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What are some common Japanese-English false friends in everyday conversation visualisation

What are some common Japanese-English false friends in everyday conversation

False friends when learning Japanese: What are some common Japanese-English false friends in everyday conversation
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Japanese-English false friends are words that look or sound similar in both languages but have different meanings, often leading to misunderstandings. These false friends usually arise from loanwords (gairaigo) that have been adapted into Japanese with altered meanings. Below are some common examples encountered in everyday conversation:

Common Japanese-English False Friends

  • アバウト (Abauto)

    • Japanese meaning: Vague, lazy, or sloppy
    • English meaning: About (approximately)
      In Japanese, this word carries a negative nuance, implying imprecision or carelessness 1.

  • マンション (Manshon)

    • Japanese meaning: Apartment or condominium
    • English meaning: Mansion (a large, luxurious house)
      In Japan, a manshon refers to multi-story residential buildings, not luxury estates 1, 3.

  • アルバイト (Arubaito)

    • Japanese meaning: Part-time job (typically for students)
    • English resemblance: Arbeit (German for “work”)
      This term refers specifically to part-time work, often held by students, and is distinct from the word パート (paato), which refers to part-time jobs for adults 3.

  • ドンマイ (Donmai)

    • Japanese meaning: Never mind; don’t worry about it
    • English origin: Don’t mind
      It cannot be used in contexts like “don’t mind me” but instead means something closer to “it’s okay” or “no problem” 1.

  • カンニング (Kanningu)

    • Japanese meaning: Cheating on an exam
    • English meaning: Cunning (cleverness)
      In Japanese, this word has a negative connotation related to dishonest behavior during tests 1, [5].

  • コンセント (Konsento)

    • Japanese meaning: Electrical outlet
    • English resemblance: Consent
      This term refers exclusively to power sockets in Japan and has no relation to agreement or permission 3, [5].

  • スマート (Sumaato)

    • Japanese meaning: Slim or stylish
    • English meaning: Smart (intelligent)
      In Japanese, sumaato is used to describe someone who is slender or fashionable rather than intelligent 3, [5].

  • バイキング (Baikingu)

    • Japanese meaning: Buffet-style dining
    • English meaning: Viking (Scandinavian pirates)
      This term originates from the buffet concept introduced in Japan and has no connection to Norse seafarers [5].

  • トランプ (Toranpu)

    • Japanese meaning: Playing cards in general
    • English origin: Trump card
      In Japanese, this word refers broadly to playing cards rather than the specific concept of a trump card in games 1.

  • フライドポテト (Furaido Poteto)

    • Japanese meaning: French fries
    • English resemblance: Fried potato (any fried potato dish)
      In Japan, this term specifically denotes French fries rather than other types of fried potatoes 3.

Understanding these differences is crucial for avoiding confusion and potential embarrassment when speaking Japanese or interacting with Japanese speakers.

References

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