まねっこ
manekko
The English phrase 'copycat' can be translated into Japanese as まねっこ (manekko).
The term refers to someone who imitates or plagiarizes the work of others. まねっこ can sometimes imply a sense of admiration or playfulness.
Meaning: one who imitates or plagiarizes others' work (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
まねっこ is an informal and often childish way to refer to a copycat. For a formal context, you should use 模倣者.
How do you pronounce it?
manekko
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'copycat', which references a specific animal, まねっこ has no linguistic connection to cats.
- The root word まね comes from the verb まねる, which historically described the act of imitating animal sounds or nature.
- While 'copycat' is often an insult in English, まねっこ is frequently used as a term of endearment by parents when a toddler mimics their gestures.
Examples in context
- 彼はいつもまねっこしてばかりいる。He is always just copying others.
- あの子はまねっこばかりしている。Ano ko wa manekko bakari shite iru.That child is always being a copycat.
Example conversation
Two friends are drawing pictures together.
- 結衣 Yui見て！健太くんと同じ絵を描いたよ。mite! kenta-kun to onaji e o kaita yo.Look! I drew the same picture as Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaえっ、結衣ちゃんはまねっこなの？e, yui-chan wa manekko nano?What, are you a copycat, Yui?
- 結衣 Yuiまねっこじゃないよ。似ただけ！manekko janai yo. nita dake!I'm not a copycat. It just looks similar!
- 健太 Kentaあはは、本当だね。ahaha, hontō da ne.Haha, you're right.
