Katakana Etymology List

This page organizes common katakana loanwords found in the quizzes by the country through which they entered Japanese. If a word passed through multiple languages, it is grouped under the country through which it most recently entered Japanese; earlier sources are noted in the notes. Each entry includes the katakana, original spelling, source country, original meaning, and additional notes.

479
Words
20
Source Countries
5
Fields: Word · Original · Country · Meaning · Notes

Originating in the United States 103

Words that entered Japanese through American English: especially postwar daily life, technology, fast food, and former trademarks that became common nouns.

American English
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
マフラー muffler United States Scarf; English muffler can also refer to a silencer. —
アクション action United States Action or movement; also refers to action films. —
ガソリン gasoline United States Gasoline. American English uses gasoline; British English more commonly uses petrol. American English uses gasoline; British English more commonly uses petrol. It entered Japanese in the American English form.
ポップス pops / pop United States Pop music. A Japanese usage derived from pop music. —
ミキサー mixer United States Blender; also a social gathering. —
ルームメイト roommate United States Roommate. —
ガスレンジ gas range United States Gas range. —
ネクタイ necktie United States Necktie. —
エアメール airmail United States Airmail. —
ファクス fax United States Fax. Short for facsimile. —
エアコン air conditioner United States Short for air conditioner. The Japanese abbreviation of the English phrase air conditioner.
ソフト soft United States Soft; software; softball. —
シートベルト seat belt United States Seat belt. —
バイク bike United States In Japanese, bike usually refers to a motorcycle. In English, bike is a colloquial form of bicycle. —
ドレッシング dressing United States Salad dressing; also dressing for wounds or clothing. —
スノーボード snowboard United States Snowboarding. Developed in the United States during the 1960s–70s. The sport of snowboarding developed in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century.
ホームページ home page United States Website home page. In Japanese, it often refers broadly to an entire website. —
コンビニ convenience store United States Short for convenience store. The Japanese abbreviation of the American English phrase convenience store.
ラジオ radio United States Radio. —
インターネット Internet United States The Internet. Originated from U.S. military and academic networks. Originated from U.S. military and academic networks and the Internet.
コンピューター computer United States Computer. —
アパート apartment United States Apartment. American English uses apartment; British English more commonly uses flat. American English uses apartment; British English more commonly uses flat. In Japanese, it usually refers to a relatively low-rise rental apartment.
グレープフルーツ grapefruit United States Grapefruit. The name was established in the Caribbean/United States in the 18th–19th centuries. The English word grapefruit was named in the Caribbean/United States.
バスタブ bathtub United States Bathtub. —
クッキー cookie United States Cookie. The American English word cookie comes from Dutch koekje; British English more commonly uses biscuit. American English cookie (from Dutch koekje); British English more commonly uses biscuit.
ステレオ stereo United States Stereo. Short for stereophonic. —
ハイキング hiking United States Hiking. —
デパート department store United States Short for department store. The Japanese abbreviation of the English phrase department store.
ホストファミリー host family United States Host family. —
メールアドレス mail address United States Email address. —
インスタント instant United States Instant; instant-food preparation. —
テープレコーダー tape recorder United States Tape recorder. —
スーパー supermarket United States Short for supermarket. The Japanese abbreviation of the English word supermarket.
エレベーター elevator United States Elevator. American English uses elevator; British English more commonly uses lift. American English uses elevator; British English more commonly uses lift.
ミュージカル musical United States Musical theater. —
ボールペン ballpoint pen United States Ballpoint pen. —
エスカレーター escalator United States Escalator. Originally a trademark of Otis; later became a common noun. Escalator was originally a trademark of the U.S. company Otis and later became a common noun.
パーティールーム party room United States Party room or banquet room. —
フリーマーケット flea market United States Flea market. The English term flea market is translated from French marché aux puces. —
メジャー major / measure United States Major; the major leagues; measuring. —
クラスメイト classmate United States Classmate. —
ファストフード fast food United States Fast food. A term associated with 20th-century American dining culture. The fast-food expression associated with 20th-century American dining culture.
ジーンズ jeans United States Jeans. The etymology is related to twill fabric associated with Genoa (Genoa/Gênes), Italy. —
ブルーベリー blueberry United States Blueberry. —
ビル building United States Short for building. The Japanese abbreviation of the English word building.
バーベキュー barbecue United States Barbecue. From Caribbean barbacoa, transmitted through Spanish and American English. —
ジャズ jazz United States Jazz. Emerged in the southern United States in the early 20th century. A music genre that emerged in the southern United States in the early 20th century.
ファイト fight United States Fight. In Japanese, it is commonly used as a cheer of encouragement. English fight. In Japanese it is commonly used as an encouragement expression, an extended meaning.
スニーカー sneakers United States Sports shoes. American English sneakers. American English: sneakers.
レジ register United States Short for register, as in a cash register. The Japanese abbreviation of English (cash) register.
ジューサー juicer United States Juicer. —
サングラス sunglasses United States Sunglasses. —
ショッピングセンター shopping center United States Shopping center. —
センター center / centre United States Center. —
ショッピングモール shopping mall United States Shopping mall. Mall originally referred to a tree-lined promenade. —
ティーシャツ T-shirt United States T-shirt. Named for its T shape when laid flat. —
セーター sweater United States Sweater. Originally meaning “a garment that makes you sweat.” —
ライター lighter United States Lighter. —
タイムカード time card United States Time card. —
ガム gum United States Gum. Short for chewing gum. —
ビデオ video United States Video or recording. From Latin meaning “I see.” —
デート date United States Date; romantic date. —
トイレットペーパー toilet paper United States Toilet paper. —
メール mail United States Mail. In Japanese, it usually refers to email. —
トラック truck United States Truck. American English uses truck; British English more commonly uses lorry. American English truck; British English more commonly lorry.
チリソース chili sauce United States Chili sauce. Chili comes from Nahuatl. —
バスケットボール basketball United States Basketball. Invented in the United States in 1891. A sport invented in the United States in 1891.
ジョギング jogging United States Jogging. —
コンタクトレンズ contact lens United States Contact lenses. —
アメリカ America United States America / the Americas. Named after explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Country name. Named after Amerigo Vespucci and transmitted through English America.
プロ pro / professional United States Short for professional, referring to a professional or expert. The English abbreviation for professional.
キーワード keyword United States Keyword. —
クラクション klaxon United States Car horn. From the American brand Klaxon; in Japanese it became a common noun. American brand Klaxon; in Japanese it became a common noun for a car horn.
ドナーカード donor card United States Organ donor card. —
デジタル digital United States Digital. Originally meaning “of the finger.” —
リサイクル recycle United States Recycling; reuse. —
フロンガス fluorocarbon gas / Freon United States Refrigerant based on chlorofluorocarbons. Freon is a DuPont trademark. —
ジェンダー gender United States Social gender. Its older meaning referred to “gender” in grammar. —
マスメディア mass media United States Mass media. —
クラスメート classmate United States Classmate (long-vowel spelling). —
エイズ AIDS United States The English initialism for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An American medical-English initialism, AIDS.
ブーム boom United States Boom; a surge or craze. Originally an imitative sound meaning “boom.” —
ディスプレイ display United States Display; monitor. —
バイオマス biomass United States Biomass; bioenergy. —
マウス mouse United States Mouse; computer mouse. —
プログラム program United States Program; program/event. —
ビジネスマン businessman United States Businessman; business professional. —
フィットネス fitness United States Fitness. —
ソフトウェア software United States Software. American English software (paired with hardware).
コンピュータ computer United States Computer (shorter spelling). —
マイクロコンピュータ microcomputer United States Microcomputer. —
アイライン eyeline / eyeliner United States Eyeliner. —
ジャンボ jumbo United States Jumbo; enormous. From the name of the elephant Jumbo. —
インターンシップ internship United States Internship. —
ネットワーク network United States Network; personal connections. —
エアロビクス aerobics United States Aerobics. Became popular in the United States during the 1960s–80s. The aerobics exercise became popular in the United States during the 1960s–80s.
ハードウェア hardware United States Hardware. American English hardware.
スーパーマーケット supermarket United States Supermarket. —
ガスストーブ gas stove United States Gas stove/heater. —
ナイロン nylon United States Nylon. A synthetic-fiber trademark developed by DuPont in the 1930s. The American DuPont trademark nylon from the 1930s later became a common noun.
カセットテープ cassette tape United States Cassette tape. Cassette comes from French for “small box” and entered Japanese through English cassette tape.
ハンバーグ Hamburg steak United States Hamburg steak. Originated from the minced-meat dish associated with Hamburg, Germany, and entered Japanese through American English. It originated from the Hamburg, Germany meat dish and entered Japanese through American English as Hamburg steak, where it developed its specific Japanese meaning.
ホッチキス Hotchkiss United States American inventor/brand Hotchkiss; in Japanese it became a common noun for a stapler. American inventor/brand Hotchkiss; in Japanese it became a common noun for a stapler.

