エスパー
esupā[e̞sɨ̥pa̠ː]
The Japanese phrase for "esper" is エスパー (esupā).
エスパー refers to a person who has paranormal mental abilities, such as telepathy or telekinesis. It is a term commonly used in Japanese pop culture, including manga and anime, to describe characters with psychic powers.
What does it mean word for word?
エスパー is a loanword from the English word "esper", written in the Katakana script.
Which one should you use?
While エスパー is common in entertainment, you might encounter other terms: 超能力者 describes someone who possesses superpowers or psychic abilities and 能力者 focuses more on the aspect of possessing power rather than the supernatural nature of the abilities.
How do you pronounce it?
esupā
Did you know?
- Although エスパー comes from English, it is considered 'wasei eigo' or 'Japanese-made English'. It was popularized in Japan in a way that differs from how the word 'esper' is used in English-speaking countries.
- The word エスパー is used to specifically distinguish science-based mental powers from those derived from magic or spirits.
- If you use エスパー in a serious scientific discussion about parapsychology, it may sound slightly dated or cartoonish. Modern academic or serious contexts prefer the more formal 超能力者.
Examples in context
- 私は超能力者です。I am an Esper.
- 友達は能力者だよ。My friend is an Esper.
- 彼はエスパーだと信じている。Kare wa esupā da to shinjite iru.He believes that he is an esper.
- アニメにはエスパーが登場する。Anime ni wa esupā ga tōjō suru.Espers appear in the anime.
- エスパーの能力は不思議だ。Esupā no nōryoku wa fushigi da.The abilities of an esper are mysterious.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a science fiction movie.
- 結衣 Yuiこの映画の主人公はエスパーなの？Kono eiga no shujinkō wa esupā na no?Is the protagonist of this movie an esper?
- 健太 Kentaうん、超能力を使えるんだ。Un, chōnōryoku o tsukaeru nda.Yes, he can use psychic powers.
- 結衣 Yui健太君はエスパーになりたい？Kenta-kun wa esupā ni naritai?Do you want to be an esper, Kenta?
- 健太 Kentaいや、普通の生活がいいよ。Iya, futsū no seikatsu ga ii yo.No, I prefer a normal life.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry エスパー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries エスパー, CC BY-SA 4.0.
