What is wasei-eigo? 和製英語 (わせいえいご) is literally “Japanese-made English.” Wasei-eigo are unique Japanese words that have been adopted and adapted from English words. Some words have been abbreviated or transformed; some words have changed meaning from the original.
Here are ten fashion-related wasei-eigo.
トレーナー
(torēnā)
sweatshirt
パーカー
(pākā)
hoodie
ワンピース
(wanpīsu)
dress
ワイシャツ
(waishatsu)
dress shirt
パンツ
(pantsu)
pants
パンツ
(pantsu)
underwear
ファスナー
(fasunā)
zipper
オールインワン
(ōruinwan)
jumpsuit
ビーチサンダル (ビーサン)
(bīchisandaru, bīsan)
flip flops
ヒール
(hīru)
high heels
Listen to the pronunciations and learn more vocabulary and phrases in the video.
Katakana Words
Wasei-eigo are part of カタカナ語 (katakana words). If you’re interested in learning more about these curious words, check out “100 Curious Katakana Words.” Learn more and sign up to our newsletter here for a free sample book.
