Just For Fun / Trope Names In Japanese

A table of trope names with their Japanese equivalents, including but by no means limited to Japanese Media Tropes. As always with translation, bear in mind that 1:1 equivalence isn't always possible - some of these terms are broader or narrower in definition than the ones we use, or have slightly different implications (even when they're borrowed directly from English), so be sure to check the translation notes where they exist.

Abandoned Area	廃地 (Haichi)
Academic Athlete	文武両道 (Bunbu ryodo)
All Just a Dream	夢オチ (Yume Ochi)Translation"Dream ending"
Animalistic Abomination	魔獣 (Majuu)Translation"demonic/sorcerous beast"; usually refers to creatures born when normal animals were exposed to dark magic
Anti-Air	対空 (Taikū)
Anthropomorphic Personification	擬人化 (Gijinka)
Asian Fox Spirit	狐 (kitsune)note general word for a fox 妖狐 (yoko)Translation"Enchanted fox"
Ass Shove	カンチョー (Kancho)
The Assimilator	同化者 (Douka-sha)
Astral Projection	幽体離脱 (Yuutai Ridatsu)note The term can also refer to Giving Up the Ghost for its comical uses
Attack! Attack! Attack!	暴れ (Abare) Translation"Rampage"; note that the meaning of "attacking violently/combo off random attacks" is the Western usage, the Japanese use of the term is "to do attacks to cover yourself/escape from the enemy; self-defense". Both usage carry the connotation of "reckless attacking".
Attack Its Weak Point	泣き所 (Nakidokoro)Translation"Crying point"
Attack Reflector	反射技 (Hansha-waza)Translation"reflection technique" 跳ね返し技 (Hanekaeshi-waza) Translation"bounding technique"
Baka	バカ 馬鹿
Bara Genre	薔薇 TranslationLiterally means "rose", as in the flower; it comes from "barazoku" ("rose tribe"), a term coined by Itou Bungaku, editor of the gay magazine of the same name.
Barehanded Blade Block	白刃取り (Shirahadori)TranslationLiterally means "white blade removal"
Being Evil Sucks	悪因悪果 (Akuin Akka)Translation"Evil cause, evil effect"
Beneath the Earth	地底 (Chitei)
Bifauxnen	男装の麗人 (Dansou no reijin) Translation"Beautiful woman dressed as a man"
Big Bad	悪の親玉 (Akuno oyadama)
Big Sibling Attraction	ブラコン (Brocon), シスコン (Siscon)Translation"Brother Complex" and "Sister Complex"; note that the original terms can also be used for little sibling attractions
Bishoujo	美少女note In Japanese, someone over the age of 20 is not a shoujo and would not be described this way.
Bishounen	美少年note In Japanese, someone over the age of 20 is not a shounen and would not be described this way, instead "Biseinen" (美青年) is used. This is mostly lost in English slang.
Black Knight	暗黒の騎士 (Ankoku no kishi)
Black Magic	黒魔法 (Kuro Mahou)
Blood Knight	戦闘狂 (Sento Kyo)Translation"battle maniac"
Blue Blood	華冑 (Kachū) Translation "Aristocracy" or "Nobility"
Body Double	影武者 (Kagemusha)Translation"Shadow warrior", either in reference to their subtle nature or in having a similar silhouette to their charge.
Body Language	肉体言語 (Nikutai Gengo)
Boke and Tsukkomi Routine	漫才 (Manzai)Translationliterally means "comical dialogue"
Bokukko	ボクっ子
Breaking Out	ブロックくずし (Block Kuzushi)Translation"block breaker"
Brother–Sister Incest	近親相姦 (Kinshinsoukan / Konshinsoukan)
Bullet Hell	弾丸地獄 (Dangan Jigoku) 弾幕 (Danmaku)Translation"barrage" or "suppressive fire"; literally "bullet curtain"
Caltrops	撒菱 (Makibishi)
The Cape	正義の味方 (Seigi no Mikata)Translation"ally of justice"
Cape Snag	マントはなし (Manto wa Nashi)Translation"No capes!"
The Captain	隊長 (Taicho)note Captain of The Squad 船長 (Sencho)note Captain of a ship or 艦長 (Kancho)note Captain of a battleship 大尉 (Taii)note "Captain" as military rank キャプテン (Captain)
Charged Attack	ため or タメ (Tame) note It refers to the "hold button" mechanic for a stronger attack, i.e "236ためB" means "quarter circle forward motion, then hold B".
