Travel
Speakin' Japanese: Spooky speak for Halloween
Stripes Japan
October 24, 2024
(Stripes Japan)
In recent years, the modern Western tradition of Halloween has crept up on Japan in the form of commercial and entertainment events – especially in big cities. Don’t be surprised to see parties, fancy costumes and parades celebrating Halloween. Here are a few words and phrases to help get you in to the spirit.
“obake“ = ghost
“kowai hanashi” = scary story
“noroi” = curse
“chi”= blood
“ame” = candy
“kazari” = decoration
“Totemo kowai”= Very scary
“Totemo” = very; “kowai” = scary
“Kowaku nai” = Not scary.
“Kyo wa Halloween desu” = Today is Halloween.
“kyo wa … desu” = Today is …
“Watashi wa Halloween paahty ni ikimasu.” = I am going to a Halloween party.
“ni ikimasu” = go to; “paahty” = party
“Kodomo wa trick-or-treat wo tanoshimi ni shiteimasu.”= The children are looking forward to going trick-or-treat.
“kodomo” = children; “tanoshimi ni shiteimasu.”= looking forward to
“Halloween no kaso wo shimasuka?” = Will you dress up for Halloween?
“kaso” = dress up
“Watashi wa banpaiyah ni naru yotei desu” = I am going to be a vampire.
“ni naru yotei desu” = going to be; “banpaiyah” = vampire
“Anata no costume wa kawaii desu.” = Your costume is cute.
“Anata no costume wa kakkoii desu.” = Your costume is cool.
“kawaii” = cute; “kakkoii”= cool (or handsome)
“Anatano ie no kazari wa totemo suteki desu.” = Your house’s decorations are very nice.
“Anatano” = your; “ie” = house; “suteki” = nice
Pronunciation key: “A” is short (like “ah”); “E” is short (like “get”); “I” is short (like “it”); “O” is long (like “old”); “U” is long (like “tube”); and “AI” is a long “I” (like “hike”). Most words are pronounced with equal emphasis on each syllable, but “OU” is a long “O” with emphasis on that syllable.