Originating in the United Kingdom 275

Words that entered Japanese through English. Some have earlier sources in French, Italian, Greek, Hindi, and other languages; the transmission path is noted.

British English / General English
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
テーブル table United Kingdom Table. English table, from Latin tabula (“board”); entered Japanese early through British English. —
ストーブ stove United Kingdom Stove; heater. —
ゲーム game United Kingdom Game; competition. —
サービス service United Kingdom Service. In Japanese, it also has the extended meaning of a free gift or complimentary service. English service. In Japanese, it also has the extended meaning of something complimentary or free.
チーム team United Kingdom Team; group. —
ユーモア humor / humour United Kingdom Humor. British spelling: humour. —
パーティー party United Kingdom Party; gathering. —
スーツケース suitcase United Kingdom Suitcase; piece of luggage. —
クラシック classic United Kingdom Classical; classical music. —
テスト test United Kingdom Test; examination. —
テレビ television United Kingdom Television. tele (“far”) + vision (“sight”). —
マニュアル manual United Kingdom Manual; operated by hand. Originally meaning “of the hand.” —
ドライバー driver United Kingdom Driver; screwdriver; program driver. —
フォーク fork United Kingdom Fork. —
ライス rice United Kingdom Rice. The English word rice comes from Old French ris. —
パーセント percent United Kingdom Percent; per cent, “per hundred.” —
プール pool United Kingdom Swimming pool; pool. —
サラダ salad United Kingdom Salad. From Latin sal (“salt”). Latin sal (“salt”) entered through French/English salad.
ハンカチ handkerchief United Kingdom Handkerchief. hand + kerchief (“head covering”). —
グループ group United Kingdom Group. —
キー key United Kingdom Key; piano key; keyword/key point. —
ミステリー mystery United Kingdom Mystery; mystery story. —
ケーキ cake United Kingdom Cake. —
セット set United Kingdom Set; set of items; hair styling. —
ガイドブック guidebook United Kingdom Guidebook; travel guide. —
スポーツクラブ sports club United Kingdom Sports club. —
モデル model United Kingdom Model; fashion model. —
ボランティア volunteer United Kingdom Volunteer. —
パンフレット pamphlet United Kingdom Pamphlet; booklet. —
ナイフ knife United Kingdom Knife. —
ロック lock / rock United Kingdom Lock; rock music. Both meanings are commonly used in Japanese. English lock (“lock”) and rock (“rock music”); the forms are identical but have different meanings in Japanese.
キッチン kitchen United Kingdom Kitchen. —
レコード record United Kingdom Record; vinyl record. —
シチュー stew United Kingdom Stew. —
セール sale United Kingdom Sale; discount sale. —
チェス chess United Kingdom Chess. —
ローン loan / lawn United Kingdom Loan; lawn. Both meanings occur in Japanese. English loan (“loan”) and lawn (“lawn”); both meanings occur in Japanese.
レポート report United Kingdom Report; news report. —
ピンク pink United Kingdom Pink. —
クリーム cream United Kingdom Cream. —
ガイド guide United Kingdom Guide; guidebook/instructions. —
シンボル symbol United Kingdom Symbol. —
ジュース juice United Kingdom Juice. —
ペンギン penguin United Kingdom Penguin. —
クリスマス Christmas United Kingdom Christmas. Christ + mass (“Mass of Christ”). English Christmas (Christ + mass) entered Japanese.
ダイビング diving United Kingdom Diving. —
シャツ shirt United Kingdom Shirt. —
ストレス stress United Kingdom Stress; accent/stress in pronunciation. —
セロテープ Sellotape United Kingdom British adhesive-tape brand Sellotape; in Japanese it is often used generically for transparent tape. British adhesive-tape brand Sellotape; in Japanese it is often used generically for transparent tape.
レバー lever / liver United Kingdom Lever; animal liver. Both meanings are commonly used in Japanese. English lever (“lever”) and liver (“liver”); the forms are identical but have different meanings in Japanese.
キャンプ camp United Kingdom Camping; campsite. —
ハンサム handsome United Kingdom Handsome. —
ビジネス business United Kingdom Business; work/official business. —
ジム gym United Kingdom Gym. Short for gymnasium. —
ヘルメット helmet United Kingdom Helmet. —
コメディー comedy United Kingdom Comedy. From Greek kōmōidia. —
デザイナー designer United Kingdom Designer. —
エンジン engine United Kingdom Engine. From Latin ingenium (“talent, device”). Latin ingenium entered through English engine.
サッカー soccer United Kingdom Soccer. From student slang such as socca/soccer for association football. —
クラス class United Kingdom Class; lesson; social class. —
アルバム album United Kingdom Album; photo album; music album. Originally “a blank book.” —
ゴルフ golf United Kingdom Golf. Modern rules took shape in Scotland. —
アイスクリーム ice cream United Kingdom Ice cream. —
ペット pet United Kingdom Pet. —
コーチ coach United Kingdom Coach; long-distance bus/coach. —
カード card United Kingdom Card. From Latin charta (“paper”). —
ポケット pocket United Kingdom Pocket. —
ツイン twin United Kingdom Pair; twin room. —
スプーン spoon United Kingdom Spoon. —
シングル single United Kingdom Single; single room; single release. —
サークル circle United Kingdom Circle; club. In Japanese it often means a student club. —
ラッシュ rush United Kingdom Rush; peak period. In Japanese, rush usually refers to the commuter rush hour. —
バス bus United Kingdom Bus. Short for omnibus, “for everyone.” English bus (“bus,” from omnibus). In Japanese, バス can also refer to bath (“bathing”), but this list uses it mainly for the vehicle.
グラフ graph United Kingdom Graph; chart. —
バッグ bag United Kingdom Bag; purse/handbag. —
スタッフ staff United Kingdom Staff; employees. —
ハロウィーン Halloween United Kingdom Halloween. Short for All Hallows' Eve. English Halloween (All Hallows' Eve) entered Japanese.
