costs).
   • Kore o kudasai (これをください) - This, please! (Used to say you want something).
   • (Insert location or place) Wo doko desu ka (はどこですか) - Where is (insert location or place)?
   • Orimasu (おります) - I’m getting off here.
   • Itai (いたい) - It hurts (Useful for emergencies).
   • Tasukete kudasai (たすけてください) - Please help (Useful for emergencies).
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Section 4 of 6:

Anime Phrases to Be Careful Using

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   Baka (ばか) Baka is a super common word in anime. But you may not want to use it in real life. It directly translates to stupid/idiot/fool, which can be extremely rude to call someone in real life, whether you know them or not. While they can be playful in conversation with someone you know, it can just as easily make them upset, so it’s best to steer clear of this one.

   • Bakayaro (foolish person) and konoyaro (bastard) shouldn’t be used for the same reason.
   • “If you watch a lot of shōnen battle anime (anime focused heavily on fighting), you should probably avoid using many of the phrases you hear,” says Favarelli. “These shows often include insults or rude expressions because the characters are constantly fighting and antagonizing each other.”
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   Dasai (ダサい) Dasai means something is uncool or unfashionable. It’s useful for trash-talking, describing someone’s poor taste, or talking about something that was uncool, but it’s also pretty rude to use in the presence of that person. Unless you really want to upset your friends or colleagues, avoid using dasai in front of them.
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   Kuso (くそ) You shouldn’t use this one for a variety of reasons. Not only does kuso translate to poop, it is also used to express frustration at an unpleasant situation, similar to how “dang it” or “damn it” are used in English. You may hear characters like Naruto Uzumaki or Ichigo Kurosaki use it regularly, but they also aren’t viewed as the most polite people in their universes. So, if you want to seem kind, polite, and not aggressive, don’t use kuso.

   • Avoid using chikushō (damn it) for the same reasons.
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   Kimoi (キモい) Kimoi is the shortened version of kimochi-warui (気持ち悪い), and both mean “gross” and “disgusting.” Kimoi is commonly used by younger people, especially in anime, to describe something that’s creepy, weird, or ugly. So, to make sure you come across as polite and don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, avoid calling someone kimoi to their face.

   • Favarelli says another famous but derogatory phrase is Yowai mo, which means “you’re weak.” As she explains, “You can easily understand why this is said so often in battle anime—and also why it’s not something you should casually say in public.”
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   Urusai (うるさい) Urasai means loud or noisy and is usually used to describe something of the sort. However, it also has the same connotation as “shut up” or “leave me alone,” so unless you’re being really clear about what’s being loud and it isn’t the person you’re talking to, stay away from using urasai.
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   Damare (だまれ) Even though you may commonly hear this used in anime, you’re going to want to steer clear of it if you’re speaking Japanese in real life. It translates to “shut up” and is extremely straightforward. If your mother or father is reprimanding you for something you did, or a police officer is giving you a warning, the last thing you want to do is say damare. It’s practically a verbal slap in the face.

   • Kiero (piss off) should be avoided for the same reason.
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   Gomi (ごみ) Gomi means something is rubbish. It’s not a particularly nice descriptor, no matter what you’re using it for. Even if you have a meal that isn’t the best or deal with less-than-quality service, using gomi to describe it may come off as extremely rude and impolite, so avoid using this one.

   • If you’re having a private conversation with someone you’re close to, feel free to use gomi if you need to explain to them that something was bad, just be careful not to say they’re gomi.
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   Jijii (じじ)/Babaa (ばば) Jijii means old man, while Babaa means “old woman.” While these don’t seem bad on the surface, these are extremely rude and impolite ways to refer to older folk. You should never use these words in front of them (unless you’re referring to your own grandparents, as they also mean grandpa and grandma, respectively).

   • Use ojiichan (おじいちゃん) and obaachan (おばあちゃん) if you need to refer to your grandfather and grandmother.
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Anime Love Phrases

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1. 
   Use these Japanese phrases to express your romantic side. There are plenty of romantic phrases used in anime that you can adopt for yourself. Whether you want to express your love to your Japanese partner in their native language, woo someone during your trip to Japan, or you just want to have some romantic Japanese phrases in your back pocket, use the following phrases:

   • Aishiteru (愛してる / あいしてる) - I love you (Typically reserved for deeply committed relationships).
   • Daisuki (大好き / だいすき) - I really like you/I love you (Useful for romantic and platonic relationships).
   • Koi (こい) - Romantic, passionate love/The intensity of falling in love.
   • Ai (あい) - Love/The deep romantic and emotional connection someone feels in love.
   • Suki (すき) - Like (Used early in relationships).
   • Kokoro kara aishiteru (心から愛してる / こころからあいしてる) - I love you from the bottom of my heart.
   • Zutto issho ni itai (ずっと一緒にいたい) - I want to be with you forever.
   • Issho ni itai (緒にいたい) - I want to be with you.
   • Zutto aishiteimasu (ずっと アイしています / ずっと愛しています) - I will love you forever.
   • Anata wa watashi no subete (あなた は 私 の すべて / あなたは私の全て) - You are my everything.
   • Kimi wa boku no subete (君は僕のすべて) - You are my everything.
   • Watashi no haato wa kimi no mono (私の ハート は 君 の もの) - My heart belongs to you.
   • Issho ni iru to shiawase (緒にいると幸せ) - I’m happy when I’m with you.
   • Kimi wa boku no hikari (きみはぼくのひかり) - You are my light.
   • Kiseki (きせき) - Miracle/Wonder (Often used to describe the wonder of love).
   • Kekkon shiyou (結婚しよう / けっこん しよう) - Let’s get married!