Cherry Blossoms	桜花 (Sakurabana)
Chest Blaster	胸からビーム (Mune-kara Beam)Translation"Beam from the chest"
Chuunibyou	中二病 Translation"Middle (school) second (year) syndrome", so named because such behavior (Mr. Imagination, hipster, delinquency etc) are to be expected of teens of that age, but will get one ridiculed if they're older
Clean Cut	一刀両断 (Ittou Ryoudan) Translation"Bisect an obstacle in one bold strike"
Cloudcuckoolander	電波系 (Dempa Kei)Translation"Radio-wave person"
Combination Attack	合体技 (Gattai-waza) or 合体攻撃 (Gattai Kougeki)
Combining Mecha	合体ロボ (Gattai-robo)Translation"Coalescing robot"
Comic-Book Time	サザエさん時空 (Sazae-san Jikuu)Translation"Sazae-san spacetime"
Compensated Dating	援助交際 (Enjo Kosai)
Complete Monster	吐き気を催す邪悪 (Hakike o moyōsu jāku) Translationliterally "nauseous evil"; from a line spoken by Bruno Bucciarati in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, which became memetic.
Conclusion in Another Medium	あのね商法 (Anone Shohou)Translation"'You know' business method"; a reference to the anime adaptation of Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl, where the final episode ended abruptly with a character saying "You know..." followed by an advertisement to buy the DVDs to find out how the story ends.
Cornered Rattlesnake	窮鼠猫を噛む (Kyuuso Neko o Kamu)Translation"A cornered rat will bite a cat"
Counter-Attack	反撃技 (Hangeki-waza)Translation"Counter-attack technique" リバサ (Reversal) 当て身技 (Atemi-waza) Translation"[On-]hit technique"; refers specifically to a move which causes you to automatically attack when you get hit, usually done by doing a special pose beforehand
Cranial Eruption	たんこぶ (Tankobu)
Cranium Ride	頭乗り (Atama-nori)
Crossdresser	異性装者 (iseisō-sha)
Cuckold	寝取られ (Netorare) TranslationLiterally means "to be taken away/stolen"
Cute and Psycho	やんぎれ (Yangire) Translation From 病んでる yanderu, "to fall ill", and 切れる kireru, "to break".
Cute Clumsy Girl	ドジっ子 (Dojikko)
Cute Little Fangs	八重歯 (Yaeba)Translation"doubled tooth"
Cute Witch	魔女っ子 (Majokko)Translation"witch girl"
Cyberspace	仮想世界 (Kasou Sekai)Translation"virtual world"
Cycle of Hurting	ずっと俺のターン (Zutto Ore no Turn)Translation"Always my turn"; a reference to Yu-Gi-Oh!'s infamous "DRAW, MONSTER CARD!" scene, where an enraged Pharaoh sets up a combo that allows him to attack Weevil over and over without ending his turn, and keeps attacking long after he's already won.
