レベルアップ
reberu appu
The English phrase "level up" is translated into Japanese as レベルアップ (reberu appu).
Colloquially, it is also used to describe a person improving their real-life skills or social status.
Meaning: gaming (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is a loanword from English that combines レベル (level) and アップ (up).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this as a verb in a sentence, you must add the verb する (to do) to the noun phrase to form レベルアップする.
How do you pronounce it?
reberu appu
Did you know?
- The term レベルアップ is an example of 'Wasei eigo', which are English-like words coined in Japan. While it sounds English, it does not follow the same grammatical history as the English phrase 'level up'.
- While レベルアップ describes the result of gaining power, Japanese gamers use the term レベル上げ to describe the tedious act of 'grinding' for experience points.
- Japanese uses アップ (appu) in many combined words to mean 'increase' or 'improvement', such as パワーアップ for 'power up' or ステップアップ for taking a 'step up' in a career.
Examples in context
- やった！レベルアップした！Yes! I leveled up!
- キャラクターが成長した！The character leveled up!
- ついにレベルアップした！Tsuini reberu appu shita!I finally leveled up!
- このアイテムでレベルアップできる。Kono aitemu de reberu appu dekiru.You can level up with this item.
- 早くレベルアップしたいな。Hayaku reberu appu shitai na.I want to level up quickly.
Example conversation
Two friends are playing a video game together at home.
- 美咲 Misaki健太、レベルアップした？Kenta, reberu appu shita?Kenta, did you level up?
- 健太 Kentaうん、さっきレベルアップしたよ。Un, sakki reberu appu shita yo.Yeah, I leveled up just now.
- 美咲 Misakiすごい！強くなったね。Sugoi! Tsuyoku natta ne.Amazing! You got stronger.
- 健太 Kenta次は美咲もレベルアップしよう。Tsugi wa Misaki mo reberu appu shiyou.Next, let's have Misaki level up too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries レベルアップ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
