Gaining popularity across the globe, the term “hipster” refers to a subculture characterized by non-mainstream fashion, music preferences, and alternative lifestyles. If you find yourself in a conversation where you need to express this concept in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of saying “hipster” in Japanese. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Hipster” in Japanese
When it comes to more formal situations, it’s essential to use appropriate vocabulary. Here are a few formal ways you can express the concept of “hipster” in Japanese:
- Dokushinsha (独身者):
Literally translating to “an unmarried person,” this term can be used in formal settings to indicate someone who has unique tastes, interests, and lifestyle choices. While it doesn’t directly translate to “hipster,” it encompasses some aspects of the subculture.
Example usage: 彼は本当にどくしんしゃで、個性的なスタイルを持っています。(Kare wa hontōni dokushinsha de, koseiteki na sutairu o motte imasu.)- “He’s truly a hipster and has an individualistic style.”
- Bijin (美人):
Although the term primarily translates to “beautiful person” or “beauty,” it can also be used to describe someone who possesses trendy and unique qualities, similar to a hipster.
Example usage: 彼女はおしゃれな美人で、とてもヒップな感じがします。(Kanojo wa osharena bijin de, totemo hippu na kanji ga shimasu.) -“She’s a trendy beauty and gives off a very hipster vibe.”
Informal Ways to Say “Hipster” in Japanese
When you’re in a casual setting, you can opt for more informal expressions to convey the idea of a hipster. Here are a couple of commonly used terms:
- Za jimina (ザ・ジミーナ):
This term, influenced by English, is a direct phonetic transcription of the English word “the jemina.” “Jemina” itself is derived from the term “hipster,” resulting in this casual Japanese coinage.
Example usage: 彼は本当にザ・ジミーナみたいな人だよ! (Kare wa hontōni za jimina mitai na hito da yo!) – “He’s like a total hipster!”
- Moteu (モテウ):
This playful term combines two Japanese words: “mote” (モテ) meaning “popular with the opposite sex” and “u” (ウ), a shortened form of “unno” (運の) meaning “luck.” By blending these words, a notion of being hip, attractive, and unique is conveyed.
Example usage: あの人は完全にモテウだ！スタイルも音楽の趣味もオシャレでヒップな感じだよ。(Ano hito wa kanzen ni moteu da! Sutairu mo ongaku no shumi mo oshare de hippu na kanji da yo.) – “That person is totally a hipster! They have a stylish fashion sense and unique music taste.”
Regional Variations
While Japanese often adopts words from other languages, including English, the terms presented above are widely understood throughout the country. However, some local dialects might have regional variations to describe a hipster. Here’s an example:
In the Kansai region, particularly in Osaka, you might hear the term “Keeki” (ケーキ), which directly translates to “cake.” This amusing colloquialism is used to describe someone who is trendy, stylish, or fashionable, just like a hipster.
Conclusion
In summary, if you find yourself needing to express the concept of a hipster in Japanese, you can choose from various formal and informal terms. When in formal situations, “dokushinsha” or “bijin” can be suitable options, with each term highlighting different aspects of the hipster subculture. For a more casual vibe, “za jimina” and “moteu” are widely used. Remember that language is ever-evolving, and it’s always exciting to witness the creation of new words and expressions!