Dangerous Forbidden Technique	禁義 (Kingi) 禁術 (Kinjutsu)
The Dark Arts	邪道 (Jadou)Translation"Wicked path" or "Heresy"
Deal with the Devil	悪魔の取引 (Akuma no Torihiki)
Death or Glory Attack	乾坤一擲 (Kenkon Itteki)Translation"One strike, putting your entire soul into your sword"
Defective Detective	迷探偵 (Mei-tantei) note Intentionally punning with Great Detective (Mei-tantei) below
Deflector Shields	結界 (Kekkai)Translation"Barrier"; the term was a Buddhist one that originally refers to the thing that separates the Buddhist shrine's public area and its sanctuary
Demon King Nobunaga	魔王信長 (Maou Nobunaga) 大六天魔王 (Dairokuten Maou)Translation"Demon King of the Sixth Heaven"
Derivative Works	二次創作 (Nijou Saku)Translation"Secondary works"
Determinator	七転び八起き (Nana Korobi, Ya Oki)Translation"Fall down seven times, stand up eight"
Died Standing Up	立往生 (Tachi Oujou)Translation"Standstill/Stalemate", reference to Musashibo Benkei
Differently Powered Individual	(超)能力者 ([Chou-]nouryokusha)Translation"(super) ability user"
Difficulty Levels	難易度 (Gaido)
Discredited Meme	ネタ古すぎ (Neta Furusugi)Translation"The joke's really old"
Disguised in Drag	女装 (Josō) Translation"Female clothing"
Doting Parent	親バカ (Oya Baka)Translation"Parental idiot"
Double Jump	二段ジャンプ (Ni-dan Jump)
Doujin	同人TranslationSlang, literally means "community"; i.e something made by the community (i.e not by a corporation/company)
Dream Within a Dream	夢の中の夢 (Yume no Naka no Yume)
Dude Looks Like a Lady	男の娘 (Otoko no Ko)TranslationA wordplay; normally if 子 is used for "ko" then it simply means "male kid", but the kanji used for "ko" in this term means "girl"; thus, roughly means "male maiden"
Dumb Muscle	脳筋 (Nokin)Translation"Muscle-brain"
During the War	戦記 (Senki)Translation"War chronicle"
Earth-Shattering Kaboom	惑星破壊 (Wakusei hakai) Translation"Destruction of a planet"
Ecchi	えっち
Elegant Gothic Lolita	ゴシックロリータ (Gothic Lolita) ゴスロリ (Gothloli)
Elite Four	四天王 (Shitennou)Translation"Four Heavenly Kings"
The End	完 (Kan) or おわり (Owari)
Energy Ball	光球 (Koukyuu)Translation"Light sphere"
The Epic	英雄譚 (Eiyuutan)
Enter Eponymous	その名は (So no Na wa)Translation"That [person's] name is"
Every 10,000 Points	万点毎 (Man Tenmai)
Everything Explodes Ending	爆発オチ (Bakuhatsu ochi)Translation"explosion ending"
Evil Overlord	魔王 (Maou) Translation"Demon king" or "Sorcerous king" 大魔王 (Dai-Maou) Translation"Great Maou"; often distinguished from maou by translating the latter as "Demon Lord" and the former as "Demon King".
Experience Points	経験値 (Keiken-chi)
Eye Beams	目からビーム (Me-kara Beam)
Face–Heel Turn	闇堕ち (Yami-ochi)Translation"Descent into darkness"
Fanservice	サービス (Service)
Festival Episode	祭りの話 (Matsuri no Hanashi)
Fiery Salamander	火蜥蜴 (Hitokage) Translation"Fire Lizard"
Fighter-Launching Sequence	全機に発進命令 (Zenki ni Hasshin Meirei) Translation"Ordering All Aircraft"
Fighting Game	格闘ゲーム (Kakutou Game)
Final Boss	最終ボス (Saishuu Boss) ラスボス (Last Boss)
Finger Gun	指からビーム (Yubi-kara Beam)Translation"Beam from the finger"
Finish Him!	止めを刺せ！ (Todome wo sase!)
Finishing Move	必殺技 (Hissatsu-waza)Translation"Deathblow"
Fireballs	火の玉 (Hinotama)
Fire, Ice, Lightning	火・氷・電 (Hi・Koori・Den)
Flash Step	縮地 (Shukuchi)note The English Trope Namer is 瞬歩 (Shunpo) from Bleach, officially and literally translated as "Flash Step".
Folk Hero	文化英雄 (Bunka Eiyuu)
Forced Transformation	強制変身 (Kyousei Henshin)
For Great Justice	大義のために (Taigi no Tame Ni)
The Four Gods	四神 (Shishin / Shijin)
Freeze Ray	冷凍光線 (Reitou Kousen)
Fujoshi	腐女子 Translation"Rotten woman"; i.e girls who like BL are considered "rotten"
Functional Magic	魔法 (Mahou)Translation"Evil spirit ordering"; does not usually have negative connotations unless used in a historical Japanese context. 魔術 (Majutsu)Translation"Evil spirit techniques"; rarer than mahou, but often used alongside it to denote a second type of magic, either more rudimentary or more sinister.
