The Coolest Japanese Words You Need in Your Life (Like, Right Now!)
Ever found yourself wishing English had words for super-specific, oddly satisfying things? Well, my friend, Japanese has got you covered. With its rich history, poetic nuance, and a flair for the aesthetically pleasing, the Japanese language is packed with words that will make you go, “Why don’t we have that in English?!”
So, grab a cup of matcha, get comfy, and let’s dive into some of the coolest Japanese words you’ll want to start using immediately (even if your friends have no idea what you’re talking about).
1. Tsundoku (文堂渡し) – The Art of Buying Books and Never Reading Them
We’re kicking off strong with a word that hits painfully close to home for many of us. Tsundoku refers to the act of buying books and letting them pile up, unread, like tiny towers of intellectual ambition.
Sound familiar? Thought so.
It’s that feeling when you tell yourself, “This book is going to change my life,” and then it sits on your shelf, silently judging you while you binge-watch Netflix instead.
How to use it in real life:
- “I just bought five new books and I haven’t even finished the last ten I bought… My tsundoku is out of control!”
- “I call it a reading list, but honestly, it’s more of a tsundoku shrine.”
2. Komorebi (木樹際) – The Sunlight Filtering Through Trees
You know that magical moment when sunlight streams through the leaves, creating a dappled pattern on the ground? That’s komorebi.
It’s the kind of word you want to whisper softly while strolling through a forest, pretending you’re in a Studio Ghibli film.
How to use it in real life:
- “I love sitting under the trees and watching the komorebi dance on my notebook.”
- “That morning walk was pure serenity—just me, my coffee, and the komorebi.”
3. Wabi-sabi (若子-佐比) – Beauty in Imperfection
Forget Instagram perfection. Wabi-sabi is all about embracing life’s flaws and finding beauty in imperfection. A cracked ceramic bowl? Gorgeous. A slightly asymmetrical handmade scarf? Aesthetic!
It’s a reminder that imperfection is what makes things unique—something we could all apply to our lives (and our selfies).
How to use it in real life:
- “I was so upset when my mug cracked, but now I see it’s got that wabi-sabi charm.”
- “Forget flawless—I’m going for wabi-sabi vibes in my home decor.”
4. Natsukashii (懐かしい) – That Sweet, Nostalgic Feeling
Ever hear a song that instantly transports you back to your childhood? That warm, fuzzy feeling is natsukashii—a kind of happy nostalgia that makes you smile at the past instead of cry about it.
It’s like seeing an old cartoon from the ’90s and immediately feeling like a kid again.
How to use it in real life:
- “Hearing that opening theme from ‘Sailor Moon’ is so natsukashii!”
- “These Pokémon cards bring back such natsukashii memories!”
5. Yūgen (優源) – The Profound Mystery of the Universe
Okay, we’re getting deep now. Yūgen describes the kind of mysterious, deep beauty that leaves you speechless—like watching the stars in the night sky or standing in front of a breathtaking painting. It’s that moment when you feel small, yet connected to something bigger than yourself.
How to use it in real life:
- “That mountain view gave me such a yūgen moment—I can’t even explain it.”
- “Reading old poetry always fills me with yūgen.”
6. Shibui (減味) – Effortless, Understated Cool
You know that person who’s just effortlessly stylish? The one who doesn’t follow trends but somehow always looks amazing? That’s shibui—a quiet, sophisticated kind of cool that doesn’t try too hard.
Basically, it’s the opposite of those neon sneakers that scream “LOOK AT ME.”
How to use it in real life:
- “That leather jacket isn’t flashy, but it’s pure shibui.”
- “I want my apartment decor to be simple yet shibui.”
7. Kintsugi (金結ぎ) – Fixing Broken Things with Gold
Last but not least, a word that deserves its own TED Talk. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, making the cracks part of its beauty.
Life lesson? Your scars make you beautiful. Whether it’s a physical object or emotional baggage, kintsugi teaches us that what’s broken can be even more valuable than before.
How to use it in real life:
- “I had a rough year, but I’m embracing my inner kintsugi.”
- “This cracked mug is now my favorite, thanks to kintsugi.”
So, Which One’s Your Favorite?
Japanese is full of words that capture feelings and concepts in a way that English simply doesn’t. Whether you’re a tsundoku enthusiast, a lover of komorebi, or just trying to embrace some wabi-sabi, these words add a little extra magic to life.
So tell me—which of these words spoke to you the most? Have any of them changed the way you see the world? Drop a comment, start using them in conversation (confuse your friends, it’s fun), and hey—why not pick up a book on Japanese culture? (Just try not to let it join your tsundoku pile.)
Want more cool words, cultural insights, and fun reads? Stick around! 😉