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.
1. ネットスラング (Internet Slang):
草 (Kusa)
Meaning and Background: The word “kusa” (grass) comes from “www,” used to represent laughter in online chat (as “w” is short for “warai,” meaning laugh). Over time, “www” visually resembled grass, hence the term.
Everyday Use: When texting friends about a funny meme or hilarious fail video, simply reply with “草!” for a quick LOL.
わろた (Worota)
Meaning: “LOL” or “I laughed out loud”
Origin: Derived from “笑った” (waratta, which means “laughed”), this slang is used to indicate that something is funny, commonly used in casual conversations and online chats.
Example: “この画像、わろたｗ”
Daily Use: Used when you find something really funny and want to show it in a casual way.
クソワロタ (Kuso Warota)
Meaning and Background: “Kuso” (damn) emphasizes “warota” (laughed), often used to describe something ridiculously funny.
Everyday Use: Use it after sharing or reacting to an over-the-top joke or a comic situation, especially in casual texting.
大草原不可避 (Daisougen Fukahi)
Meaning and Background: A more exaggerated form of “kusa,” meaning “inescapable vast grassland,” used to amplify a reaction to something extremely funny.
Everyday Use: Best suited for dramatic reactions online, like after a hilarious livestream moment.
笑いの渦に飲まれる (Warai no Uzu ni Nomareru)
Meaning and Background: Literally, “swept away in a whirlpool of laughter,” reflecting being unable to stop laughing.
Everyday Use: Say this to friends after watching a stand-up comedy show or a prank video.
神展開ｗ (Kami Tenkai W)
Meaning and Background: “Kami” (godly) and “tenkai” (plot development), used humorously to describe a hilariously unexpected twist in a story. The “w” adds a laughing tone.
Everyday Use: React to surprise funny plot twists in movies, manga, or casual storytelling.
2. 若者スラング (Youth Slang)
ウケる！ (Ukeru)
Meaning and Background: A casual way to say “That’s hilarious!” often used in lighthearted contexts.
Everyday Use: Perfect for responding to goofy actions or silly jokes among friends.
ガチウケｗ (Gachi Uke W)
Meaning and Background: “Gachi” (seriously) and “uke” (laughing hard), with “w” for emphasis.
Everyday Use: Best for expressing genuine laughter when hanging out with close friends.
やばい、それウケるわ (Yabai, Sore Ukeru wa)
Meaning and Background: “Yabai” (OMG) and “sore ukeru” (that’s funny), combining excitement and humor.
Everyday Use: React to amusing yet surprising situations, like funny misunderstandings.
まじウケる (Maji ukero)
Meaning: “That’s hilarious!” or “Seriously, that’s so funny!”
Origin: “Maji” is a colloquial abbreviation of “majime” (serious), but here it adds intensity, expressing that something is so funny it’s almost hard to believe.
Example: “まじウケる！その話！”
Daily Use: Often used when something is so funny it makes you laugh out loud, and you can’t help but repeat it for effect.
バカウケ (Baka uke)
Meaning: “Totally hilarious!” or “Super funny!”
Origin: “Baka” (stupid) is used here to exaggerate the level of humor. It’s used mostly by younger people in casual conversations or online exchanges when they find something amusing in an exaggerated way.
Example: “あれ、バカウケしたんだけど！”
Daily Use: Said after hearing or seeing something extremely funny, often used with friends or in a joking tone.
笑いが止まらん (Warai ga Tomaran)
Meaning and Background: Translates to “I can’t stop laughing.” Often used when recounting an amusing story or event.
Everyday Use: After a funny incident, say this to express how much you’re enjoying the humor.
それ、エモいｗ (Sore, Emoi W)
Meaning and Background: “Emoi” (emotional) humorously applied to moments that are ironically funny.
Everyday Use: Use this during nostalgic or ironically funny conversations.
それな！ (Sore na!)
Meaning: “Exactly!” or “I agree!”
Origin: This phrase is commonly used in online conversations and social media to express agreement, often in response to something that is clearly funny or relatable.
Example: “この映画、めっちゃ面白かったね！” Response: “それな！”
Daily Use: Use it when agreeing with a friend or someone else who has said something funny or relatable.
じわる (Jiwaru)
Meaning: “That’s funny!” or “I can’t stop laughing!”
Origin: Derived from the word “じわじわ” (slowly), used to describe humor that grows on you and becomes funnier the more you think about it.
Example: “あのシーン、じわるんだけど！”
Daily Use: Perfect for when something isn’t immediately funny, but you start laughing more as you think about it.
何それおもしろい (Nani sore omoshiroi)
Meaning: “What’s that? That’s funny!”
Origin: This phrase has been popularized by anime characters and online memes, and is used when someone is surprised by something funny.
Example: After hearing a funny story or seeing something strange, you might say “何それおもしろい！”
Daily Use: Use this when you want to express surprise and amusement at something funny or unexpected.
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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この動画の音声は音読さんを使用しています。