ボーナス bonus United Kingdom Bonus; bonus payment. Originally meaning “good.” —
フィルム film United Kingdom Film; thin layer; movie film. —
データ data United Kingdom Data. The plural of Latin datum (“given”). Latin datum, plural data, entered through English.
パンチ punch United Kingdom Punch; punch tool; punch drink. —
スイッチ switch United Kingdom Switch. —
バター butter United Kingdom Butter. —
ファイル file United Kingdom File; folder. —
パーク park United Kingdom Park. —
チーズ cheese United Kingdom Cheese. —
マーク mark United Kingdom Mark; symbol; trademark. —
ノート note / notebook United Kingdom Note; notebook. —
キャベツ cabbage United Kingdom Cabbage. From Old French caboche (“head”). —
インフォメーション information United Kingdom Information; information desk. —
アクセス access United Kingdom Access; connection; ease of transportation. —
レモン lemon United Kingdom Lemon. Entered English through Arabic laymūn and French citron/lemon. Arabic laymūn entered through French/English lemon.
ショート short United Kingdom Short; short circuit; short batting stroke. —
スタート start United Kingdom Start; departure. —
シャワー shower United Kingdom Shower. —
カレンダー calendar United Kingdom Calendar. From Latin calendae. —
コンテスト contest United Kingdom Contest; competition. —
デザイン design United Kingdom Design. From Latin designare (“to mark out”). —
フロント front United Kingdom Front; hotel front desk. —
スポーツ sports United Kingdom Sports. —
ホール hall United Kingdom Hall; assembly hall. —
ミーティング meeting United Kingdom Meeting. —
ネックレス necklace United Kingdom Necklace. —
カーテン curtain United Kingdom Curtain. From Latin cortina. —
チケット ticket United Kingdom Ticket. —
アクセサリー accessory United Kingdom Accessory; ornament. —
テニス tennis United Kingdom Tennis. From French tenez (“take it”). Modern rules developed in Britain. —
カメラ camera United Kingdom Camera. Short for camera obscura (“dark chamber”). Latin camera obscura (“dark chamber”) entered through English camera.
エンジニア engineer United Kingdom Engineer. —
スパイス spice United Kingdom Spice. —
イベント event United Kingdom Event; occurrence. —
カット cut United Kingdom Cut; haircut/style. —
ゼリー jelly United Kingdom Jelly. —
ヒール heel United Kingdom Heel; shoe heel. —
カップ cup United Kingdom Cup; trophy. —
ミルク milk United Kingdom Milk. —
ドラマ drama United Kingdom Drama. In Japanese it usually refers to a TV drama series. From Greek drama. Greek drama entered through English drama.
テープ tape United Kingdom Tape. —
ワイン wine United Kingdom Wine. From Latin vinum. Latin vinum entered through English wine.
クリーニング cleaning United Kingdom Cleaning; in Japanese, it usually means sending clothes out for dry cleaning. —
オーブン oven United Kingdom Oven. —
ルール rule United Kingdom Rule. —
タオル towel United Kingdom Towel. —
ポスト post United Kingdom Post; mailbox; mail; position. —
サンプル sample United Kingdom Sample. —
ロビー lobby United Kingdom Lobby; lobbying. —
ポスター poster United Kingdom Poster. —
ドライブ drive United Kingdom Drive; driving; motivation. —
コート coat United Kingdom Coat. —
ベッド bed United Kingdom Bed. —
サイズ size United Kingdom Size. —
ライブ live United Kingdom Live performance. —
ショー show United Kingdom Show; performance; display. —
ペン pen United Kingdom Pen. From Latin penna (“feather”). —
プレゼント present United Kingdom Present; gift; now/present time. —
ドア door United Kingdom Door. —
ロープウェイ ropeway United Kingdom Cable car; ropeway. —
ホームステイ homestay United Kingdom Homestay. —
サンドイッチ sandwich United Kingdom Sandwich. Traditionally associated with the Earl of Sandwich. The story of the Earl of Sandwich in Britain was transmitted through English sandwich.
ダンス dance United Kingdom Dance. —
バレンタインデー Valentine's Day United Kingdom Valentine’s Day. Commemorating Saint Valentine. —
スーツ suit United Kingdom Suit; business suit. —
ダイエット diet United Kingdom Diet; dieting. From Greek diaita (“way of life”). Greek diaita (“way of life”) entered through English diet.
スケジュール schedule United Kingdom Schedule; timetable. —
スピーチ speech United Kingdom Speech. —
ニュース news United Kingdom News; newspaper. —
シフト shift United Kingdom Shift; changeover. —
ボール ball United Kingdom Ball. —
ワールドカップ World Cup United Kingdom World Cup. —
モップ mop United Kingdom Mop. —
ストラップ strap United Kingdom Strap; hanging strap. —
ハート heart United Kingdom Heart; heart symbol. —
ケース case United Kingdom Case; box; situation. —
メロン melon United Kingdom Melon. —
スカート skirt United Kingdom Skirt. —
カーペット carpet United Kingdom Carpet. —
リボン ribbon United Kingdom Ribbon. —
アイディア idea United Kingdom Idea. From Greek idea. Greek idea entered through English idea.
タイプ type United Kingdom Type; typing. —
アナウンス announce United Kingdom Announcement; public address. —
スケッチブック sketchbook United Kingdom Sketchbook. —
パート part United Kingdom Part; part-time job (short for part-time). English part; in Japanese, パート is usually short for part-time and refers to part-time work.
コミュニケーション communication United Kingdom Communication. —
ベンチ bench United Kingdom Bench. —
トースト toast United Kingdom Toast. —
メーカー maker United Kingdom Manufacturer. —
コピー copy United Kingdom Copy; photocopy. —
バケツ bucket United Kingdom Bucket. —
リーダーシップ leadership United Kingdom Leadership. —
リビングルーム living room United Kingdom Living room. —
クイズ quiz United Kingdom Quiz; trivia. —
ライオン lion United Kingdom Lion. —
ロケット rocket United Kingdom Rocket. From Italian rocchetta (“small spindle”). —
エピソード episode United Kingdom Episode. From Greek epeisodion. Greek epeisodion entered through English episode.
プライベート private United Kingdom Private. —
