Cool Japanese Words With Deep Meaning

Learning a language gives you an inside view into a different culture, and learning cool Japanese words is a fascinating way to learn about Japanese culture. Japanese is full of unique words and expressions to describe abstract ideas, nature, art and other concepts.

Lately, some Japanese words and phrases have become widely used in English and other cultures. Words such as zen or wabi sabi are often used in other cultures due to the unique ideas they express. Learning these Japanese words will not only deepen your knowledge of the language, but also teach you about different perspectives in certain areas of life.

How you define ‘cool’ might depend on your individual perspective, but regardless of your perspective, the cool Japanese words and meanings in this article will provide you with a window into Japanese culture. We’ve divided the words into several categories, with a few cool words in each category.

What is the word for ‘cool’ in Japanese?

Before we move on to the categories, you might want to know the word ‘cool’ in Japanese.

The Japanese word for ‘cool’ is kakkoii (かっこいい), and this word is the most standard and widely used.

Some may prefer to use shibui (渋い) to describe something cool. Both kakkoii and shibui describe something or someone that is stylish or impressive. The difference between them is that kakkoii (かっこいい) is more commonly used and has the nuance of something more flashy, while shibui (渋い) is used to describe something more grounded or composed. With that being said, the two words are almost identical, and it’s the speaker’s choice which one to use.

To describe something cool in slang, you can also use a word like iketeru (イケてる). As this word is considered slang, you’ll probably only want to use it with your close friends.

Cool Japanese words that have become English words

Ikigai (生きがい)

As defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, ikigai is ‘a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose.’ You might say that ikigai is something that brings you joy or fulfillment in your life.

The word ikigai is made up of two parts: iki (生き), which means ‘life’ or ‘alive,’ and kai (かい), which means ‘worth’ or ‘value.’ When those are combined, it means a reason for living, the meaning of life, or something that is worth living for.

As an exported Japanese word, it has been attracting attention in recent years outside of Japan.

Mottainai (もったいない)

The word mottainai (もったいない) has gained popular recognition among environmental movements around the world in the past two decades or so, since Kenyan environmentalists introduced the word as a slogan for environmental protection in a UN session.

A translation for this word could be ‘what a waste’ or ‘don’t be wasteful.’

Objects are treated with great reverence in Japanese culture. We can say that objects are elevated beyond being mere physical goods to items worth respecting because of their contributions to living a flourishing life.

Mottainai (もったいない) is often used in daily conversation when one is feeling guilty about leaving food behind or throwing away something that could still be used. It can also be used to express the idea of wasting money.

Check out our article on Japanese words that are used in English!

Cool word for empathy

Omoiyari (思いやり)

The word omoiyari (思いやり) is commonly translated as ‘empathy’ or ‘sympathy.’

In Japanese, omoi (思い) means ‘thought,’ and the word yari (やり) comes from the word yaru, which means 'to give’ or ‘to send.’ The literal translation would be ‘to send your thoughts to someone.’

Hence, omoiyari (思いやり) can be described as a feeling of empathy or sympathy that leads to thoughtful action toward others. To practice omoiyari (思いやり), you need put yourself in the another person’s shoes and provide them with what they need without verbally stating it.

Omoiyari (思いやり) isn’t always about taking action. In some cases, not doing or saying anything can also be considered omoiyari(思いやり). Being aware of what to do and what not to do based on the situation is the best way to practice omoiyari (思いやり). What really matters is the thought and care that you hold toward someone.

We can say that children are taught omoiyari (思いやり) from an early age and encouraged to practice it in Japanese society.

Cool words for art

Kintsugi (金継ぎ)

Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is a traditional Japanese art form or technique which involves covering areas of breakage using lacquer dusted with gold, silver or platinum. Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold.

The word kin (金) means ‘gold’ and tsugi (継ぎ) means to ‘take over, succeed, or join,’ so the literal translation of kintsugi (金継ぎ) would be ‘gold joinery.’

The philosophy behind kintsugi (金継ぎ) is that broken objects are not worthless, but rather contribute to the beauty and history of the object. This leads to embracing and appreciating its flaws and imperfections.

Rather than throwing a broken item away, this 400-year-old technique enhances ‘scars’ as an integral part of the style and design rather than hiding them. It is something that many people find cool!

