21 Japanese Words That Have a Deep Meaning

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Sometimes, saying one word can carry the weight of an entire sentence. Japanese words that have a deep meaning cover every aspect of life, including both the literal meaning of the word and the implied emotions. When saying less is more, highly specific and evocative phrases conjure a perfect image for the listener.

This list of Japanese words and phrases gives you a peek at words that are so much more than they appear on paper. It’s one thing to be told the meanings of difficult-to-translate words, but another to understand how they’re constructed! When you learn Japanese, you develop the ability to see past the surface of Japanese words with deep meaning to uncover their secrets yourself.

Japanese words that have a deep meaning about nature

Traditional Japanese poetry is well known for its brevity. The haiku (俳句) form is composed of only 17 syllables, and the tanka (短歌) form is only slightly longer at 31 syllables. Is it any surprise that these art forms resulted in Japanese words with deep meaning? In particular, kigo (季語) are seasonal words primarily used in poetry that paint specific scenery in the mind’s eye.

Hanagasumi (花霞)

Picture a curtain of pink and white sakura (桜, cherry blossoms) on the other side of a river. They can’t be distinguished from each other, and instead appear as a beautiful, hazy mist of springtime blooms. This is hanagasumi, which is made of the kanji characters for “flower” (花) and “haze” (霞). It’s the perfect image for spring.

Yamawarau (山笑う)

Over 70% of Japan is mountainous, and the peaks are a constant presence in Japanese culture. On the poetic side, yamawarau literally means “the mountain laughs.” When might a mountain feel such joy? How about when all of the flowers on its land bloom at the same time!

Yamanemuru (山眠る)

In contrast to yamawarau, the similar yamanemuru means “the mountain sleeps.” During the winter when all is still, the image of a mountain covered in snow and bare trees suggests it’s waiting until it wakes up when spring arrives.

Kōyō (紅葉)

While cherry blossoms are practically synonymous with Japanese springtime, kōyō (紅葉) is the red and yellow foliage popular at the end of autumn. So popular, in fact, that there’s a forecast every year that gives approximate dates when each region of Japan can enjoy the most beautiful leaves before they lose their color!

Literally meaning “crimson leaves,” the kanji characters for kōyō can also be interpreted as momiji. The difference between the two is subtle. Kōyō refers to the variety of warm hues of autumn leaves, while momiji is specifically for the famous crimson-colored maple leaves.

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)

Shinrin-yoku literally means “forest bathing.” The term was coined in 1982 by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese culture, it encourages people to bask in nature for their health.

In practice, shinrin-yoku means to stand among the trees and absorb the atmosphere through all of your senses. The smell of the leaves underfoot, the touch of bark, and the sounds of birds high up in the trees are all implied in the word.

Japanese words that have a deep meaning about humility and respect

Many aspects of the Japanese language are built around politeness. There are many so-called “untranslatable” words about humility and respect in Japanese because they’re wrapped up in specific cultural customs and not just language. This is particularly true for honorific Japanese, or keigo (敬語), which includes specific conjugations to show deference for another person. These are Japanese words that have a deep meaning about politeness, hospitality, teamwork, and more.

Otsukaresama (お疲れさま)

Otsukaresama is a constant in the workplace, and it means something close to, “You must be tired.” The implied meaning is that, because you’re tired, you must have worked hard. Coworkers can use this word to thank someone for their work on a project, or it can be used in everyday conversation to say, “Thank you for putting in so much effort!” regardless of the context.

Ojamashimasu (お邪魔します)

In the United States, people knock on the door and say, “Excuse me!” to be polite when entering an office or home. In Japan, the polite thing to do is say, “Ojama shimasu,” sometimes with a bow. Using the Japanese verb conjugation form for humble Japanese (kenjōgo, 謙譲語), it literally means “I am intruding on you.” In practice, the expression is a way to announce yourself when entering another person’s space. 

Omotenashi (おもてなし)

Omotenashi is a small word with a complex meaning. It essentially means “hospitality,” but it encompasses all aspects of what makes Japanese hospitality so renowned. Japanese hospitality isn’t just about doing what’s expected when taking care of guests: It’s doing everything to make their experience perfect. This includes shop employees shouting, “Irasshaimase!” (Welcome!) as guests enter the store, sushi chefs at omakase restaurants placing the next piece of sushi by a diner’s dominant hand, and other gestures that are both observant and respectful.

Mottainai (もったいない）

While the word is roughly translated as “wasteful,” mottainai is a concept much closer to the English proverb, “Waste not, want not.” In Japanese culture, it’s important to make sure everything is being used. This extends from eating every single grain of rice to having sinks on top of toilets so that the water used to wash your hands will fill the bowl to be reused. Mottainai can be used as an admonishment when someone attempts to throw away uneaten food, or it can simply be an expression of regret that something is being wasted when it could otherwise be used or taken advantage of.