クローン clone United Kingdom Clone; asexually reproduced organism. From Greek klōn (“twig”). Greek klōn (“twig”) entered through English clone.
ホームシック homesick United Kingdom Homesick. —
パートナー partner United Kingdom Partner; spouse. —
プロセス process United Kingdom Process; production process. —
スピード speed United Kingdom Speed. —
スマート smart United Kingdom Smart; stylish. In Japanese, it often means neat, slim, or polished. English smart. In Japanese it often means neat or slim.
クレジット credit United Kingdom Credit; trust; academic credit; closing credits. Latin credere (“to believe”) entered through French/English credit.
ルーム room United Kingdom Room. —
ミス miss / mistake United Kingdom Miss; mistake. Both meanings are commonly used in Japanese. English miss (“young woman”) or mistake (“error”); both meanings are commonly used in Japanese.
ウイルス virus United Kingdom Virus. Latin for “poison, slime.” Latin virus (“poison”) entered through English virus.
コスト cost United Kingdom Cost. —
ベスト best / vest United Kingdom Best; vest. English best (“best”) and vest (“undershirt/vest”).
バンド band United Kingdom Band; music group; strip/band. —
ウォーキング walking United Kingdom Walking; walking exercise. —
ライト light / right United Kingdom Light; right; right/entitlement. English light (“light”) and right (“right; entitlement”).
プライバシー privacy United Kingdom Privacy. —
コントロール control United Kingdom Control. —
ファンデーション foundation United Kingdom Foundation; makeup/foundation. —
キャッシュ cash United Kingdom Cash. From French caisse (“box”). French caisse (“box”) entered through English cash.
スライド slide United Kingdom Slide; presentation slide. —
トラブル trouble United Kingdom Trouble; malfunction. —
プレッシャー pressure United Kingdom Pressure. —
モノクロ monochrome United Kingdom Monochrome; black and white. Greek for “single + color.” The Greek elements meaning “single + color” entered through English monochrome.
システム system United Kingdom System. From Greek systēma. Greek systēma entered through English system.
ハウス house United Kingdom House. —
トレーニング training United Kingdom Training. —
ランプ lamp United Kingdom Lamp. From Greek lampas. —
アニマル animal United Kingdom Animal. —
パターン pattern United Kingdom Pattern; design. —
ドクター doctor United Kingdom Doctor; Ph.D. holder. —
サーカス circus United Kingdom Circus. Latin for “circle.” —
バドミントン badminton United Kingdom Badminton. Named after Badminton House in Britain. Named after Badminton House in Britain and transmitted as the English name of the sport.
サイン sign / signature United Kingdom Sign; signature. —
レコーダー recorder United Kingdom Recorder; recorder flute. —
ベル bell United Kingdom Bell. —
プラスチック plastic United Kingdom Plastic. Originally meaning “moldable.” Greek plastikos (“moldable”) entered through English plastic.
ピンポン ping-pong United Kingdom Ping-pong, a trademark/name formed from an onomatopoeic expression for table tennis. British trademark/onomatopoeic name Ping-Pong, later becoming a common informal name for table tennis.
シャッター shutter United Kingdom Shutter; window blind. —
スポーツシャツ sports shirt United Kingdom Sports shirt. —
ワン one United Kingdom One; first. In Japanese, ワン can also imitate a dog's bark, but here the list uses it as the loanword one. —
ノック knock United Kingdom Knock; tapping. —
ジャム jam United Kingdom Jam; traffic jam/blockage. —
バット bat United Kingdom Bat; baseball bat. —
テキスト text United Kingdom Text; textbook. —
モノレール monorail United Kingdom Monorail. —
メモ memo United Kingdom Memo. Short for memorandum. —
ロッカー locker United Kingdom Locker. —
ハンドバッグ handbag United Kingdom Handbag. —
マッチ match United Kingdom Match; game. —
トランク trunk United Kingdom Trunk; tree trunk; car trunk. —
チャンス chance United Kingdom Chance; opportunity. From French chance, transmitted into Japanese through English.
ツアー tour United Kingdom Tour; trip; tour. From French tour (“a circuit”), transmitted through English.
スープ soup United Kingdom Soup. From French soupe, transmitted through English soup.
トイレ toilet United Kingdom Toilet; originally referring to dressing/grooming. From French toilette (“grooming, dressing”), transmitted through English toilet after the word came to refer to a restroom.
カタログ catalog / catalogue United Kingdom Catalog. From French catalogue, transmitted through English.
コンサート concert United Kingdom Concert. From French concert, transmitted through English.
ファッション fashion United Kingdom Fashion; style. English fashion comes from French façon (“form”) and entered Japanese in the English form.
コース course United Kingdom Course; route; course of a meal. From French cours, transmitted through English course.
イルミネーション illumination United Kingdom Illumination; decorative lighting. From French illumination, transmitted through English.
バランス balance United Kingdom Balance; scale. From French balance, transmitted through English.
ビザ visa United Kingdom Visa. From French visa (“an examined/endorsed document”), transmitted through English.
ソース sauce United Kingdom Sauce. From French sauce, transmitted through English.
デザート dessert United Kingdom Dessert. From French dessert (from desservir, “to clear the table”), transmitted through English.
パンダ panda United Kingdom Panda. French panda was borrowed from a Nepali language, spread through English, and then entered Japanese. The animal is native to China.
カロリー calorie United Kingdom Calorie; unit of heat/energy. From French calorie, transmitted through English as an academic term.
ホテル hotel United Kingdom Hotel. From French hôtel (originally “mansion”), transmitted through English hotel.
