BTS
The English phrase "bts" is used in Japanese as BTS, referring to the popular South Korean boy band.
The phrase refers to the South Korean music group. The name is also associated with the characters 防弾少年団.
What does it mean word for word?
The characters 防弾少年団 literally mean "bulletproof Boy Scouts."
Did you know?
- Japanese fans frequently use the term 推し 'oshi' to describe their favorite member of BTS, a word that has no direct English equivalent but means 'the one I support'.
- The Japanese word for 'bulletproof' 防弾 'bōdan' uses the same kanji characters as the Korean word for the same concept, reflecting shared linguistic roots in classical Chinese.
- The kanji for 'bulletproof', 防弾, is also used in Japanese to describe military-grade equipment, making the group's name sound remarkably heavy or literal in a Japanese context.
Examples in context
- 防弾少年団さんの来日公演が大成功しました。BTS's performance in Japan was a great success.
- BTSの新アルバムがすごく良いよ！BTS's new album is really great!
- BTSは世界中で人気があります。BTS wa sekaijuu de ninki ga arimasu.BTS is popular all over the world.
- 昨日のテレビでBTSが映っていました。Kinou no terebi de BTS ga utsutte imashita.BTS appeared on the TV yesterday.
- BTSの曲は何が好きですか？BTS no kyoku wa nani ga suki desu ka?What BTS songs do you like?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about music at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんは、BTSを知っていますか？Misaki-san wa, BTS o shitte imasu ka?Misaki, do you know BTS?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大好きです！Hai, daisuki desu!Yes, I love them!
- 健太 Kenta僕もBTSの音楽をよく聴きます。Boku mo BTS no ongaku o yoku kikimasu.I also listen to BTS music often.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、一緒にライブに行きましょう！Jaa, issho ni raibu ni ikimashou!Then, let's go to a concert together!
