Japanese Vocabulary 2019: A Guide to Essential New Words and Phrases183

As the Japanese language continues to evolve, new words and phrases are constantly being added to the lexicon. Whether you're a native speaker or a learner, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest vocabulary in order to communicate effectively. In this article, we will explore some of the most essential new words and phrases that have emerged in 2019.

Trending Words and Phrases

One of the most noticeable trends in Japanese vocabulary in 2019 has been the rise of loan words from English. As Japan becomes increasingly globalized, more and more English words are being adopted into the language. Some of the most common loan words that have been added to the Japanese lexicon in recent years include:
アプリ (apuri) - app
インフルエンサー (infuruenshā) - influencer
サブスクリプション (sabusukuripushon) - subscription
シェアリングエコノミー (shearingu ekonomī) - sharing economy
ワークライフバランス (wāku raifu baransu) - work-life balance

In addition to loan words, there have also been a number of new native Japanese words and phrases that have become popular in 2019. These words and phrases often reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of Japan. Some of the most notable new native Japanese words and phrases include:
バズる (bazuru) - to go viral
炎上 (enjō) - to be criticized or attacked online
神推し (kamioshi) - a person who is extremely passionate about something
SNS映え (SNS bae) - something that is visually appealing on social media
令和 (reiwa) - the name of the current era in Japan (started in 2019)

Words Related to Technology and Social Media

With the rapid advancement of technology and social media, it's no surprise that many of the new words and phrases that have emerged in 2019 are related to these topics. Some of the most important new words and phrases to know include:
5G (5G) - the fifth generation of wireless technology
AI (AI) - artificial intelligence
VR (VR) - virtual reality
AR (AR) - augmented reality
フィンテック (fintekku) - financial technology

Words Related to Society and Culture

The changing social and cultural landscape of Japan has also given rise to a number of new words and phrases. Some of the most important new words and phrases to know include:
ジェンダーレス (jendāresu) - genderless
ダイバーシティ (daibāshiti) - diversity
インクルージョン (inkurūjon) - inclusion
SDGs (SDGs) - Sustainable Development Goals
クールジャパン (kūru japan) - the appeal of Japanese culture overseas

Conclusion

The Japanese language is constantly evolving, and new words and phrases are being added to the lexicon all the time. By staying up-to-date with the latest vocabulary, you can ensure that you are able to communicate effectively in both Japanese and English. Whether you're a native speaker or a learner, it's important to continue learning new words and phrases in order to stay connected to the ever-changing world around you.

2025-02-19

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