やばい
- Word for word
Dangerous- What it really means
- Amazing, insane (good)
- In a sentence
- “このラーメン、やばい！めっちゃうまい。”
- Natural English
- “This ramen is insane! It's so damn good.” Meaning Match 92
Japanese slang translators get wrong
Japanese slang and set phrases depend on context, and literal translation gets them wrong in funny ways. Here is what they really mean.
お疲れ様です
- Word for word
You are tired- What it really means
- Thanks for your hard work (polite greeting)
- In a sentence
- “お疲れ様です！今日はこれで失礼します。”
- Natural English
- “Good work today! I'll be heading out now.” Meaning Match 85
顔が広い
- Word for word
His face is really wide- What it really means
- He knows so many people
- In a sentence
- “彼は本当に顔が広いね。”
- Natural English
- “He's really well-connected, isn't he.” Meaning Match 92
猫舌
- Word for word
Cat tongue- What it really means
- Can't handle hot food or drinks
- In a sentence
- “私は猫舌なので、少し冷ましてから飲みます。”
- Natural English
- “I'm not good with hot drinks, so I let it cool down a bit before drinking.” Meaning Match 92
気が利く
- Word for word
Her spirit really works- What it really means
- She's really thoughtful / considerate
- In a sentence
- “彼女は本当に気が利くね。”
- Natural English
- “She's really thoughtful, isn't she.” Meaning Match 92
微妙
- Word for word
Subtle, delicate- What it really means
- Meh, not great
- In a sentence
- “この味、ちょっと微妙かも。”
- Natural English
- “This flavor's a bit iffy, maybe.” Meaning Match 86
猫をかぶる
- Word for word
She's wearing a cat- What it really means
- She's acting sweet and innocent (it's an act)
- In a sentence
- “彼女、先生の前では猫をかぶってるよ。”
- Natural English
- “She's acting all innocent in front of the teacher.” Meaning Match 91
頭が固い
- Word for word
Has a hard head- What it really means
- Is stubborn / set in his ways
- In a sentence
- “うちの父は頭が固いから、説得するのは大変だ。”
- Natural English
- “My dad is so stubborn, it's going to be tough to convince him.” Meaning Match 89
口が軽い
- Word for word
He has a light mouth- What it really means
- He can't keep a secret
- In a sentence
- “彼は口が軽いから、秘密は言わないほうがいい。”
- Natural English
- “He's got a big mouth, so it's better not to tell him any secrets.” Meaning Match 91
Why word-for-word translation fails here
Slang and idioms mean something different from their words. Rebotar translates the meaning, catches slang and idioms, and shows a Meaning Match score so you know it's right before you hit send.
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