Unpacking Gen Z Japanese words in 2025

Hey everyone! Learning Japanese isn't just about grammar and textbooks! if you want to chat like a native, you need to know the latest slang! Here are some fun and trendy words young people in Japan are using right now. Try them out and impress your friends!

1. エモい (emoi) – emotional, nostalgic, touching

Meaning: Used when something is deeply emotional, nostalgic, or moving. Example:

• この曲、めっちゃエモい。 (Kono kyoku, meccha emoi.) "This song is so nostalgic."
  

2. ガチ (gachi) – seriously, really

Meaning: Used to emphasize that something is really or seriously true. Example:

• あの映画、ガチ面白かった。 (Ano eiga, gachi omoshirokatta.) "That movie was seriously good."
  

3. エグい (egui) – intense, crazy, insane

Meaning: Used to describe something overwhelming, either in a good or bad way. Example:

• あの試験、エグかった。 (Ano shiken, egukatta.) "That test was insanely hard."
  

4. ワンチャン (wanchan) – maybe, there’s a chance

Meaning: A casual way of saying "there's a slight possibility." Example:

• ワンチャン、明日雨止むかも！

  (Wanchan, ashita ame yamu kamo!)

  "Maybe the rain will stop tomorrow!"
  

5. それな (sorena) – I agree, exactly

Meaning: Used when you agree with what someone else is saying.

Example:

• 今日、めっちゃ暑いね。

  (Kyou, meccha atsui ne.)

  "It’s so hot today." それな。 (sore na.)

  "Exactly."
  

6. チルする (chiru suru) – to chill, relax

Meaning: To relax, hang out, or take it easy. Example:

• 今日、友達とカフェでチルするつもり。 (Kyō, tomodachi to kafe de chiru suru tsumori.) "I’m planning to chill with my friends at a café today."

Slang is always changing, and keeping up with it can be a fun way to connect with native speakers. Have you heard any other Gen Z words recently? Drop them in the comments below! Don’t forget to use these in your next conversation and watch how they brighten up your Japanese skills ;)