Top 10 Japanese English

Words Japanese mistake for English

While researching on wasei-eigo for a second, more interesting follow up to our popular Made In Japan English article, I came across this survey by search engine Goo where Japanese netizens answered what words they were previously most unaware of actually being Japanese Engrish.

#1. Order Make
Actually, Custom Made though Made-to-order now sees use in the English language, especially in Asia.

#2. Skinship
One of the words brought up in our previous article. Refers to personal contact but carries the extra meaning of being something valuable to the Japanese (Skin + Friendship).

#3. Consent
Power Outlet. Derived from shortening “Concentric Plug”. Not quite what you’d expect when asking for consent in Japan.

#4. Key Holder
Your usual Key Ring or Chain.

#5. Power Harassment
Bullying. Sometimes wasei-eigo does a good job at shortening stuff but often fails as much.

#6. Decoration Cake
A fanciful decorated cake.

#7. Guard Man
Security Guard.

#8. Coin Laundry
Laundromat. Arguably makes more sense than the English counterpart.

#9. Reform
Would make sense if it wasn’t only used to refer to building renovations.

#10. Revenge
A re-match in any game or sport

Waseo-eigo is actually pretty handy, sometimes being clearer than the original words but ends up being confusing when they take the form of actual English words with a different meaning.

The rest of the answers and what they really mean.

#11. Grade Up
(To) Upgrade

#12. Number Display
Caller ID

#13. Spats
Tights

#14. Free Size
One Size Fits All (Has been absorbed into most Asia vocabulary by now)

#15. Mug Cup
Mug

#16. Baby Car
Stroller/Pram

#17. Mail Magazine
Email Newsletter

#18. Note Pasocon
Notebook

#19. Panty Stocking
Stockings

#20. Mania
Enthusiasm (Used as a noun, such as “Idol Mania” referring to an obsession of idols)

#21. One Pattern
Used as an adjective to refer to someone with a repetitive manner

#22. Fried Potato
French Fries

#23. 3 Size
BWH (Breast, Waist and Hip measurements)

#24. Plus Alpha
Additional Value (Usually used as slang for bribe)

#25. Paper Test
Written Examination

#26. Restruct
Corporate Downsizing

#27. Fantajiku
Fantastic (Just a misspelling)

#28. Radio Ca-se
Derived from Radio and Casette but actually refers to Boomboxes

#29. Televi Game
Video Game

#30. Gasoline Stand
Gas Station

The list of wasei-eigo constantly grows with time and this survey was taken quite a while back and so my not be an accurate depiction of the state of Japanese English today. But it still shows some of the principal offenders.

Information collected from Goo Rankings.