Fusion Dance	合体 (Gattai)
The Future	未来 (Mirai)
Fuuma Shuriken	風魔手裏剣
Gaiden Game	外伝ゲーム
Gender Flip	性転換 (Seitenkan)
Geometric Magic	魔法陣 (Mahou-jin)Translation"Magic formation"
Genki Girl	元気娘 (Genki Musume)
Giant Wall of Watery Doom	津波 (Tsunami)
Girlish Pigtails	ツインテール (Twintails)
Giving Them the Strip	空蝉 (Utsusemi)Translation"Empty cicada", i.e a cicada under threat will run away while leaving their shell behind as a lifelike decoy.
God in Human Form	化身 (Keshin)Translation"Incarnation"
Goldfish Scooping Game	金魚すくい‎ ‎ (Kingyo-sukui)
Grapple Move	(コマンド)投げ ([Command] Nage) Translation"(Command) Throw"; "normal" throw is the simple, standard grappling move that every character has while "command" throw requires you to perform button commands, and are specific to certain characters
Great Detective	名探偵 (Mei-tantei)
Gyaru Girl	ギャル (Gyaru/Gal)
Hair Intakes	インテーク (Intake)
Hand Blast	手からビーム (Te-kara Beam)Translation"Beam from the hand"
Hatsuyume	初夢
"Hell, Yes!" Moment	起死回生 (Kishi Kaisei)Translation"Stopping at the brink of death and returning to life"
Henshin Hero	変身ヒーロー
Hentai	変態
The Heretic	異端者 (Itansha)Translation"Other-ender" 外道 (Gedou)Translation"Outer path", in contrast to the "inner path" (内道 Naidou) of Buddhism. Tends to carry very dark implications when used outside of a religious context.
The Hero	勇者 (Yuusha)Translation"Person of valor" 英雄 (Eiyuu)Translation"Great/legendary person" ヒーロー (Hero)note Sometimes used to refer specifically to a Super Hero
Hidden Buxom	隠れ巨乳 (Kakure Kyonyuu)
High School AU	学園化 (Gakuenka) Translation"Schoolify"
Hihi'irokane	緋々色金
Hikikomori	引きこもり
Hime Cut	姫カット
Hitodama Light	人魂 (Hitodama)
The Horde	魔族 (Mazoku)Translation"demonfolk" or "sorceryfolk"; usually translated as "demons" or "monsters"
Horizontal Scrolling Shooter	横シューティングゲーム (Yoko Shooting Game) Translation"Landscape Shooting Game"
Horrifying Hero	鬼畜ヒーロー (Kichiku Hero)Translation"Demonic Hero"
Hot-Blooded	熱血 (Nekketsu)
House Husband	主夫 (Shufu)
Housewife	主婦 (Shufu)
Humanshifting	他者変身 (Tasha Henshin)Translation"Another person transformation"
Humongous Mecha	巨大ロボット (Kyodai Robot)
Hunk	イケメン (Ikemen)
Hurricane Kick	竜巻旋風脚 (Tatsumaki Senpukyaku) Translation"Tornado Whirlwind Leg"
Iaijutsu Practitioner	居合術師 (Iaijutsushi)
Idiot Hair	アホ毛 (Ahoge)
I'll Kill You!	(お前を)殺すよ! ([Omae wo] Korosu yo!)
Interspecies Romance	異種間恋愛 (Ishu kan ren'ai) Translationliterally "love between people of different kinds"
Invocation	詠唱 (Eishou)Translation"Chant" or "aria"
Invulnerable Attack	無敵技 (Muteki-waza) Translation"Invincible Technique"
I Regret Nothing	我が生涯に一片の悔いなし (Waga Shōgai ni Ippen no Kui Nashi)
It Can't Be Helped	しょうがない (Shou ga Nai)
Iyashikei	癒し系
Japanese Delinquents	ヤンキー (Yankee) 番長 (Banchou)note The boss of a group of delinquents スケ番 (Sukeban)note The boss of a group of female delinquents
Jidaigeki	時代劇
Journey to Find Oneself	自分探し(の旅) (Jibun Sagashi [no Tabi])
Kaiju	怪獣
Kamehame Hadoken	かめはめ波動拳
Kappa	河童
Karakasa	唐傘
Kawaisa	可愛さ
Kiai	気合
Kichiku	鬼畜Translationliterally means "demon", figuratively refers to someone who behaves brutishly/cruelly
Killing Intent	殺気 (Sakki)Translationliterally means "killing/murderous ki"
Kimodameshi	肝試し
Knockback Evasion	受身 (Ukemi) Translation"Passive"; it's a term in Judo that refers to the "passive" half of the judo combat engagement, who is trained to do recovery rolls after being judo-thrown
Kodomomuke	子供向け
Kyu and Dan Ranks	級と段
Land, Sea, Sky	陸海空 (Rikukaikuu)
Laser-Guided Karma	自業自得 (Jigou Jitoku) or 因果応報 (Inga Ohou) Translation"One's acts, one's profits", "What goes around, comes around" or "One's karma determines their fate"; the latter is actually used in Buddhist texts about karmic retribution.
