漫画
mangwa[mã̠ŋɡa̠]
The Japanese phrase for manga is 漫画 (mangwa).
The term refers to comics originating in Japan. While it describes the comic medium, it is distinct from anime, which refers to Japanese animation.
Meaning: comic originating in Japan (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the characters 漫 (meaning impromptu or aimless) and 画 (meaning picture or drawing), literally translating to "impromptu drawing.".
How do you pronounce it?
mangwa
Did you know?
- Before it meant comics, the word 漫画 was used in a 1778 medical text to refer to the Eurasian spoonbill bird.
- While English speakers use 'manga' specifically for Japanese comics, in Japanese, 漫画 is a broad term that can include any comic or cartoon regardless of its country of origin.
- In Japan, the culture of 漫画 is so pervasive that the medium is used for serious professional manuals and educational textbooks.
Examples in context
- 彼は漫画雑誌に熱中している。He is absorbed in his manga magazine.This sentence shows how someone might be absorbed in a manga magazine using 漫画.Tatoeba #99752 by bunbuku, translation #303945 by WestofEden
- 日本の漫画やアニメは世界中で人気がある。Japanese manga and anime are popular around the world.This sentence illustrates the global popularity of Japanese 漫画 and anime.Tatoeba #11871039 by small_snow, translation #5687207 by Hybrid
- こないだ貸した漫画、弟も読みたがってるから読み終わったら返してね。My little brother wants to read the manga I lent you the other day, so give it back when you're done.This sentence is a casual way to request the return of a lent 漫画.Tatoeba #3060490 by tommy_san, translation #10109445 by deltadave
- Watashi wa manga ga daisuki desu (私は漫画が大好きです)I love manga
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at school.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵は漫画を読むのが好き？Hiyori wa manga o yomu no ga suki?Hiyori, do you like reading manga?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、最近面白い漫画をたくさん見つけたよ。Un, saikin omoshiroi manga o takusan mitsuketa yo.Yes, I've found a lot of interesting manga lately.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいな。おすすめの漫画を教えて。Ii na. Osusume no manga o oshiete.That's nice. Tell me some manga you recommend.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。明日、大翔に見せてあげるね。Ii yo. Ashita, Hiroto ni misete ageru ne.Sure. I'll show them to you tomorrow, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manga” translations and entries 漫画, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 漫画, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
