Japanese words used in English!

Not everyone word used in English is original! In fact, much of our language is borrowed from other parts of the world! Check out these borrowed terms!

Tsunami

Strong and dangerous waves caused by earthquakes

“The 2004 tsunami off the coast of Indonesia caused massive damage and loss of life”

Sushi (and other food!)

Many words of Japanese food are the same in English and Japanese. BUT, make sure you check the pronunciation – for example, English speakers almost never pronounce the Japanese dumplings “gyoza” the same way as Japanese people do.

“This supermarket sells meals like sushi, ramen, and katsu curry!”

Karaoke

A hobby or activity involving singing. In Japan it is often done in small rooms with only your friends, while in the West it is common to do karaoke as part of a much larger group.

“I’m a terrible singer, but I love karaoke”

Rickshaw

A small vehicle pulled by a person – you will sometimes see them around the streets of major cities (they are very expensive in London)! This word comes from the Japanese “jinrikisha

“Shall we use bus, taxi, or rickshaw to travel home?”


Can you think of any other foreign words used in English?


Check out my PODCAST!!

264. Why is the UK Banning Some Breeds of Dog?: The Dangerous Dog Debate! (English Vocabulary Lesson) Thinking in English

Support me on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish The UK has announced a ban on the American Bully XL dog breed after a spate of violent attacks. What is an American Bully XL? Why are they being banned? What is a dangerous dog? And is banning dangerous dogs the best approach to dealing with this problem? Let’s discuss all this today! TRANSCRIPT – https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/10/02/264-why-is-the-uk-banning-some-breeds-of-dog-the-dangerous-dog-debate-english-vocabulary-lesson/ —— My Links Thinking in English Bonus Podcast…. NOW ON SPOTIFY! – https://open.spotify.com/show/6gSPOxNCijMq2hTJW8tyx4?si=5b10f65bfcaf4971 ENGLISH CLASSES – https://thinkinginenglish.link/  NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! – https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast  INSTAGRAM – thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)   Blog – thinkinginenglish.blog ——  Vocabulary Ban (noun) – A formal prohibition or restriction. Breed (noun) – A group of animals or plants with common characteristics, often created through selective breeding. Cull (verb) – To selectively remove or eliminate animals from a population. Temperament (noun) – A person or animal's natural disposition or character. Imposing (adjective) – Having an impressive or commanding presence. Amnesty (noun) – An official pardon or forgiveness that allows individuals or groups to be exempt from penalties or legal consequences for past actions or offenses. Characteristics (noun) – Distinctive qualities, traits, or features that define or distinguish something or someone from others. Socialization (noun) – The process of learning and adapting to social norms and interactions. — Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support
  1. 264. Why is the UK Banning Some Breeds of Dog?: The Dangerous Dog Debate! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
  2. 263. The Foreign Language Effect: How Thinking in English Can Improve Your Decision Making and Memories! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
  3. 262. Why is France Banning Islamic Clothes in Schools? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
  4. 261. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (English Vocabulary Lesson)
  5. 260. How to argue (and win arguments) in English?

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By Tom Wilkinson

Host and founder of Thinking in English, Tom is committed to providing quality and interesting content to all English learners. Previously a research student at a top Japanese university and with a background in English teaching, political research, and Asian languages, Tom is now working fulltime on bettering Thinking in English!

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