Launcher Move	浮かせ技 (Ukase-waza) Translation"Floating technique", i.e attack that causes the opponent to float up to the air 空中コンボ始動技 (Kuuchuu-combo shidou-waza) Translation"Air combo starter technique"
Lens Flare Censor	謎の光 (Nazo no Hikari)Translation"Mysterious light"
Life Drain	HP吸収 (HP-kyushuu)Translation"HP Absorption"
Life Meter	体力(ゲージ) (Tairyoku[-gauge])Translation"Physical fitness (gauge)"
Lightning Bruiser	風林火山 (Fuu-Rin-Ka-Zan)Translation"As fast as the wind, as quiet as the forest, as daring as fire, and as immovable as a mountain"
Limit Break	限界突破 (Genkai toppa)
Little Bit Beastly	獣耳 (Kemonomimi)Translation"animal ears"
Lolicon and Shotacon	ロリコン＆ショタコン
Long-Dead Badass	英霊 (Eirei)Translation"Legendary/heroic spirit"; also used as a respectful term for soldiers who died in the line of duty, particularly in State Shinto
Long-Range Fighter	遠距離キャラ (Enkyori Chara) Translation"long-distance character"
The Lost Woods	迷いの森 (Mayoi no Mori) Translation"forest of illusion/confusion/delusion/indecision/getting lost"
Love Letter	恋文 (Koibumi)
Love Confession	愛の告白 (Ai no Kokuhaku)
Love Triangle	三角関係 (Sankaku Kankei) Translation"triangular relationship"
Macross Missile Massacre	板野サーカス (Itano Circus)note Particularly when combined with a High-Speed Missile Dodge; sometimes used in a more general sense to refer to dogfights animated in an Itano-esque acrobatic style
Magical Girl	魔法少女 (Mahou Shoujo)
Magical Girl Warrior	戦闘美少女 (Sentou Bishoujo) Translation"Combat Bishoujo"; not seen as a subset of Magical Girl, but as a distinct genre it is frequently combined with (i.e. some of the characters classified on this site as Magical Girl Warriors would not be seen as Magical Girls in Japan). Can also include some Battle Harem or World of Action Girls works.
Magical Girlfriend	魔法彼女 (Mahou Kanojo)
Magical Incantation	呪文 (Jumon)
Magic Knight	魔法騎士 (Mahou Kishi)
Magitek	魔導 (Madou)note The Trope Namer from Final Fantasy VI, meaning roughly "magic guidance/advancement"; a less common spelling of a term generally interpreted as Black Magic (see above)
Mana	魔力 (Maryoku)Translation"Sorcerous power" 霊力 (Reiryoku)Translation"Spiritual power"
Mana Drain	MP吸収 (MP-kyushuu)Translation"MP Absorption"
Mana Meter	魔力ゲージ (Maryoku-gauge)
Maneki Neko	招き猫
Maou the Demon King	魔王 (Maou) 大魔王 (Daimaou)
Master Swordsman	剣聖 (Kensei)Translation"sword saint"
Meditating Under a Waterfall	禊 (Misogi)
Mega Neko	メガ猫
Meganekko	メガネっ娘
Miko	巫女
Military Moe	萌えミリ (Moe-mili)
Mind over Matter	念力 (Nenriki)Translation"Power of thoughts/feelings"; can also refer to mundane faith or Heroic Willpower, similar to the English term
Mini-Boss	中ボス (Chuu-Boss)Translation"middle [of stage] boss"; "mid-boss"
Moe	萌え
Mondegreen Gag	空耳 (Soramimi)Translation"Air ear"
Mono no Aware	物の哀れ
Monstrous Humanoid	怪人 (Kaijin)
Mooks	雑魚 (Zako) TranslationSlang, meaning "small fish" 戦闘員 (Sentōin) TranslationCombatants, popularized by Shocker
The Nameless	名無し (Nanashi) or 無名 (Mumei)
Narm	シリアスな笑い (Shiriasu na warai) Translation"Serious laughter"
Nature Spirit	精霊 (Seirei)Translation"Pure/sacred spirit" 木霊, 木魂 or 木魅 (Kodama)Translation"Tree soul"
Nerves of Steel	不動心 (Fudoushin)Translation"unshaken heart/mind"
New Game Plus	強くてニューゲーム (Tsuyokute New Game)Translation"Strong New Game"
New Transfer Student	転校生 (Tenkōsei)
Nightmare Fuel	みんなのトラウマ (Minna no torauma) TranslationEveryone's trauma
Night Parade of One Hundred Demons	百鬼夜行 (Hyakki Yagyo)
Ninja	忍者
Ninja Log	変わり身 (Kawarimi)Translation"Changing body" or "changing stance/position".