パスポート passport United Kingdom Passport. English passport comes from French passer + port (“to pass through a port”) and entered Japanese in the English form.
タクシー taxi United Kingdom Taxi. Short for taximeter cab. The etymology includes French taximètre; the term spread in London and Paris through English/French and entered Japanese as English taxi.
ユニーク unique United Kingdom Unique; distinctive. From French unique, transmitted through English.
アポイント appointment United Kingdom Appointment; reservation. Japanese アポイント comes from English appointment; French has appointement.
ショック shock United Kingdom Shock; shock from injury/illness. From French choc, transmitted through English shock.
コンパニオン companion United Kingdom Companion; trade-show hostess. From French compagnon, transmitted through English companion.
モルモット marmot United Kingdom Groundhog/marmot; in Japanese it refers to a guinea pig. French marmotte/English marmot originally refers to a marmot/groundhog; after entering through English, the Japanese meaning shifted to guinea pig.
メッセージ message United Kingdom Message. From French message, transmitted through English.
インタビュー interview United Kingdom Interview; meeting. From French entrevue, transmitted through English interview.
セミナー seminar United Kingdom Seminar; study class. German Seminar originally referred to a seminary discussion class. From German Seminar, transmitted through English seminar.
インフルエンザ influenza United Kingdom Influenza. Italian influenza (“influence”), originally referring to astrological influence. Italian influenza (“influence”) entered through English influenza.
スタジオ studio United Kingdom Studio; artist’s workshop, later also recording studio or film studio. Italian studio (“workshop/studio”) entered through English studio.
ゼロ zero United Kingdom Zero. Italian zero comes from Arabic ṣifr (“empty, zero”). Italian zero (from Arabic ṣifr) entered through English zero.
スケート skate United Kingdom Skate; ice skating. Dutch schaats entered English as skate. From Dutch schaats, transmitted into Japanese through English skate.
バナナ banana United Kingdom Banana. A West African language term entered Europe through Portuguese banana. A West African language term entered Europe through Portuguese banana; the Japanese form comes from English banana.
ヨーロッパ Europe United Kingdom Europe. Also corresponds to Latin/English Europe. The final form was established through English Europe; Portuguese Europa was also used earlier. Ultimately from Greek/Latin.
カヌー canoe United Kingdom Canoe. From an Indigenous Caribbean language through Spanish/English. A Caribbean Indigenous-language term passed through Spanish canoa and then English canoe.
ギター guitar United Kingdom Guitar. Spanish guitarra became widespread through English guitar. Spanish guitarra entered through English guitar.
トマト tomato United Kingdom Tomato. From Nahuatl tomatl through Spanish tomate. Nahuatl tomatl passed through Spanish tomate and then English tomato.
チョコレート chocolate United Kingdom Chocolate. From Nahuatl chocolātl through Spanish into Europe. Nahuatl chocolātl passed through Spanish and then English chocolate.
タンゴ tango United Kingdom Tango, a partner dance and music genre from Argentina and Uruguay. Argentine/Uruguayan Spanish tango entered Japanese through English tango.
スキー ski United Kingdom Ski; skiing. English ski was borrowed from Norwegian ski (“wooden board, ski”). Norwegian ski (“snow board”) first entered English and then entered Japanese as English ski.
ピラミッド pyramid United Kingdom Pyramid. Greek pyamis entered English as pyramid. Ancient Greek πυραμίς entered through English pyramid.
マラソン marathon United Kingdom Marathon. From the Greek place name Marathon and the story of the long-distance run. From the Greek place name Marathon, transmitted through English marathon.
オリンピック Olympic United Kingdom Olympic; the Olympic Games. From the athletic festivals at Olympia in Greece. From Olympia in Greece, transmitted through English Olympic.
メカニズム mechanism United Kingdom Mechanism; mechanical structure. Greek mēchanē (“machine”) entered through English/French. Greek μηχανή entered through English/French and then Japanese as English mechanism.
シンポジウム symposium United Kingdom Originally a banquet for drinking together; now a symposium or academic discussion meeting. Greek συμπόσιον (“drinking party”) entered through English symposium.
ロボット robot United Kingdom Robot. From Czech robota (“forced labor”), entering Japanese through English robot. Czech robota (“forced labor”) entered English as robot through Čapek’s play and then entered Japanese.
シャンプー shampoo United Kingdom Shampoo. From Hindi chāmpo (“massage, massage the head”), through English. Hindi chāmpo (“massage”) entered through English shampoo.
カレー curry United Kingdom Curry. From Tamil kari (“sauce”), through English curry. Tamil kari entered through English curry.
ベランダ veranda United Kingdom Veranda; balcony-like covered passage. From Hindi varaṇḍā through English verandah. Hindi varaṇḍā entered through English veranda/verandah.
パジャマ pajamas / pyjamas United Kingdom Pyjamas/pajamas. From Hindi/Persian pāy-jāma (“leg garment”) through English. Hindi/Persian pāy-jāma (“leg garment”) entered through English pyjamas.
コアラ koala United Kingdom Koala. Borrowed from the Australian Aboriginal Dharug language gula/koala. The Australian Aboriginal Dharug term entered through English koala.
アジア Asia United Kingdom Asia. From Greek Ἀσία; originally referring to Anatolia and later expanded to the continent. Greek Ἀσία entered through Latin and English Asia.