Meiwaku (迷惑)

Teamwork and harmony are important pillars in Japanese culture, so causing problems for others is taboo. Meiwaku (made of the kanji characters for “doubt” and “delusion”) is used for both the nuisances themselves and the actions associated with them. This means being quiet on public transportation to avoid disturbing others, not blowing your nose in public, and remembering to think of the group before thinking of yourself. 

Japanese words that have a deep meaning about aesthetics

Words that describe the intricacies of Japanese culture have deep meanings because they’re so much more than the word itself. Japanese aesthetics—or biishiki (美意識)—are difficult to translate because they’re up to interpretation by nature. What makes something austere? Is a run-down building rustic or subdued? The answers aren’t always clear.

Wa (和)

The word wa is emblematic of everything Japan is. There are dozens of words that use it as a prefix to categorize the word as “Japanese,” such as Japanese food, or washoku (和食). Several Japanese era names (which change when a new emperor ascends the throne) have used the kanji for wa, including the current era for Emperor Naruhito, Reiwa (令和). English-Japanese dictionaries even use it, combining the kanji for English and wa: eiwa jiten (英和辞典).

Wabi-sabi (詫び寂び)

Combining the separate words for “rustic beauty” and “desolate beauty,” the meaning of wabi-sabi is an appreciation for things that have natural elements while also appearing raw. This can be the simplicity found in Japanese flower arrangement, or “ikebana” (生け花), or the rustic minimalism of a room with plain wood paneling.

Mono no aware (物の哀れ)

Mono no aware is prevalent in traditional Japanese literature and poetry. Frequently described as “the pathos of things,” its meaning is more accurately described as the beauty in fleeting, ephemeral things. This ranges from the cherry blossoms in the spring that wilt almost as soon as they bloom, to seasonal merchandise that only comes once per year. Murasaki Shikibu’s novel, The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari, 源氏物語), is a classic example of mono no aware, full of tragedy and impermanence. 

Kawaii (かわいい)

“Cuteness” may seem out of place among such profound concepts, but it’s very much a part of modern Japanese aesthetics! Based on kawairashii (可愛らしい), an older word for “lovely” or “sweet,” kawaii includes affection. This extends to cute Japanese words, small things, children, and more. 

Ukiyo (浮世)

Literally translating to “the floating world,” ukiyo is an older word that refers to a pleasure-seeking lifestyle without depth. It rose to popularity during the Edo Period (1600-1868) in major cities, where such a lifestyle was more common. Woodblock prints depicting the floating world are known as ukiyo-e (浮世絵), and subjects included theater, urban landscapes, and lovers.

Shibui (渋い)

If something is shibui, it’s subtle or subdued in a relaxing way. It’s the opposite of “gaudy.” Rather, it expresses a deep, profound beauty or an earthy taste, such as matcha (抹茶) green tea. In modern Japanese aesthetics, this is similar to something being “cool,” or kakko ii (かっこいい). It’s also worth noting that shibui is the adjective form and shibusa (渋さ) is the noun form.

Japanese words that have a deep meaning about humanity

Life is deep and full of meaning: These words about life are, too! Here, you’ll find several Japanese words that have a deep love/longing meaning. Whether or not they ring true for you, their relationship to humanity is clear.

Furusato (故郷)

What is “home” to you? It’s not necessarily a house or the building you live in. Furusato is the place you feel nostalgic for, whether you’re parted from it by distance or time. The house you lived in growing up may be your furusato, or possibly the city where you stayed while studying abroad in another country that feels so far away now. 

Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会)

There are many experiences we say are “once in a lifetime.” The Japanese philosophy ichi-go ichi-e takes that expression to the next level. While it can be used for mundane things like, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime sale,” the deeper meaning is related to experiences that can never be repeated. This can come down to situations like meeting a specific friend in a specific place at a specific time in your life: It will never happen again, and so it should be appreciated in the moment.

Hatsuwarai (初笑い)

There are many firsts that happen during the Japanese New Year, and each one is precious. Some are significant events, like the first shrine visit of the year, but hatsuwarai, the first laugh of the year, is sweet in its simplicity. 

Irusu (居留守)

Not all words with “deep meaning” are philosophical. Irusu is the specific scenario where you’re at home and someone comes to the door … but you pretend you aren’t home at all! It can also be used when you don’t answer the phone, acting as though you missed the call entirely. Can you relate?

Honne (本音)

Honne and its opposite tatemae (建前) are about how to express yourself in public. While tatemae refers to the behavior and opinions you express in front of others, honne are your true thoughts and feelings. Depending on the situation, a person may reveal their honne to close confidants while keeping them secret in front of other people so as not to rock the boat.

Ikigai (生き甲斐)

Ikigai is, quite simply, a reason for living. It changes from person to person, but to have an ikigai is thought to equate to having a happy and fulfilling life. Grammatically, it breaks down to the verb ikiru (生きる, to live) and the suffix gai (甲斐, worth). In other words, ikigai means “worth living.”