During the process of learning Japanese, encountering anime and internet slang is almost unavoidable. Especially for those learning Japanese from English-speaking countries, the unique expressions and fun phrases are incredibly appealing.
In anime, characters often use distinctive phrases to express their emotions and reactions, while internet slang introduces simple and catchy words that emerge rapidly.
The expression ‘funny’ in Japanese is no exception, appearing in many diverse forms as part of the culture. In this article, we will explore phrases that convey ‘Haha! That’s funny!’ used in Japanese anime and internet slang, explain their meanings and backgrounds, and provide examples of when to use them in everyday conversations.
Understanding these expressions will help you sound more natural in casual conversations and deepen your appreciation of Japanese culture.
Can’t Stop Laughing! 20 Unique Japanese Slang Phrases
1. ネットスラング (Internet Slang):
草 (Kusa)
Meaning and Background: The word “kusa” (grass) comes from the use of “www,” which is short for “warai” (laugh) in online chat. Over time, “www” began to resemble grass, so “kusa” became the term to express laughter.
Everyday Use: When texting friends about a funny meme or hilarious fail video, simply reply with “草!” to show that you’re laughing.
わろた (Worota)
Meaning and Background: “Worota” is a casual variation of “waratta” (laughter), often used to convey amusement in informal settings.
Everyday Use: Use “わろた” when something gives you a good chuckle, like a funny comment on social media or a silly joke in a group chat.
クソワロタ (Kuso Warota)
Meaning and Background: “Kuso” means “shit,” but in this context, it intensifies the expression, showing that something is extremely funny or absurd.
Everyday Use: When something makes you laugh uncontrollably, such as a video that’s so funny it’s borderline ridiculous, you might type “クソワロタ.”
大草原不可避 (Daisougen Fukahi)
Meaning and Background: This phrase refers to a vast, expansive grassland, symbolizing how overwhelming or uncontrollable laughter is.
Everyday Use: You might say this after seeing a hilarious video, indicating that it’s so funny, you can’t help but laugh out loud.
笑いの渦に飲まれる (Warai no Uzu ni Nomareru)
Meaning and Background: Translates to “caught in the vortex of laughter,” referring to how laughter can engulf someone in an uncontrollable way.
Everyday Use: This is a great phrase for when you can’t stop laughing, like when a joke keeps making you laugh even after the punchline has passed.
神展開ｗ (Kami Tenkai W)
Meaning and Background: “Kami” means “god,” and “tenkai” means “development” or “turn of events.” This expression is used when something unexpectedly funny happens, often in a story or anime.
Everyday Use: Use this phrase when something incredible or mind-blowing happens in a show, or even in real life, that makes you laugh.
2. 若者スラング (Youth Slang):
ウケる！ (Ukeru!)
Meaning and Background: “Ukeru” means “to be funny” or “to get a laugh,” often used to express amusement over something you find funny.
Everyday Use: Use “ウケる!” in response to funny comments, jokes, or memes shared by friends.
ガチウケｗ (Gachi Uke W)
Meaning and Background: “Gachi” intensifies the meaning, showing that something is seriously funny. It’s used to express that something is “really” or “genuinely” funny.
Everyday Use: When a friend sends you a hilarious video, you can reply with “ガチウケｗ” to emphasize that it’s hilarious.
やばい、それウケるわ (Yabai, Sore Ukeru wa)
Meaning and Background: “Yabai” is a slang term that can mean “crazy,” “dangerous,” or “incredible.” When paired with “Ukeru,” it emphasizes how funny something is.
Everyday Use: Use this when you’re laughing at something that’s unexpectedly funny, like a prank or an unbelievable joke.
まじウケる (Maji Ukero)
Meaning and Background: “Maji” means “seriously” or “really,” intensifying the meaning of “Ukeru.” It’s a stronger expression for something very funny.
Everyday Use: Say “まじウケる” when you’re laughing at something seriously funny, like an inside joke or an epic fail video.
バカウケ (Baka Uke)
Meaning and Background: “Baka” means “fool” or “stupid,” and “uke” means “funny.” Together, this phrase is used to describe something so funny it’s almost foolish.
Everyday Use: If a joke is so funny it’s ridiculous, respond with “バカウケ” to show how absurdly hilarious it is.
笑いが止まらん (Warai ga Tomaran)
Meaning and Background: This phrase means “I can’t stop laughing” and is used when you find something so funny that you can’t control your laughter.
Everyday Use: Use this when a friend shares something so funny you keep laughing even after it’s over.
それ、エモいｗ (Sore, Emoi W)
Meaning and Background: “Emoi” is derived from “emo,” which is used to describe something that’s emotional, but in a funny context, it’s used to express a mix of feelings.
Everyday Use: When something is both funny and surprisingly emotional, like a funny yet touching meme, you can reply with “それ、エモいｗ.”
それな！ (Sore na!)
Meaning and Background: “Sore na!” is used to strongly agree with someone in a funny or exaggerated way, often used when something is hilarious or relatable.
Everyday Use: When a friend makes a funny comment, you can say “それな!” to express how much you agree with or understand their point.
じわる (Jiwaru)
Meaning and Background: “Jiwaru” means something is “slowly getting funny” or “growing on you.” It’s used when something becomes funnier the more you think about it.
Everyday Use: If you hear a joke that doesn’t seem funny at first but gets funnier with time, you can say “じわる.”
何それおもしろい (Nani sore omoshiroi)
Meaning and Background: “Nani sore omoshiroi” translates to “What’s that? It’s funny!” It’s used when something piques your curiosity and is amusing.
Everyday Use: Use this when someone shares something intriguing that also makes you laugh, like a quirky video or a funny story.
3. アニメセリフ (Anime Quotes):
「ハハッ、それ、めっちゃ笑えるな！」 (Haha, Sore Meccha Waraeru na!)
- Anime: 『銀魂』坂田銀時 (Gintama, Sakata Gintoki)
- Everyday Use: Respond to stories like someone tripping over their own shoelaces in a lighthearted way.
「こんなの聞いたら、笑わずにはいられないでしょ！」 (Konna no Kiitara, Warawazu ni Irarenai desho!)
- Anime: 『Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活』ナツキ・スバル (Re:Zero, Natsuki Subaru)
- Everyday Use: After hearing an outrageously funny joke or an ironic anecdote.
「おもしれぇ。これが人間のセンスってやつか！」 (Omoshiree. Kore ga Ningen no Sense tte Yatsu ka!)
- Anime: 『ワンピース』フランキー (One Piece, Franky)
- Everyday Use: Praise a friend’s creative and hilarious ideas in casual conversation.
「クスクス、面白いねぇ、君って！」 (Kusukusu, Omoshiroi nee, Kimi tte!)
- Anime: 『名探偵コナン』灰原哀 (Detective Conan, Haibara Ai)
- Everyday Use: Playfully tease a friend who’s unintentionally funny.
Summary of the Article
In this article, we’ve explored various expressions in Japanese that convey ‘Haha! That’s funny!’ from anime and internet slang. By delving into their meanings, origins, and real-life usage, we’ve uncovered how these phrases are a fun and essential part of Japanese culture. Whether you’re a fan of anime or just love exploring language quirks, these expressions will help you sound more natural in casual conversations. So the next time you find something hilarious in Japan, you’ll know exactly how to say it the Japanese way!
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