Oblivious to Love	鈍感 (Donkan)Translation"Insensitivity"
Odango Hair	お団子ヘア
Off-Model	作画崩壊 (Sakuga Houkai)Translation"Drawing collapse"
Ojou	お嬢
Old-School Chivalry	フェミニスト (Feminist)note A loan word that got Lost in Translation
Old Shame	黒歴史 (Kuro Rekishi)Translation"dark history"; may also be used literally in some works
One-Hit Kill	一撃必殺 (Ichigeki Hissatsu)
One-Man Army	一騎当千 (Ikki Tousen)Translation"One warrior who equals a thousand"
Oni	鬼
Operation: [Blank]	作戦名 (Sakusen-mei)
Opposite-Sex Clone	異性クローン (Isei Clone)
Ordinary High-School Student	普通の高校生 (Futsū no Kōkōsei)
Otaku	オタク note As the page notes, "Otaku" has a more pejorative meaning in Japan, i.e where someone's obsession of something is unhealthy
The Paragon	人傑 (Jinketsu) 傑士 (Kesshi)
Paper Fan of Doom	ハリセン (Harisen)
Paper Talisman	お札 (Ofuda)
The Peeping Tom	出歯亀 (Debagame)
Personality Blood Types	血液型性格分類 (Ketsueki-gata Seikaku Bunrui)
Pettanko	ぺったんこnote It's an onomatopoeia for something hitting a hard, flat surface; in this case, the girl's flat chest
The Phoenix	火の鳥 (Hi no Tori)Translation"fire bird" 鳳凰 (Ho-ou)TranslationJapanese reading of Fenghuang
Pinky Swear	指切りげんまん(うそついたら針千本のます) (Yubikiri Genman [Uso Tsuitara Harisenbon Nomasu])Translation"Finger cut-off, fists ten thousand, (whoever lies has to drink thousand needles/a puffer fish)"
Pinned to the Wall	壁バウンド (Kabe Bound)
Pirate	海賊 (Kaizoku)
Pop-Cultural Osmosis	門前の小僧(習わぬ経を読む) (Monzen no Kozou [Narawanu Kei o Yomu]) Translation"An apprentice outside the temple gate (can recite sutras he was never taught)"
Pose of Supplication	土下座 (Dogeza)
Princely Young Man	貴公子 (Kikōshi)Translation"high class young man"
The Protagonist	主人公 (Shujinko)
Psychic Powers	超能力 (Cho-noryoku)Translation"super power" 精神力 (Seishin-ryoku)Translation"Willpower"; also includes things that would be classified under Heroic Spirit
Rail Enthusiast	電車オタク (Densha Otaku) Translation"Train Otaku"
Ray Gun	光線銃 (Kousenjuu)
Red String of Fate	運命の赤い糸 (Unmei no Akai Ito)
Reflecting Laser	反射レーザー (Hansha Laser)
Ride the Lightning	電光石火 (Denkou Sekka) Translation"Lightning speed"; literally "Lightning-bolt flint-fire"
Rock–Paper–Scissors	じゃんけんぽん (Janken-pon)
Rōnin	浪人
Ryokan Inn	旅館;
Sailor Fuku	セーラー服
Samurai	侍
Save the Princess	プリンセスを救え (Princess wo Sukue)
School Festival	文化祭 (Bunkasai)
Science Hero	俊傑 (Shunketsu)Translation"Selfless genius"
Screw Yourself	同一カップリング (Douitsu Coupling)Translation"Same (person) coupling"
Screw Your Ultimatum!	だが断る (Daga kotowaru)Translation"However, I refuse"; a line spoken by Kishibe Rohan to a villain offering to spare his life if he lured someone into a trap, which became memetic for its arrogant and trollish delivery.
