Japanese slang to know: What makes the language at the center of the Tokyo Olympics unique

Emoji, karaoke, futon, ramen: Words we wouldn't have if it weren't for the Japanese language.

The complex language that incorporates elements of Chinese, English, German and Portuguese is on full display this summer at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. 

Japanese is among the most challenging languages used for reading and writing, partly because it sometimes uses characters from other languages – especially as Japanese companies produce more international products. 

"You walk around Japan today and you'll see a lot of signs in English letters, and also Japanese, and also Chinese characters," explained Barak Kushner, professor of East Asian history at the University of Cambridge. "Japanese is relatively easy to speak ... but the reading system is so convoluted after hundreds of years of development."

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And while the history of Japan dates back thousands of years, Japanese slang is always evolving, especially in the era of digital communication. Just like in English, where phrases like "LOL" have become commonplace, text talk has sprouted plenty of new words. 

Of course, you'll have to be careful with how you use some of these slang phrases. For instance, while the phrase is similar to the Japanese phrase to Google something, "ググレカス" (gugurekasu) essentially means "go Google it yourself, scum." It might not be the best response when someone asks for directions to the nearest restaurant.

While watching the big games, here are some slang words to know:

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Fun slang words and phrases

やばい (yabai): It can basically mean anything! "Yabai" originally meant “dangerous,” but has taken on new meanings as an exclamatory phrase used to amplify both "terrible" things and "amazing" ones. It's a "catch-all slang word," said Kushner, and it's used commonly among young people. 

オッス！ (ossu!): An informal greeting to use with close friends, it may be the closest thing to “What’s up, dude?” or “Yo, man!” But, avoid using this with elders or in a professional setting (a boss, senior-coworker, etc.).

リア充 (riajū): This is a fun one that has taken on stronger meaning in the past few decades – and it doesn't necessarily have a direct translation to English. "Riajuu" describes people who would rather be out in the “real world” as opposed to online.

Took a bad bite of sushi? キモい (kimoi) means “Gross!” or “Ew!”

マジ (maji): “Seriously?!”

Taking a picture? Say "一だす一は？" (Ichi tasu ichi wa?). The phrase reads as a question, translating to “one plus one equals?” Instead of saying “cheese!” when taking a picture like we do in the U.S., everyone responds with “に！” ("Ni!”) in Japanese, which means two.

ぐぐる (Guguru) to “Google” something.

WKTK: Used as an abbreviation for "ワクワクテカテカ" (wakuwaku tekateka), this commonly used texting acronym means you're excited about something. 

Otaku (オタク): "Otaku" is used as a noun to describe an obsessive fan or enthusiast, particularly for something like anime. Merriam-Webster explained that the word has carry different connotations – it might refer to someone with a harmless interest in a hobby, but can also describe someone who is introverted to the point that they don't leave the house.

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What makes Japanese unique? Politeness

Differences between languages aren't just found in the vocabulary or characters that they use. Certain languages carry different tones and emphasize different values than others. And for Japanese, politeness and respect can go a long way. 

Certainly, there are levels to this in English as well – you wouldn't walk into your boss' office and ask "What's up, bro? Wanna grab some lunch?" – but Japanese takes it up a notch, especially when talking someone of senior authority. 

"There is a higher level of public respected politeness in the way you speak in Japan," Kushner told USA TODAY. 

So how might you convey that politeness? Using an honorific is a place to start. 

Honorifics operate similarly to prefixes or suffixes in that they are an add-on to someone's name, but they are used to convey a sense of respect between one another. When added to a name, "さん" (-san) translates as a gender neutral version of "Mr.", "Mrs." or "Ms." Another one, 様 (-sama), generally adds a message of respect or politeness, despite not having a direct English translation.

While cities like Tokyo and New York are equally packed to the brim with people, someone in Tokyo might not talk to you like your standard New York cab driver. If you're visiting Japan any time soon, make sure to bring your manners. 

Follow Jay Cannon of USA TODAY on Twitter: @JayTCannon