受け
uke
The Japanese word 受け (uke) refers to the receptive partner in a relationship or a specific role in certain types of performance and fiction.
In Japanese martial arts, 受け refers to the person who receives an attack or a technique. Within specific subcultures, such as Boys' Love (BL) fandom and certain queer communities, the term is used to denote a specific role preference in a relationship.
What does it mean word for word?
It literally translates to reception, acceptance or receiving.
How do you pronounce it?
uke
When do people say it?
The term is primarily used within specific subcultures like BL fandom and certain queer communities to describe role preferences.
Did you know?
- In the context of Japanese comedy, 受け (uke) refers to the 'laugh' or the positive reaction from an audience. A comedian might say a joke 'had a good 受け' if the crowd responded well.
- In traditional Japanese theater like Noh, the concept of 受け (uke) is central to the timing between performers, where one must 'receive' the energy or movement of the other to create harmony.
- While many English speakers view 'receptive' roles through a purely sexual lens, in Japanese, the term can also be applied to a person who 'takes' or 'absorbs' a joke, a criticism, or even a heavy workload.
Examples in context
- 彼は受けのキャラクターだ。Kare wa uke no kyarakutaa da.He is an uke character.
- この物語では、彼が受けの役割を演じる。Kono monogatari de wa, kare ga uke no yakuwari o enjiru.In this story, he plays the role of the uke.
- 受けの属性を持つキャラクターが好きです。Uke no zokusei o motsu kyarakutaa ga suki desu.I like characters with the uke attribute.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a manga they both read.
- 陽葵 Himariこの漫画の主人公は受けなの？Kono manga no shujinkō wa uke nano?Is the protagonist of this manga the uke?
- 健太 Kentaうん、彼は受けだよ。Un, kare wa uke dayo.Yes, he is the uke.
- 陽葵 Himari意外と可愛いよね。Igaito kawaii yo ne.He's surprisingly cute, isn't he?
- 健太 Kentaそこが彼の魅力だね。Soko ga kare no miryoku da ne.That's his charm.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 受け, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
