ネオ
neo
The English prefix 'neo' is translated into Japanese as ネオ.
As a katakana loanword, ネオ is primarily used as a prefix to create new terms. It is often found in science fiction, pop culture or used to denote a modernized version of a concept.
How do you pronounce it?
neo
Did you know?
- In some Japanese contexts, ネオ is used as a standalone buzzword in marketing to imply 'premium' or 'advanced' quality. This usage deviates from the English requirement that 'neo-' must be attached to another word.
- While ネオ is used for modern concepts, Japanese has a native prefix 新 (shin) for 'new'. Choosing ネオ over 新 often signals that the speaker is intentionally using a loanword to sound more international or technical.
- Because ネオ is written in katakana, it is often used by Japanese creators to give a word a 'futuristic' or 'artificial' feeling, as if the concept has been digitally upgraded.
Examples in context
- トムはネオナチです。Tom is a neo-Nazi.This sentence illustrates how ネオ is used in a political context.Tatoeba #13069494 by rul, translation #10707353 by AutoBot
- ネオ神戸ピザでいっぱいにしたバスタブの中で彼女を溺れさせて殺した。I killed her by drowning her in a tub filled with Neo Kobe pizza.This sentence shows ネオ being used within a pop culture or stylized name context.Tatoeba #1222707 by saeb, translation #1222709 by saeb
- 新型コンピューターNew type of computer
- 新型車New model car
- 新型スマートフォンNew type of smartphone
- ファッションのネオクラシックスタイルが大人気です。The neo-classical fashion style is very popular.
- 新時代のビジネスBusiness of the new era
- 新時代の音楽Music of the new era
- 新時代のアーティストArtist of the new era
- このネオクラシックなデザインが好きです。Kono neokurashikku na dezain ga suki desu.I like this neo-classic design.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Yui are discussing a new futuristic city project.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの街の計画は、まさにネオ東京だね。kono machi no keikaku wa, masa ni neotokyo da ne.This city plan is truly a Neo-Tokyo.
- 結衣 Yui本当に。すごく未来的でかっこいいと思うわ。hontou ni. sugoku miraiteki de kakkoii to omou wa.Indeed. I think it's very futuristic and cool.
- 大翔 Hiroto新しい時代のスタイルを追求しているんだろうね。atarashii jidai no sutairu o tsuikyuu shite iru n darou ne.I guess they are pursuing the style of a new era.
- 結衣 Yui完成するのが今からとても楽しみね。kansei suru no ga ima kara totemo tanoshimi ne.I am really looking forward to its completion.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