Omomuki (趣)

The meaning of omomuki (趣・おもむき) can be ‘tenor,’ ‘taste,’ ‘charm,’ ‘grace,’ ‘refinement,’ or ‘zest,’ among others. It is very difficult to translate or define in one word as there is no equivalent word in English, but this word expresses something in which you can sense the heart-moving ingenuity and thought that was put into it.

In Japan, we often use it to describe something we perceive as aesthetically pleasing. We use the phrase ‘omomuki ga aru’ (趣がある) to express that you were touched by something that lies beneath the beauty. This is a phrase you'll want to use when you feel there is more depth to something or when straightforward words just aren't enough.

The word consists of two parts, omo (おも) and muki (むき). In old Japanese, omo meant ‘heart,’ and muki meant ‘facing in that direction,’ and so it came to be used to mean ‘something that is attractive to a person.’

Cool words for nature

Seseragi (せせらぎ)

Seseragi (せせらぎ) refers to a small stream or brook and to a ‘murmuring’ or ‘babbling.’ It is an interesting word which has the meaning of a place where water flows as well as its sounds.

This word can give people or native Japanese such a calm and peaceful feeling – the sound of the word easily enables us to associate it with something soothing and tranquil. It’s a cool and must-know word for nature lovers.

Hazakura (葉桜)

Everyone is fascinated by sakura (桜), although hazakura (葉桜) is lesser-known but equally beautiful.

Hazakura (葉桜) refers to cherry trees in the period after cherry blossom petals have fallen and the tender green new leaves are sprouting. Hazakura (葉桜) is as beautiful as cherry blossom petals.

The term hazakura (葉桜) is used as a summer word in haiku (俳句) poems. The famous poet Yosano Buson (与謝野蕪村) once wrote in a poem, “I spent my time in Nara to enjoy hazakura, I enjoy hazakura although other people do not even notice its beauty.”

Cool kanji words

Ichigo ichie (一期一会)

The literal translation of ichigo ichie (一期一会) would be ‘one lifetime, one encounter or meeting.’

This phrase is a Japanese four-kanji-character idiom called yojijukugo (四字熟語), and the ichigoichie (一期一会) concept originated from sadō (茶道), the Japanese tea ceremony. It reminds people to cherish every moment of their lives, as they should realize that no moment of life can ever be repeated. Even if the same group of people got together again in the same place, the gathering would not be the same – each time, each moment is always unique and cannot be replicated, so it is always a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With this phrase, we are encouraged to treasure each moment and each opportunity that we have. You might say that this concept is very similar to the idea of mindfulness that some may be familiar with. Understanding the importance of living in the present moment enables you to cherish fleeting moments and leads you to more meaningful experiences.

Yuiitsu muni (唯一無二)

Yuiitsu muni is an expression meaning that there is no equivalent and that there is only one, or that something is so outstanding that there is nothing else to compare it to.

Yuiitsumuni (唯一無二) is made up of two words, yuiitsu (唯一), which means ‘one and only,’ and muni (無二), which also means ‘one and only.’ These words with the same meaning are repeated to emphasize the meaning.

It is a four-character idiom that is often used as a compliment to praise a particular person or thing.

Shoshi Kantetsu (初志貫徹)

This idiom means to follow through on one’s initial aspiration or belief to the very end. The word shoshi (初志) means ‘the aspiration’ or ‘the initial will’ and the word kantetsu (貫徹) means ‘to achieve something following the path despite any difficulty.’

It might be difficult to achieve something when there is a change of environment or when you experience hardship, but this word refers to having a strong will and the determination to stick to your initial decision. Keeping this idiom in mind may help you achieve your dream!

Often people pick this idiom as their life motto, and this might be yours as well when you decide to master something like, let’s say, learning Japanese or any other language! This cool idiom can motivate you throughout your learning journey to accomplish your dream.

Wrapping up

Now you have learned ten cool Japanese words in a variety of categories. From cool words that are already recognized in English culture, to words in the areas of life philosophy, arts and nature, to four-character kanji idioms, we hope these words give you a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

As you continue to learn Japanese, you will find more cool words for sure! Learning language can be fun, but it also always gives us more insight so that it enriches our lives. Enjoy your learning journey and never stop learning!