A Beginner's Guide to Anime Terms: 15 Words Every New Fan Should Know

When you start watching anime, you will encounter words and phrases not commonly used in English. Some are Japanese terms used for their specificity, and others are words created by the international fan community.

This terminology may seem confusing at first, but it is easy to learn.

This guide defines 15 of the most important terms you will encounter. Knowing these words will help you understand discussions about anime and better navigate the community.

1. Otaku (オタク)

In Japan, "Otaku" is a term used to describe a person with an interest or hobby that consumes a large amount of their time, often viewed negatively. However, outside of Japan, the word has been adopted by international fans and is used positively to self-identify as an "anime and manga fan."

2. Kawaii (かわいい)

This is a very common Japanese adjective meaning "cute," "pretty," or "adorable." It is used to describe a character's appearance, an animal, an object, or a fashion style.

3. Sugoi (すごい)

This is a Japanese adjective that means "incredible," "amazing," or "awesome." It is a common exclamation used by characters to react to something impressive.

4. Baka (ばか)

This is a Japanese noun or adjective that means "idiot," "fool," or "stupid." It is one of the most common words you will hear in comedies or when one character is scolding another.

5. Senpai (先輩)

This is a Japanese term used to address a person of higher rank, age, or seniority in an organization, such as a school or workplace. For example, a third-year student is the "senpai" to a first-year student.

6. Kohai (後輩)

This is the opposite term of Senpai. It describes the person of lower rank or seniority in the organization. The Kohai is expected to show respect to their Senpai.

7. Sensei (先生)

This is the Japanese term for "teacher" or "master." It is also used as a title of respect for doctors, lawyers, or highly respected artists, such as a mangaka (manga creator).

8. Tsundere (ツンデレ)

This is a character archetype. It describes a person who is initially hostile, cold, or combative ("tsun tsun"), but who gradually reveals a kinder, more affectionate, and vulnerable side ("dere dere") over time, especially towards their love interest.

9. Yandere (ヤンデレ)

This is another character archetype. It describes a person who initially appears very kind, loving, and sweet ("dere dere"), but whose devotion turns into an obsession ("yan") that makes them violent, possessive, and psychologically unstable, often due to jealousy.

10. Waifu / Husbando

These are terms created by the fan community. "Waifu" (derived from the English word "wife") refers to a fictional female character whom a fan considers their ideal "spouse" or has special affection for. "Husbando" (from "husband") is the male equivalent.

11. Filler

"Filler" refers to episodes or entire story arcs in an anime series that do not exist in the original manga (the source material). Animation studios create this content to extend the series and prevent the anime from catching up to the manga's publication.

12. Canon

This is a term used to describe all events, stories, and characters that are considered the "official" and "true" part of a series. In anime, "canon" generally refers to the events that happened in the original manga created by the author (the mangaka). "Filler" is not considered canon.

13. OVA / OAV (Original Video Animation)

This is an acronym for "Original Video Animation." These are episodes or short films of anime that are released directly to the public in video format (like Blu-ray or DVD in the past) and are not broadcast on television or in theaters first. They often have a higher animation quality.

14. Mangaka (漫画家)

This is the Japanese word for "manga artist." It is the professional term for the person who writes and draws the manga (Japanese comic).

15. Isekai (異世界)

This is a very popular subgenre of anime and manga. "Isekai" literally means "different world." The plot of an Isekai almost always involves a protagonist who is transported from modern-day Earth to a different world, usually a fantasy one with magic, monsters, and video game elements.

Conclusion

This glossary covers 15 of the most fundamental terms. By knowing these words, you can participate more actively in conversations about anime, understand series reviews and descriptions, and better identify the types of characters and stories you enjoy.