俗語
zokugo[d͡zo̞kɯ̟ɡo̞]
The English phrase "slang" can be translated into Japanese as 俗語 (zokugo). If unsure, use 俗語. Wiktionary also lists 俚言 (rigen).
Meaning: unconventional language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 俗語 | zokugo | [d͡zo̞kɯ̟ɡo̞] (narrow) |
| 俚言 | rigen |
The term refers to unconventional language. While the word 俗語 describes the concept, modern Japanese speakers often use the loanword スラング in daily conversation.
Which one should you use?
俗語 (zokugo) is a formal, academic term for slang. In contrast, the katakana word スラング (surangu) is the most common way to refer to 'slang' in modern, everyday Japanese conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
zokugo
Did you know?
- While 俗語 refers to slang, the word 俗 also describes the 'vulgar' or 'common' world in Buddhist philosophy, contrasting it with the sacred world.
- Beyond 俗語, Japanese uses the term 隠語 (ingo) specifically for 'secret languages' used by particular professions or underground groups to hide meaning from outsiders.
- Many Japanese slang words are created by 'reversing' sounds or using 'katakana-style' spelling to make words look 'cooler' or more playful in text.
Examples in context
- 彼はカッコいいHe is cool.
- 最高だね！That's the best!
- このゲームはやばいねThis game is awesome, right?
- この映画、凄すぎ！This movie is too amazing!
- 道がヤバいThe road is crazy
- 彼は狂ってるHe is crazy.
- 彼は、古い俗語をよく使います。Kare wa, furui zokugo o yoku tsukaimasu.He often uses old slang.
- あまりに多くの俗語を使うと、意味が分かりにくいです。Amari ni ōku no zokugo o tsukau to, imi ga wakari nikui desu.If you use too much slang, it is hard to understand the meaning.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing a Japanese language textbook.
- 美咲 Misakiこの文章、意味がよく分かりません。Kono bunshou, imi ga yoku wakarimasen.I don't really understand the meaning of this sentence.
- 健太 Kentaそれは俗語なので、辞書には載っていないかもしれません。Sore wa zokugo nanode, jisho ni wa notte inai kamoshiremasen.That is slang, so it might not be in the dictionary.
- 美咲 Misakiなるほど、だから難しいのですね。Naruhodo, dakara muzukashii no desu ne.I see, that's why it's difficult.
- 健太 Kentaはい、日常会話でよく使われますよ。Hai, nichijou kaiwa de yoku tsukawaremasu yo.Yes, it's often used in daily conversation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slang” translations and entries 俗語, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
