ワイフ
waifu[β̞a̠iɸɯ̟]
The English term 'waifu' is translated into Japanese as ワイフ.
This term refers to a fictional character to whom one is attracted to.
Meaning: fictional character to whom one is attracted to (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
ワイフ is a loanword from the English word 'wife', written in katakana.
How do you pronounce it?
waifu
Did you know?
- The term ワイフ is part of a strange linguistic loop. It began as an English word, was adopted into Japanese otaku subculture, and was then re-imported back into English as the specific slang 'waifu'.
- Despite its modern association with internet subculture, the phonetic spelling ワイフ has been documented in Japanese texts as early as 1860.
- The concept of a 'waifu' is often linked to the word 推し. This comes from the verb 'to push' and describes a person or character that a fan supports or promotes with all their might.
Examples in context
- 推しのキャラクターをワイフと呼ぶ。Oshi no kyarakutaa o waifu to yobu.I call my favorite character my waifu.
Example conversation
Youta and Yui are talking about a new anime.
- 陽太 Yotaこのキャラ、最高のワイフだよね。Kono kyara, saikou no waifu dayone.This character is the best waifu, right?
- 結衣 Yui確かに、すごく可愛いね。Tashikani, sugoku kawaii ne.True, she is very cute.
- 陽太 Yotaもう僕のワイフに決定したよ。Mou boku no waifu ni kettei shita yo.I've already decided she's my waifu.
- 結衣 Yui陽太は本当にアニメが好きだね。Youta wa hontou ni anime ga suki da ne.Youta, you really love anime.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ワイフ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ワイフ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