Section 6 of 6:

Iconic Anime Phrases

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1. 
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   Naruto Uzumaki’s “Dattebayo” In Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki is known for his catchphrase dattebayo (だってばよ), says Favarelli. Although the phrase doesn’t have an official English translation, an English equivalent to the phrase would be something like “you know,” “believe me,” or “I tell you what.” In the English dub of Naruto, dattebayo is usually translated to “Believe it,” and used when Naruto is giving an empowering speech about his ninja way.
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   Kenshiro’s “Omae wa mou shindeiru” In Fist of the North Star, Kenshiro is known for his overwhelming strength. When he fights his enemies and delivers the killing blow, he usually says Omae wa mou shindeiru (お前はもう死んでいる). This is followed by a “nani?” from the enemy, whose body typically distorts before they die. Kenshiro’s catchphrase is so popular that it spawned countless memes in the 2010s.

   • One clip of his catchphrase currently has over 28 million views on YouTube.
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   Mayuri Shiina’s “Tuturu/Duduru” Mayuri Shiina tends to brighten the mood of the grim anime Steins;Gate when she sings tuturu/duduru. The phrase doesn’t directly translate to anything, but it’s still iconic for English and Japanese anime fans. Although it can be annoying to some, it’s a reminder of the fun energy that Mayuri brought to the show.
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   Jotaro Kujo’s “Yare yare daze” Jotaro from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is the laid-back protagonist, and he’s often surrounded by extroverted characters who push his buttons. Since he’s so laid back, it makes sense that his catchphrase is yare yare daze (やれやれだぜ), which translates to good grief/what a pain, as he often has to express how ridiculous someone or something is.
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   Monkey D. Luffy’s “Kaizokuō ni ore wa naru” Now this catchphrase is iconic. When One Piece’s main character Luffy shouts “Kaizokuō ni ore wa naru” (私は海賊王になる), he’s declaring that he will achieve his goal and become the king of pirates. The phrase directly translates to “I will be the Pirate King,” and it usually precedes an exciting moment from Luffy, who is determined to achieve his goal of becoming the freest man in the world.

   • Think you're a One Piece expert? Test your knowledge in our One Piece trivia quiz!
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   Sasuke Uchiha’s “Usuratonkachi” Despite how tumultuous their relationship can be sometimes, Sasuke Uchiha has a soft spot for Naruto Uzumaki in the popular anime, Naruto. This soft spot shows up when he calls Naruto usuratonkachi (ウスラトンカチ), which roughly translates to thin/light hammer. Although the term is derogatory, as it’s a way to say someone’s useless, it’s Sasuke’s way of being endearing to Naruto.

   • Sasuke is cold and doesn’t typically show affection, so usuratonkachi is as endearing as he gets with Naruto.
   • The only people Sasuke genuinely shows affection to are Sakura Haruno and Sarada Uchiha, his wife and daughter, respectively.
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   Eren Yeager’s “Tatakae” Favarelli says Eren is famous for shouting this iconic expression in Attack on Titan. “Tatakae” (戦え) is a command that means “Fight!”, which Eren uses as a motivational phrase to push himself forward and give himself the strength to keep going.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What's a funny anime phrase?

  

  Stephanie Paz
  Anime and Dragon Ball Expert

  Stephanie Paz is an anime content creator and Dragon Ball expert based in Florida, best known online as SSJGoshin4. She has been creating anime content on YouTube since 2009, making her one of the longest-running Dragon Ball creators on the platform. She has built a loyal community of more than 400,000 followers across social media, with her videos reaching over 21 million views. Stephanie’s content highlights her knowledge of Dragon Ball’s history, collectibles, and cultural legacy. Her expertise has earned her international recognition, including a feature on Fuji TV in Japan showcasing her extensive Dragon Ball collection. She has appeared as a guest panelist at conventions, leading discussions on the impact of Dragon Ball in shaping anime culture in the U.S. With a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies from Florida Atlantic University and experience in video production and social media strategy, Stephanie combines her passion for anime with storytelling and community engagement to inspire fans worldwide.

  

  Stephanie Paz

  Anime and Dragon Ball Expert

  Expert Answer

  One of the most popular and funniest one has to be “It’s over 9,000!” It basically became a meme. In the scene, Vegeta is checking Goku’s power level on his scouter, and in the English dub he yells, “It’s over 9,000!” But fun fact, in the original Japanese version it was actually “It’s over 8,000.”

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• Question

  Will using these anime phrases help me become more popular with women?

  

  Ace on_pawz

  Community Answer

  It depends on the individual you are speaking with; if they are interested in anime or Japanese culture, they might find your use of these phrases endearing.

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