Japan in 2021: the 30 most popular expressions or words of the year

As every year, when we get out of the year, we look back and review how Japan has been in 2021, at least terminated.And as usual at this time, the Jiyū Kokuminsha publishing house has announced the most popular expressions or words nominated to be the most popular expression in Japan in 2021.

Just in case you have not read any of our previous annual posts, we make you a basic summary.Since 1984 in Japan every year they decide what the words or media expressions have been fashionable during the current year.That is, those words or expressions that Japanese society has used repetitively above others.

In the past, 50 words or expressions were selected, but since 2016 the list was reduced to 30. The chosen words are collected in a reference book on current terminology called Gendai Yōgo No Kiso Chishiki, which is published every year as a review of the year that ends.

For a few years, in Japanese we have imposed ourselves (well, we confess it, we really love it!) The tradition of reviewing, in Spanish, one by one the most outstanding words or expressions of the year.We really like to take a look at the list, since it summarizes us somehow the most important issues in Japan during the year.It gives us an idea of those things that have most worried, excited or caused debate in Japanese society.

In addition, as Japanese language students, it is a perfect opportunity to learn new words or expressions.And, on many occasions, these types of expressions do not usually appear in textbooks.A fun and different way of learning Japanese, without a doubt.That you can complement with any of the methods and consultation books that we have in our post about studying Japanese on your own.

The words and expressions nominees of 2021

As every year, the 30 nominated words or expressions of this 2021 in Japan reflect the reality of Japanese society in the year that is about to end.And as it happened last year, 2021 has continued dominated by the appearance of words and expressions related to pandemic.But also for many words related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, which after a year of delay were finally celebrated, not without controversy.

Then we leave you with the list of those 30 most popular expressions or words nominated in 2021. We have added a brief explanation in Spanish, to understand why they have been chosen for this list.Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

And other years ...

As we told you at the beginning, since 2013 in Japanese we have dedicated ourselves to review and try to translate and explain the most popular words and expressions of the year.We used to publish them in individual posts, but in 2019 we decided to collect them all here, so that the most curious do not have to search and search.With scroll there is enough to read and learn Japanese, annual trends, events, etc.

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Most popular words of the year 2020

The winning word of the year 2020 was… 3 密 （三 つ の 密） (San Mitsu (Mittsu no Mitsu)), the three "mitsu", an expression that refers to the three WHO recommendations to avoid the advance of the pandemic: Mippei (avoid closed places), Missu (avoid places full of people) and Missetsu (avoid situations without social distance).The expression refers to the way of writing these three words in Japanese (syllable "mi" followed by a small "tsu").

You have the rest of the finalists marked with a star (★).

Most popular words of 2019

The winning word of 2019 was ... One Team （ワン チーム, Uan Chimu), motto used by Rugby Japanese coach to motivate their players, who played an excellent role in the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup. However, they fell to the South African springboks, which would then rise with the world title.

You have the rest of finalists marked with a star (★).Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

Most popular words of 2018

The winning word of 2018 was ... そだ ねー (Sodanē), "It's true ...", an expression that popularized a Curling women's team during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.Since then, the Japanese use it quite in general, especially since the musicality of the dialect and the Kawaii and feminine way of saying it fell in love with many.

You have the rest of finalists marked with a star (★).Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

Most popular words of 2017

The winning word of 2017 was ... 忖度 (Sontaku) "Conjecture of desires" that had a lot to do with the Abe family, that is, with political scandals.A little meh in our opinion, but quite logical, on the other hand.

You have the rest of finalists marked with a star (★).Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

Most popular words of 2016

The winning word of 2016 was ... 神っ てる (Kamitteru) "It's (how) God!"which was used until satiety to refer to the Hiroshima Carp Suzuki Seiya player, after an exceptional season.

You have the rest of finalists marked with a star (★).Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

Most popular words of 2015

The winning word of 2015 was ... well, we have to say "were" because as was the case the previous year, in 2015 there were two winning words and were Bakugai (爆買い), an expression that means purchases in large quantities especially by theChinese tourists visiting Japan and spending a lot of money on stores and department stores;And on the other, Toripuru Suriī (トリプル スリー) an expression of the baseball world that as well explained to us one of our readers through the comments section is used when a player ends the season with 30 Home Rons (or more), more),30 stolen bases (or more) and 30% of hit balls (or more).

You have the rest of finalists marked with a star (★).Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

Most popular words of 2014

The winning word of 2014 was, well, they were (because there were two) ... it was ... on the one hand the term 集団 的 自衛 権 (Shudanteki jieken) or right to collective self -defense, one of the burning themes of the year and that we already suspectedthat would be at least in the top 10;And on the other hand, ダメ ～ ～ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ ダメダメ me) or "no, no and no," comic expression used by the Nippon Erekiteru Rengō female duo in a sketch in which Hashimoto Koyuki constantly rejected his partner Nakano Soko, which appeared dressed and made up as an older man.

You have the rest of finalists marked with a star (★).Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

Most popular words of 2013

The winning word of 2013 was….今 でしょ！ (ima I missed!), Which would literally translate as "well now, right?"although it has the meaning of "do it) now!"It is the answer that the Toshin Hayashi Osamu High School Professor pronounced his own question: 「か？ 今 でしょ！」 」」 it yaru ka?Are you going to do?Well now, of course! ”, In an announcement for television of that school that was broadcast at the end of last year.

You have the rest of finalists marked with a star (★).Come, everyone to learn Japanese!

Entrance originally published on November 6, 2013. Last update: November 12, 2020