Chan: Suffix used for female friends or those younger than the speaker
Chigau yo: “It’s not like that” or “No.” Literally, “It’s different”
Deshou: “Right?” Used to look for agreement when the speaker isn’t sure what’s being said is accurate
Furoshiki: A cloth traditionally used to wrap lunch boxes or other goods
Genkan: The foyer or entrance of a Japanese building. Usually the floor of the genkan is lower than the rest of the building to keep shoes and outside things separate from the clean raised floor inside.
Hai: “Yes.” Also used as a filler word to show that one is listening to the speaker
Heiki: “It’s fine” or “I’m not concerned”
Ii yo: “Sure”
Inugami: A dog demon from Shinto tradition. Known for their uncontrollable wrath and murderous instincts
Ittekuru: Tough guy slang for Ittekimasu, “I’m leaving (and coming back).” Said when leaving the home
Itterasshai: “Go (and come back safely).” Said when someone is leaving the home
Kaasan: Tough guy slang for Okaasan, “Mom”
Kagura: An ancient style of theatrical dance
Keitai: Cell phone
Kendouka: A kendo participant
Kotatsu: A heated table used in Japanese homes in the winter.
Mou: As used in SHADOW, depicts annoyance at the situation. “Jeez!”
Nani: “What?”
Ne: “Isnt it?” It can also be used as “Hey!” to get someone’s attention (like “Ne, Tanaka”)
Ohayo: “Good morning”
Oi: “Hey”
Onigiri: Rice balls
Sakura: The cherry blossoms
Sa-me zo: Tough guy slang for Samui yo, “It’s cold”
Shabu shabu: Japanese hot pot, a popular meal. Raw vegetables, meat and fish are cooked in a shared pot of boiling broth on the table and then dipped in various sauces before eating
Shinai: A sword made of bamboo slats tied together, used for kendo
Shinkansen: The bullet train
Suki: “I like you” or “I love you,” often used when confessing feelings for the first time
Tatami: Traditional mat flooring made of woven straw
Torii: Shinto entrance monument to a shrine. The O-Torii is the famous orange gate in front of Itsukushima Shrine
Tousan: Tough guy slang for Otousan, “Dad”
Tsuki: A kendo hit to the throat
Urusai: “Shut up!” Literally, “it’s noisy”
Yokatta: “Thank god”
Yuzu: A citrus fruit popular in Japanese sauces, drinks and dishes
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Shadow
Teen FictionMeet two teens whose worlds are about to change forever in this paranormal Young Adult novella, a prequel to Ink by debut author Amanda Sun. Katie Greene's worst nightmare comes true when her mother dies, and she's devastated to learn that she will...
