和製英語(Wasei-Eigo : Japanese-made English) is interesting!!

Do you know 和製英語(Wasei-Eigo : Japanese-made English) ? 🤔

Japan offers a unique phenomenon known as "Wasei-eigo," which often reflect unique cultural quirks and societal trends.

Today, I show you two examples of Wasei-eigo, "ハイテンション" (High Tension)” and “ガラケー(Garakei)”.

I hope that you will find it interesting and that it will further strengthen your interest in learning Japanese.✨

①ハイテンション (High Tension)

In English, "high tension" might refer to intense stress or a state of elevated strain. In Japanese, however, "ハイテンション" describes someone who is very energetic, enthusiastic, or overly excited, often in a positive and lively way, which is quite a departure from the potentially negative connotations in English.🤩

There is a theory that the origin of this term has something to do with music. I am not familiar with music, but it is said that by changing “tension chords” in guitar playing, one can liven up the place.🎸

So when the performer “raises the tension,” the atmosphere of the place becomes more lively accordingly, from which the term “high tension” is said to have come about.

②ガラケー (Garakei)

Then there's "ガラケー," a blend of "Galapagos" and "keitai" (the Japanese word for mobile phone).

This term came about to describe Japan's old-school flip phones that evolved with unique features like mobile payments and TV functions, way ahead of the global smartphone curve. 😆

However, as smartphones took over the world, these once cutting-edge phones seemed more like relics from a bygone era―innovative but isolated, much like the unique species on the Galapagos Islands.

The term "ガラケー" reflects both a nod to innovation and a wink at its isolation.🐢

Wasei-eigo is more than just words.

Learning Wasei-eigo like "paper driver" and "Galakei" helps you to understand specific aspects of Japan’s culture and technological evolution.

They are fun materials into how Japan absorbs and adapts foreign elements, turning them into something uniquely Japanese. They tell stories of societal changes, technological advances, and the playful spirit of language adaptation.⭐️

So, next time you come across a Wasei-eigo, you’re not just seeing a word but a snapshot of Japanese culture.

So interesting, right? Whether it's about tech trends or driving habits, these terms offer a fun peek into the everyday life and innovations in Japan.😊

Taichi