Originating in France 14

Words that entered Japanese directly from French without passing through English, including cuisine, fashion professions, measurements, and questionnaires.

French
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ルー roux France Roux: a mixture of flour cooked in fat; the base of the roux used in Japanese curry blocks. A French culinary term referring to flour cooked in butter or another fat.
グラム gramme France Gram, a unit of weight. A metric unit of weight from France.
メニュー menu France Originally “detailed, small”; later a menu or list of dishes. French menu was borrowed directly; English also has the same word.
レストラン restaurant France Originally “food/substance that restores strength”; later a restaurant serving full meals. French restaurant was borrowed directly, originally meaning something that restores strength.
ズボン jupon France Originally a petticoat; after entering Japan, it came to specifically mean long trousers. French jupon originally meant a petticoat; the Japanese meaning shifted to long trousers.
センス sens France Sense; taste; judgment. In Japanese, it often refers to aesthetic taste or intuition. Japanese sense/taste usage is close to French sens; English sense has the same etymological origin.
メートル mètre France Meter, a unit of length. From Greek metron (“measure”). A French metric-system unit that entered Japanese through French; ultimately traceable to Greek metron.
フランス France France Country name “France,” from the name of the Franks. Country name. The Japanese フランス has also appeared in earlier Portuguese/Dutch forms.
パティシエ pâtissier France Pastry chef; confectioner. Directly borrowed from French pâtissier (“pastry chef”).
キログラム kilogramme France Kilogram; kilo (thousand) + gramme (gram). French kilo- (“thousand”) + gramme.
アンケート enquête France Survey; inquiry. In Japanese it refers to a questionnaire survey. French enquête (“survey”) entered Japanese directly; English uses questionnaire/survey.
ロマン roman France Novel; romantic story. Originally referring to a story written in a Romance language. French roman (“novel”) was borrowed directly.
テトラポッド tetrapod France Tetrapod; concrete wave-dissipating block. French tétrapode (“four-footed”) is the source term for the engineering block; English tetrapod has the same form. In Japanese, the term commonly corresponds directly to French engineering usage.
ベール voile France Veil; gauze. Originally “sail; covering cloth.” French voile (“veil; gauze”) was borrowed directly.

Originating in Germany 5

Words directly borrowed from German in Meiji-era academic and student usage.

German
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ドイツ Deutschland Germany Country name “Germany.” Deutsch originally meant “of the people; Germanic-language.” Country name.
リュック Rucksack Germany Backpack; rucksack. Shortened from Rucksack, Rücken (“back”) + Sack (“bag”). German Rucksack (“back + bag”) entered directly and was shortened in Japanese to リュック.
アルバイト Arbeit Germany Originally “work; labor”; in Japanese it came to mean part-time work, especially for students. German Arbeit (“work”) entered Japanese as student slang in the Meiji era and later came to mean part-time work.
エネルギー Energie Germany Energy; vigor. Many Japanese scientific terms entered through German. Many Meiji-era scientific terms came from German Energie rather than the English pronunciation of energy.
テーマ Thema Germany Theme; topic. Also traceable to Greek thema. German Thema (“theme”) entered directly; English theme has the same etymological origin.

Originating in Italy 5

Cuisine and musical terms borrowed directly from Italian.

Italian
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ピザ pizza Italy Italian traditional baked dish: fermented dough topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients, then baked. Italian pizza entered Japanese directly with the dish.
ピアノ piano Italy Short for pianoforte, originally “soft (piano) and loud (forte),” referring to a keyboard instrument capable of dynamic variation. Short for the Italian musical term pianoforte; entered Japanese through music education.
パスタ pasta Italy General term for Italian pasta dishes; originally “dough; paste.” Italian pasta entered Japanese directly with the cuisine.
イタリア Italia Italy Country name “Italy.” Country name.
テンポ tempo Italy Musical tempo; originally “time.” Italian musical term meaning speed/tempo, used directly in musical notation.

Originating in Netherlands 9

Words that entered directly during the Edo-period Dutch studies, without passing through English.

Dutch
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ガス gas Netherlands Gas. Coined by chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont and later also used for fuel gas. Dutch gas, coined by chemist van Helmont, entered Japanese through Dutch studies.
ジャガイモ Jacatra Netherlands Potato; the name reflects the old name Jacatra for Jakarta and the “Jakarta tuber” introduced from Java by the Dutch. Dutch people introduced it from Java via Jacatra, an old name for Jakarta, leading to the name “Jakarta potato.”
コップ kop Netherlands Cup. Some accounts also note influence from Portuguese copo. Generally Dutch kop; some accounts also note influence from Portuguese copo.
コーヒー koffie Netherlands Coffee. Dutch koffie itself comes from Arabic qahwa. Entered Japanese during the Edo period through Dutch koffie; koffie itself comes from Arabic qahwa.
ガラス glas Netherlands Glass. Introduced during the Edo-period Dutch studies; also written with the kanji 硝子. Directly borrowed from Dutch glas during Edo-period Dutch studies.
ランドセル ransel Netherlands Originally a soldier’s pack; in Japanese it specifically means a hard-shell school backpack. Dutch ransel (“pack”) entered directly; Japanese narrowed the meaning to a school backpack.
ビール bier Netherlands Beer. It also corresponds to German Bier. Entered through Dutch bier during the Edo/Meiji periods; German Bier has the same etymological origin.
レンズ lens Netherlands Lens. Originally associated with the similar shape of a lentil. Dutch lens (“lens”), an optical term used in Dutch studies.
メス mes Netherlands Knife. In Japanese, it specifically means a surgical scalpel. Dutch mes (“knife”); in Japanese it specifically means a surgical scalpel.

Originating in Portugal 4

Words that entered directly through 16th-century Nanban trade.

Portuguese
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ボタン botão Portugal Button; push button. A name for a clothing fastener introduced during the Nanban trade period. Directly borrowed from Portuguese botão; later it also overlapped with English button.
カボチャ Camboja Portugal Originally the name of Cambodia. Pumpkins brought from Cambodia by Portuguese ships were called “Cambodia,” which later came to refer to the plant. Portuguese term for Cambodia; pumpkins brought from there were called “Cambodia” in Japan and the name later shifted to the crop.
パン pão Portugal Bread. Introduced through 16th-century Nanban trade and among Japan’s earliest Western loanwords. Directly borrowed from Portuguese pão during 16th-century Nanban trade.
イギリス Inglês Portugal Originally “British/English.” Entered through Portuguese and became the Japanese term for Britain. Country name “Britain”; the Japanese word form comes from Portuguese Inglês, so its direct source is classified as Portuguese.

