Tricky “Japanglish” Terms that are mostly encountered by ALTs

We all know that English is a universal language. Majority of the people in the world, somehow, can speak or at least understand English even just a little bit. It is a language that is widely accepted in the world. Thus, making it as an important bridge towards Global understanding.

In Japan, although, it isn’t widely used as a form of daily communication, Japanese have their own substantial borrowed English words that is uniquely existing in actual conversations and commonly heard even at schools. These words are called “wasei-eigo” literally means “Made in Japan English.”

Below are the following words that are mostly encountered by ALTs doing their time in their own respective schools.　The words sound totally English, but it denotes different meanings that are tricky for foreigners and especially for ALTs.

Put these words on your notes as you begin your wonderful ALT journey in Japanese schools!

1. High Tension ( ハイテンション ) [ Haitenshon ]

It is very common that Japanese elementary students are very energetic and excited about English especially in meeting their ALTs. Oftentimes, the Japanese Teachers would describe that behavior as “High Tension.”

In Japan, it means energetic and hyper in a positive way opposing to the meaning of the word “Tension” in English which is perceived as something stressful and negative．

2．High Touch ( ハイタッチ) [ Haitatchi]

During game activities, Japanese Teachers acknowledge the students by doing the High Touch! It sounded peculiar but this is just equivalent to the English version “High Five” or “Give me Five.” You can do it too! Create that rapport to your students and acknowledge them by saying, “High Touch!”

3. Note (ノート) [Nōto]

The word “note” might confuse you as an ALT. In English, it means note, a message or a written information. But, in Japan, it means Notebook, a stationary!

Please don’t be surprised when you tell your students to get their notebook then nobody would do it! Unless you show them an image of the notebook.

Later, when they see the image, they’ll be in chorus and will say “Ah, noto!”

4. My Pace ( マイペース ) [maipeesu]

In English, it denotes a meaning of speed. But, in Japan, this phrase is considered negative depending on some situations at school. It means doing things in one’s own way in an inconsiderate manner. Japanese give so much importance to community, so, doing things without considering other people might be seen as something selfish. So, please be careful!

5. Happy Ice Cream ( ハッピーアイスクリーム) [Happīaisukurīmu]

Does this phrase sound like an Ice Cream Day! Is it Baskin – Robbins’s day? It sounds delicious!

This phrase is actually very interesting! In Japan, when two people, take for example you and your Japanese Teacher say the same words or things simultaneously, you can both greet or jinx each other in a fun way by saying “Happy Ice Cream!”

This phrase can be helpful for you as an ALT in creating a fun and relaxing atmosphere towards the Japanese Teachers at school.