コスプレ
kosupure[ko̞sɨpɯ̟ɾe̞]
The English phrase "cosplay" is translated into Japanese as コスプレ (kosupure). If unsure, use コスプレ. Wiktionary also lists コス (kosu).
Meaning: subculture centered on dressing as characters (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| コスプレ | kosupure | [ko̞sɨpɯ̟ɾe̞] (narrow) |
| コス | kosu | [ko̞sɨ] (narrow) |
コスプレ refers to the subculture centered on dressing up as characters.
What does it mean word for word?
コスプレ is a Japanese portmanteau of the English words 'costume' and 'play'.
Which one should you use?
コスプレ is the standard form, while コス is a shortened version used in casual contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
コスプレ is the standard term, whereas コス is an informal, colloquial version used among fans and in casual conversation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the phrase as a verb meaning "to cosplay", you must add the verb する (to do) to the noun, forming コスプレする.
How do you pronounce it?
kosupure
Did you know?
- The term コスプレ is a 'wasei eigo' or 'Japanese-made English', meaning it is an English expression coined in Japan rather than a word borrowed from the West.
- There is a specific term 合わせ for when multiple コスプレイヤー coordinate to dress as characters from the same series for a group photo.
- While English speakers often use 'cosplay' for any costume, in Japan コスプレ specifically refers to portraying a character from fiction rather than just wearing a 'costume' 衣装 for a party.
Examples in context
- 好きなキャラクターのコスCosplay of a character one likesThis sentence is useful for showing how to use the shortened form コス to describe a cosplay of a character one likes.
- イベントではコスプレをするのが楽しみです！I'm looking forward to cosplaying at the event!
- このキャラでコスしようと悩んでいるんだ。I'm struggling to decide on cosplaying this character.
- イベントでコスプレをします。Ibento de kosupure o shimasu.I will do cosplay at the event.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about an upcoming anime convention.
- 美咲 Misaki今度のイベント、何かコスプレするの？Kondo no ibento, nani ka kosupure suru no?Are you doing any cosplay at the next event?
- 蓮 Renうん、新しいアニメのコスプレをする予定だよ。Un, atarashii anime no kosupure o suru yotei da yo.Yeah, I'm planning to do cosplay of a new anime.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君のコスプレ、楽しみにしてるね！Ren-kun no kosupure, tanoshimi ni shiteru ne!I'm looking forward to your cosplay, Ren!
- 蓮 Renありがとう、頑張って準備するよ。Arigatou, ganbatte junbi suru yo.Thanks, I'll do my best to prepare.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cosplay” translations and entries コスプレ, コス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries コスプレ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