Originating in South Korea 2

Cuisine and martial-arts terms borrowed directly from Korean.

Korean
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
チヂミ 지짐이 / 부침개 South Korea Korean savory pancake. A food name from the Korean 지짐 (pan-fry) family, written チヂミ in Japanese. Korean 지짐/부침개 family of dish names, borrowed directly.
テコンドー 태권도 (Taekwondo) South Korea Taekwondo. Korean “foot + fist + way,” a Korean martial art. Korean 태권도, borrowed directly.

Originating in China 4

Chinese-origin words are often rewritten in katakana in Japanese.

Chinese
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ニンジン 人参 China Originally referred to medicinal ginseng; in colloquial Japanese it also refers to carrots (“Western ginseng”). Chinese 人参; in colloquial Japanese it can also refer to carrots.
トウモロコシ 玉蜀黍 China Corn. The Japanese reading of the Chinese 玉蜀黍, now often written in katakana. Chinese 玉蜀黍.
ラーメン 拉麵 / 老麵 China Chinese-style noodles/ramen. The Chinese term 拉麵 entered Japan and developed into Japanese ramen. Chinese 拉麵 entered Japan and developed independently as Japanese ramen.
スイカ 西瓜 China Watermelon. Chinese 西瓜, literally “melon from the west”; Japanese also uses the kanji 西瓜. Chinese 西瓜.

Originating in Thailand 3

Country names, place names, and seasonings borrowed directly from Thai or its English romanizations.

Thai
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
タイ ไทย (Thai) Thailand Country name “Thailand / Thai.” Originally associated with the idea of “freedom.” Country name. Thai ไทย, transmitted through English Thai.
ナンプラー น้ำปลา (nam pla) Thailand Fish sauce. Thai น้ำ (water) + ปลา (fish), a fermented fish seasoning. Thai น้ำปลา, borrowed directly.
バンコク Bangkok / กรุงเทพฯ Thailand Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The English Bangkok comes from a Thai place name. Place name. The Thai name entered Japanese through English Bangkok.

Originating in Russia 1

Country names.

Russian
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ロシア Россия (Rossiya) Russia Country name “Russia.” From Greek Rhōssía. Country name. Russian Россия, transmitted through the English Russia/Russian pronunciation.

Originating in Australia 1

Country name. The animal name koala is listed in the United Kingdom section because it entered Japanese through English.

English / Country Name
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
オーストラリア Australia Australia Country name “Australia.” From Latin terra australis (“southern land”). Country name. Latin terra australis, transmitted through English Australia.

Originating in Canada 1

Country names.

English / French
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
カナダ Canada Canada Country name. From St. Lawrence Iroquoian kanata (“village; settlement”). Country name. From the Indigenous-language word kanata (“village”), through French/English Canada.

Originating in Brazil 1

Country names.

Portuguese
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ブラジル Brasil Brazil Country name. Traditionally associated with pau-brasil, the Brazilwood tree. Country name. Portuguese Brasil, transmitted through English Brazil/Portuguese form.

Originating in India 1

Country name. Words such as curry and pajamas are listed in the United Kingdom section because they entered Japanese through English.

English / Country Name
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
インド India / हिन्द India Country name. From the name of the Indus River, Sindhu/Hindu. Country name. From the Indus River name, transmitted through English India.

Originating in Malaysia 1

Country names.

English
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
マレーシア Malaysia Malaysia Country name “Malaysia.” Country name. Transmitted through English Malaysia.

Originating in Philippines 1

Country names.

English
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
フィリピン Philippines Philippines Country name “Philippines.” Named after Crown Prince Felipe of Spain. Country name. Named in Spanish after the Crown Prince Felipe and transmitted through English Philippines.

Originating in Singapore 1

Country names.

English
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
シンガポール Singapore / Singapura Singapore Country name. Sanskrit Siṃhapura, “lion city.” Country name. Sanskrit “lion city,” transmitted through Malay/English Singapore.

Originating in Hong Kong 1

Place name.

Cantonese / English
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ホンコン Hong Kong / 香港 Hong Kong Place name “Hong Kong.” English romanization of the Cantonese “香港.” Place name. English romanization Hong Kong of Cantonese “香港.”

Originating in Japan 46

Native Japanese words written in katakana, plus Japanese-made English compounds and abbreviations built from foreign-language components.