Secret Art	秘術 (Hijutsu) 奥義 (Ougi)Translation"Inner teaching"; advanced or ultimate technique within a larger school, taught only to a select few
Sekaikei Genre	セカイ系
Self-Duplication	(影)分身の術 ([Kage] Bunshin)Translation"(Shadow) Offshoot". A bunshin need not look exactly like the original, while a kage bunshin has the same silhouette.
Seme	攻めTranslationCan mean "attacker" or, in baseball, "pitcher"
Sentai	戦隊
Senseless Sacrifice	犬死 (Inujini)TranslationDying like a dog
Seppuku	切腹
Shapeshifting	変身 (Henshin) or 変化 (Henge)
Sheltered Aristocrat	ボンボン (Bonbon)
Shinigami	死神
Shipping	カップリング (coupling)
Shoryuken	昇竜拳
Show Within a Show	劇中劇 (Gekichūgeki)
Shrine to the Fallen	仏壇 (Butsudan)Translation"Buddhist altar"(御)霊屋 ([Mi]tamaya)Translation"(Honored) soul house"; a Shinto-style version, less common than the Buddhist variety
Sitting on the Roof	屋根の上 (Yane no ue)Translation"on the roof"
Sleep Deprivation	寝不足 (Nebusoku)Translation"sleep deprived"
Slice of Life	日常 (Nichijou)Translation"everyday"
Smashing Watermelons	スイカ割り (Suikawari)
Smug Smiler	ドヤ顔 (Doyagao)Translation"Look what I just did" expression
The Smurfette Principle	紅一点 (Kō itten) Translationliterally means "single red flower", figuratively refers to a single woman among many men
The Social Darwinist	弱肉強食 (Jakuniku Kyoushoku)Translation"The weak are meat; the strong eat"
Special Attack	特殊攻撃 (Tokushu kōgeki)
Speed Blitz	疾風迅雷 (Shippu Jinrai)Translation"Strike like a hurricane"; literally "Gale thunderclap"
Spell Book	魔導書 (Madousho)TranslationLiterally "book of magic"
Split Personality	二重人格 (Nijuu Jinkaku)Translation"Dual personality"
Spoiler	ネタバレ (Netabare)TranslationFrom "neta" (has many meanings, but roughly means "story/core story" in this case) + "bareru" (means "get revealed")
Spoon Bending	スプーン曲げ (Spoon-mage)
Sprint Shoes	快足シューズ (Kaisoku Shoes)
Stringy-Haired Ghost Girl	怨霊 (Onryou)Translation"vengeful spirit"
Strip Poker	脱衣ポーカー (Datsui Poker)
Student Council President	生徒会長 (Seito Kaichou)
Sugar-and-Ice Personality	クーデレ (Kuudere)Translation"Cool" + "dere"
Sweet Polly Oliver	男装 (Dansō)Translation"Male clothing"
Swiss-Army Hero	多段変身 (Tadan Henshin) or 多段変形 (Tadan Henkei)Translationboth means "Multistage Transformation"; the latter refers to robots/mechas/vehicles
The Syndicate	犯罪組織 (Hanzai Soshiki)
Tall Poppy Syndrome	出る杭は打たれる (Deru Kui wa Utaeru) Translation"The stake that sticks up gets hammered down"
Tanuki	狸
Taught by Experience	海千山千 (Umisen Yamasen)Translation"[Has seen] a thousand oceans and a thousand mountains"
Taunt Button	挑発ボタン (Chouhatsu Button)
Tengu	天狗
This Cannot Be!	まさか...？! (Masaka...?!)
This Is Unforgivable!	[Xは]許さない ([X wa] yurusanai!)
