Manga Glossary - Definitions of English and Japanese Terms
What's a tankoubon? What does it mean to be a "gothic Lolita" or an "otaku"? Why do manga characters refer to each other as "-kun", "-chan" or "-sama"? Look up the origins, meanings and uses of these common Japanese and English terms used in the world of manga and Japanese graphic novels with our glossary.
Tsundere
What does "tsundere" mean? Find a definition of this word commonly used in manga, anime and Japanese pop culture, plus tips on pronunciation, common misspellings and examples of this word in everyday use.
Moé
What does "moe" mean? Find a definition of this word commonly used in manga, anime and Japanese pop culture, plus tips on pronunciation, common misspellings and examples of this word in everyday use.
Doujinshi
What is doujinshi? Essentially, it's fan-created manga or Japanese comics, but it's much more than that. Learn about the origins of Japanese fan-created comics and the otaku culture that it feeds off and thrives on doujinshi.
E - Everyone / A - All Ages
Definition of the "E - Everyone / A - All Ages" content rating for manga as used by U.S. publishers of Japanese comics and manga-style graphic novels, plus examples of popular manga titles available for readers in this age group.
Josei Manga - Redikomi - Ladies Comics
Definition of josei manga or Japanese comics for women, plus examples of josei manga.
M - Mature Age 18+ Content Rating
Definition of the "M - Mature Age 18+" content rating for manga as used by U.S. publishers of Japanese comics and manga-style graphic novels, plus examples of popular manga titles available for readers in this age group.
OT - Older Teens Age 16+ Content Rating
Definition of the "OT - Older Teens Age 16+" content rating for manga as used by U.S. publishers of Japanese comics and manga-style graphic novels, plus examples of popular manga titles available for readers in this age group.
Otaku
There are manga and anime fans, and then there are otaku, the super-fans who eat, drink, shop, collect and obsess over every facet of manga, anime and games. Learn about the origins of otaku culture in Japan, and its spread to Asia, Europe and America.
Seinen Manga
Definition of seinen manga or Japanese comics for men, plus examples of seinen manga.
T - Teens Age 13+ Content Rating
Definition of the "T - Teens Age 13+" content rating for manga as used by U.S. publishers of Japanese comics and manga-style graphic novels, plus examples of popular manga titles available for readers in this age group.
Y - Youth Age 10+ Content Rating
Definition of the "Y - Youth Age 10+" content rating for manga as used by U.S. publishers of Japanese comics and manga-style graphic novels, plus examples of popular manga titles available for readers in this age group.
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