Japanese / Japanese-made English
Word Source Word Source Country Original Meaning Notes
ホーム home / platform Japan Home; platform (a Japanese usage derived from platform). English home; in Japanese, a train platform is also called ホーム, an extended Japanese usage derived from platform.
フロアガイド floor guide Japan Japanese-made English. Floor guide. Japanese-made English, used for department-store floor guides.
ウニ 海胆(うに) Japan Sea urchin. A native Japanese word, often written in katakana on menus or product labels. Native Japanese word 海胆, commonly written in katakana on menus.
ショウガ 生姜(しょうが) Japan Ginger. Japanese reading of the Chinese 生姜, often written in katakana. Japanese reading of Chinese 生姜, often written in katakana.
カニ 蟹(かに) Japan Crab. Native Japanese word. Native Japanese word 蟹.
フリープラン free plan Japan Japanese-made English. Flexible/free-form travel plan. Japanese-made English, meaning a flexible travel plan.
カラオケ 空+orchestra Japan Japanese-made word: 空 (から) + オーケストラ, referring to accompaniment without a lead singer. Japanese-made word: 空 (から) + オーケストラ. Orchestra comes from English/Italian, but the compound itself was coined in Japan.
ゲームセンター game center Japan Japanese-made English, an electronic arcade/game center. In English, arcade is more common. Japanese-made English game center; English usually says arcade.
ネックストレッチ neck + stretch Japan Japanese compound: neck + stretch. Neck stretching exercise. Japanese compound word neck + stretch.
コインロッカー coin locker Japan Japanese-made English. Coin-operated locker. Japanese-made English coin locker.
ダイニングキッチン dining kitchen Japan Japanese compound. A combined dining-kitchen layout known as a DK. Japanese compound referring to a combined dining/kitchen floor plan.
ケータイ 携帯(けいたい) Japan Mobile phone. A katakana abbreviation of the native Japanese word 携帯. Katakana abbreviation of native Japanese 携帯; not a loanword.
パチンコ ぱちんこ Japan Pachinko machine. A Japanese onomatopoeic coinage, not a loanword. Japanese onomatopoeic word; not a loanword.
テレホンカード telephone card Japan Japanese compound. Telephone card. Japanese compound word telephone + card.
レディースデー Ladies' Day Japan Japanese-made English. A discount day for women at a theater or store. Japanese-made English, meaning a women’s discount day.
ガスサービスセンター gas service center Japan Japanese compound. Service center for a gas company. Japanese compound word.
カレーライス curry + rice Japan Japanese compound. Japanese-style curry rice. Japanese compound: English curry + rice, referring specifically to curry served over rice.
ジェットコースター jet coaster Japan Japanese-made English. Roller coaster; English uses roller coaster. Japanese-made English jet coaster; English uses roller coaster.
タコ 蛸(たこ) Japan Octopus. Native Japanese word; unrelated to Mexican food taco despite the similar sound. Native Japanese 蛸. Homophonous with Mexican taco but etymologically unrelated.
チラシ 散らし Japan Flyer/leaflet. Native Japanese 散らし written in katakana, not a loanword. Native Japanese 散らし (“flyer/leaflet”), not a loanword.
プレイガイド play + guide Japan Japanese-made English. Ticketing center/box office. Japanese-made English, referring to a ticketing center.
イルカ 海豚(いるか) Japan Dolphin. Native Japanese word. Native Japanese word 海豚.
インスタントラーメン instant ramen Japan Japanese compound. Instant ramen, invented in Japan in 1958. Japanese compound; instant ramen was invented in Japan.
パソコン personal computer Japan Japanese abbreviation for personal computer. Japanese abbreviation derived from English personal computer.
パトカー patrol car Japan Japanese abbreviation for patrol car. Japanese abbreviation derived from English patrol car.
ワープロ word processor Japan Japanese abbreviation for word processor. Japanese abbreviation derived from English word processor.
タイムサービス time + service Japan Japanese-made English. Limited-time special pricing. Japanese-made English, meaning a limited-time sale.
カイロ 懐炉(かいろ) Japan Hand warmer; traditional brazier. A native Japanese term 懐炉, unrelated to Cairo in Egypt despite the identical reading. Native Japanese 懐炉. Homophonous with Cairo in Egypt but etymologically unrelated.
シャープペンシル Sharp + pencil Japan Japanese-made term combining the Sharp brand and pencil, meaning mechanical pencil. Japanese-made term, Sharp + pencil, referring to a mechanical pencil.
マンション mansion Japan The English word originally means “mansion”; in Japanese it refers to a mid- or high-rise apartment building. Borrowed from English mansion (“luxury residence”); the Japanese meaning shifted to a mid/high-rise apartment building.
サラリーマン salary + man Japan Japanese-made English. A salaried office worker; English itself does not use the word this way. Japanese-made English, salary + man; English itself does not use it to mean an office worker.
イチゴ 苺(いちご) Japan Strawberry. Native Japanese word. Native Japanese 苺.
ネギ 葱(ねぎ) Japan Green onion/scallion. Native Japanese word. Native Japanese 葱.
ゴールデンウィーク Golden Week Japan Japanese-made English. Japan’s extended holiday period from late April to early May. Japanese-made English, referring to the long holiday period in Japan in April–May.
キャッシュカード cash card Japan Japanese-made English. Bank card/ATM card. Japanese-made English cash card, referring to a bank card.
アニメ animation Japan Short for animation. In Japanese it specifically refers to Japanese animation. Japanese abbreviation of English animation, specifically referring to Japanese animation.
クルミ 胡桃(くるみ) Japan Walnut. Native Japanese/Sino-Japanese 胡桃. Native Japanese/Sino-Japanese 胡桃.
バックミラー back + mirror Japan Japanese-made English. Rear-view mirror; English usually says rear-view mirror. Japanese-made English back + mirror; English usually says rear-view mirror.
リストラ restructuring Japan Japanese abbreviation for corporate restructuring; in Japanese it often refers to layoffs. Japanese abbreviation derived from English restructuring; in Japanese it often specifically means layoffs.
コイ 鯉(こい) Japan Koi/carp. Native Japanese word. Native Japanese 鯉.
セクハラ sexual harassment Japan Japanese abbreviation for sexual harassment. Japanese abbreviation derived from English sexual harassment.
マスコミ mass communication Japan Japanese abbreviation for mass communications/mass media. Japanese abbreviation derived from English mass communication.
マイペース my pace Japan Japanese-made English. Doing things at one’s own pace. Japanese-made English, my + pace.
ファミリーレストラン family restaurant Japan Japanese-made English. Family-style chain restaurant (ファミレス). Japanese-made English family restaurant (ファミレス).
カーナビ car navigation Japan Japanese abbreviation. Car navigation/satellite navigation. Japanese abbreviation car navigation.
バラ 薔薇(ばら) Japan Rose. Japanese reading of the Sino-Japanese 薔薇, often written in katakana. Japanese reading of Sino-Japanese 薔薇, often written in katakana.

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Classification Principles

This page does not trace each word back to its earliest ancestral language. Instead, it records the country and language through which the katakana term entered Japanese. Read the table as follows:

  1. Source country means the last stop before a term entered Japanese. For example, French chance first entered English and then became the Japanese チャンス, so it is grouped under the United Kingdom; the notes include the French source.
  2. English-origin terms are further divided between the United States and the United Kingdom according to their transmission path. American daily-life, technology, and trademark terms are generally grouped under the United States, while earlier or broadly used English terms are generally grouped under the United Kingdom.
  3. Terms borrowed directly through Edo-period Dutch studies, Nanban trade, or areas such as cuisine and music are grouped under the corresponding countries, including the Netherlands, Portugal, France, and Italy.
  4. Japanese-made terms built from foreign-language components (Japanese-made English and abbreviations), as well as native Japanese words later rewritten in katakana, are grouped under Japan.
  5. Country and place names remain in their corresponding geographic sections for easier comparison. Notes indicate Japanese-made usages, former trademarks that became common nouns, and earlier etymological sources.

Two spellings or meanings may sometimes appear in the same field because the same katakana term can correspond to multiple forms or meanings in Japanese.