Throw a Barrel at It	樽を投げる (Taru o Nageru)
The Time of Myths	神代 (Jindai / Kamiyo)Translation"The Age of the Gods"
Time Stands Still	時よ止まれ (Toki yo Tomare)
Tragic Villain	哀しき悪役 (Kanashiki akuyaku)
To Be Continued	続く (Tsudzuku)
Tokusatsu	特撮
Tokyo Tower	東京タワー (Tōkyō tawā)
Too Much Alike	同族嫌悪 (Douzoku ken-o)Translation"kin hatred"
Torpedo Tits	おっぱいミサイル　 (Oppai Missile)
Transformation Sequence	変身シーン (Henshin Scene)
Transformation Trinket	変身アイテム (Henshin Item)
Transforming Mecha	可変メカ (Kahen Mecha)
Trapped in Another World	異世界 (Isekai)Translation"Different/another world"
Trial-and-Error Gameplay	試行錯誤遊び (Shikou-sakugo Asobi) 初見殺し (Shoken-goroshi)Translation"kill on first sight"
Troublesome Pet	悪いペット (Warui Petto)Translation"Bad pet"
True Companions	仲間 (Nakama)Translation"Camaraderie/comradeship"
Tsundere	ツンデレTranslation"Tsuntsun" ("harsh") + "deredere" ("sweet")
Twice Shy	両片想い (ryo kataomoi)Translation"mutual one-sided crush"
Uke	受けTranslation"Receiver"
Ultimate Life Form	究極生命体 (Kyuukyoku Seimei-tai)
Umbrella of Togetherness	アイアイ傘 (Ai-ai Gasa)TranslationA wordplay; "ai-ai" (written in katakana) can refer to either 相合 ("doing things together") or 愛々 ("lovey-dovey"). "Kasa/gasa" means umbrella.
Unblockable Attack	ガード不能技 (Guard-funou-waza) Translation"Impossible-to-guard technique"
Under the Sea	海底 (Kaitei)
Universe Bible	せってい書 (Settei Sho)Translation"Setting materials book". Note that while せってい (settei) is derived from the English word "setting", it's meant in the sense of establishment or configuration, not a location where the story takes place. Any piece of information that would be included in a Universe Bible (from characterization notes to concept art) is an individual settei.
Use Item	アイテム使用 (Item Shiyō)
Utsuge	鬱ゲー Translation"Depression Game"
Vacuum Mouth	口内吸い込み (Kounai Suikomi) Translation"Mouth Suction"
Verbal Tic	口癖 (Kuchiguse) Translation"Mouth Habit"
Vertical Scrolling Shooter	縦シューティングゲーム (Tate Shooting Game)
Villains	悪人 (Akunin)
Wall Jump	三角跳び (Sankaku Tobi)Translation"triangle jump"
Wall Pin of Love	壁ドン (Kabe Don)Translation"wall thud"
War Was Beginning	戦いは始まった (Tatakai wa Hajimatta)
Wave-Motion Gun	波動砲 (Hadou-hou)
Whack-a-Monster	モンスター叩き (Monster Tataki)
White Magic	白魔法 (Shiro Mahou) 法術 (Houjutsu)Translation"Law/order/Dharma techniques"; used particularly when derived from Buddhism
Why Am I Ticking?	人間爆弾 (Ningen Bakudan) Translation"human bomb"
World War III	第三次世界大戦 (Dai-San-ji Sekai Taisen)
Yamato Nadeshiko	大和撫子
Yandere	ヤンデレ TranslationFrom "yanderu" ("being sick") and "dere" ("sweet/lovestruck"); a love that is "sick"
Years Too Early	(お前は)X年早すぎる/X年早いんだよ ([Omae wa] X-nen Hayasugiru/X-nen Hayaindayo)
Year X	西暦 X 年 (Seireki X-nen)
Yin-Yang Bomb	太極 (Taikyoku)Translation"Zenith" or "supreme ultimate", perfect original state encompassing both yin and yang
Yonkoma	4コマ
You Are Already Dead	お前はもう死んでいる (Omae wa Mou Shindeiru)
Youkai	妖怪
Yubitsume	指詰め
Yuri Genre	百合 TranslationLiterally means "lily", as in the flower; it comes from "yurizoku" ("lily tribe"), a term coined by the same man who made "barazoku" (see above)
Zashiki-warashi	座敷童子
Zettai Ryouiki	絶対領域