叙事詩
jojishi[d͡ʑo̞ʑiɕi]
The English word "epic" can be translated into Japanese as 叙事詩 (jojishi).
In Japanese, the way you say "epic" depends on whether you are referring to a literary work or describing something as extraordinary. When referring to an extended narrative poem, you can use 叙事詩 or the loanword エピック. To describe something as extraordinary or epic in a general sense, you might use different terms depending on the context of grandeur or amazement.
Meaning: extraordinary (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 叙事詩 refers specifically to the literary form of an epic poem, other terms are used to capture the feeling of something being 'epic' in a descriptive sense.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
jojishi
Did you know?
- While 叙事詩 refers to the literary form, Japanese speakers often use the word ヤバい (yabai) to describe an 'epic' experience in a modern, slang context.
- While 叙事詩 describes a literary poem, Japanese speakers often use the slang term 神 (kami), meaning 'god', to describe something 'epic' or legendary in modern pop culture.
- In Japanese pop culture and gaming, the loanword エピック is frequently used specifically for 'epic loot' or rare items, a usage distinct from the classical literary meaning of 叙事詩.
Examples in context
- 彼の演技は壮大でしたHis performance was epic.
- 山の風景は雄大でしたThe mountain landscape was epic.
- 彼の技術は凄いHis skills are epic.
- その映画、超カッコいい！That movie is super cool!
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new fantasy novel at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの新しい小説、内容がすごいよ。Kono atarashii shousetsu, naiyou ga sugoi yo.This new novel, the content is amazing.
- 陽葵 Himari本当？どんな感じのストーリーなの？Hontou? Donna kanji no sutoorii na no?Really? What kind of story is it?
- 大翔 Hirotoまるで叙事詩のような、壮大な物語だよ。Marude jojishi no you na, soudai na monogatari da yo.It is a grand story, just like an epic.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは面白そうだね！Sore wa omoshirosou da ne!That sounds interesting!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 叙事詩, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
