VTuber
buichūbā
The Japanese phrase for vtuber is VTuber (buichūbā).
The term refers to an online entertainer who uses a virtual avatar, typically animated, to interact with an audience.
Which one should you use?
While VTuber is the standard term, you may encounter バーチャルタレント (Virtual Talent) in formal settings and バーチャル配信者 (Virtual Streamer) in informal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
buichūbā
Did you know?
- In the Japanese community, a VTuber who reveals their true human identity is said to have 卒業 (sotsugyō), which literally means 'to graduate' from school.
- Some Japanese VTuber agencies use the phrase 中の人 (naka no hito), meaning 'the person inside', to refer to the real human performer behind the avatar.
- In Japanese culture, some VTuber fans use the term 推し (oshi) to describe their favorite avatar, which literally means 'to push' or support someone.
Examples in context
- 私はバーチャルユーチューバーの動画をよく見ます。I often watch videos of VTubers.
- 最近、バーチャルタレントが人気になっています。Virtual Talents have become popular recently.
- バーチャル配信者のライブを見ようと思っています。I'm planning to watch a live stream of a VTuber.
- あのバーチャル実況者のプレイ動画は凄いんだよ。That VTuber's gameplay videos are amazing!
- 彼女は人気のVTuberです。Kanojo wa ninki no VTuber desu.She is a popular VTuber.
- 最近、VTuberにハマっています。Saikin, VTuber ni hamatte imasu.I have been into VTubers lately.
- そのVTuberの配信は見ましたか？Sono VTuber no haishin wa mimashita ka?Did you watch that VTuber's stream?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔くんは、何かハマっていることはある？Hiroto-kun wa, nani ka hamatte iru koto wa aru?Hiroto, is there anything you are into right now?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、最近はVTuberの配信をよく見るよ。Un, saikin wa VTuber no haishin o yoku miru yo.Yeah, lately I often watch VTuber streams.
- 美咲 Misakiへえ、面白いVTuberがいるんだね。Hee, omoshiroi VTuber ga iru nda ne.Oh, so there are interesting VTubers.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだよ、美咲ちゃんも見てみて！Sou da yo, Misaki-chan mo mite mite!Yeah, you should check them out too, Misaki!
