Otaku 101: Terms Every Anime Fan Should Know

(Last Updated On: April 30, 2022)

Have you ever felt left out in the anime community because of some anime terms? That’s why we are going to learn and understand some anime terms that every anime fan should know.

When you start watching anime for the first time then you probably read or join groups related to anime. But after you get into the anime community or group you may read some new and unknown terms. Like Otaku, Senpai, Fan Service, AMV, and more…

Most of their topics and chats will fly over your head. Those terms are new for beginners.

That’s why we created this blog post about basic anime terms to help you out. You will understand everything after reading this article. We are going to explain those terms.

Terms Every Anime Fan Should Know.

You are not going to become a native Japanese speaker after learning these terms. But will be able to understand and maintain your presence in the anime community.

Otaku

The first term you will hear everywhere is Otaku. Most people think it means “A person who watches a lot of anime”. But it’s not true.

The actual meaning of Otaku is someone who loves his hobbies. And I want to spend time with it more than anything. That person can be anything like gaming, computer, or watching anime.

And in Japan, most teenagers are anime addicted. That’s why it becomes quite stereotypical to refer to Otaku as anime fans.

But anyone who watches lots of movies reads comics, or plays games is Otakus. In that case, everyone is an Otakus in their parent’s eyes.

Manga

The next term is manga. It is an extremely common and simple term. The comics books created by Japanese artists and also publish in Japan are known as Manga.

Almost 90% of anime are based on manga. When manga becomes popular then creators republish it to generate more income.

Like Marvel’s popular comics, volumes are adapted into movies. In the same way, Japanese production houses adapt manga into anime.

Filler Episodes

Filler Episodes are those episodes that did not contribute anything to the main storyline of anime. These stories are different from the original storyline.

It’s up to you if you want to watch it or not. If you like the character of that particular anime then you should watch it. Because we watch anime for entertainment.

You can also watch if you have time and are not in a rush to finish that anime.

There are reasons for the existence of these filler episodes. When all chapters of mangas are adapted into anime and also make manga ahead of anime they make fillers.

AMV (Anime Music Video)

AMV are those types of videos that contain some anime clips with songs in the background. Mostly the music behind the video matches the moment of that particular anime clip.

For example clips of Levi Ackremen’s fight scene with badass songs in the background.

OVA (Original Video Adaption)

The meaning of OVA is probably known by everyone. But there are very few people who know the exact meaning of OVA.

There are some rules for the Anime Industry in Japan to air their shows. Here are a few of them:

1. Minimum length of an anime episode is 20 minutes.

2. They have to air at least one episode per week.

3. The Minimum number of episodes per anime is 12-13.

4. Sometimes it can go up to 24-25 or more than 50 episodes per anime.

Most anime series can follow these terms. But some of them are not able to do that. In that case, they directly release the DVD or Blu-Ray of that series.

And even regular anime have some episodes which did not air on T.V. Those episodes are also known as OVA. These OVAs are like bonus episodes for anime fans. Most OVAs are sequels, prequels, or side stories of that particular anime.

Canon / Non-Canon

Canon is those episodes that exist in source material or manga. For Example Vagito from Dragon Ball Z.

Non-Canon is those episodes that do not exist in source material or manga. For Example, Gogito from Dragon Ball Z. These types of episodes only exist in anime.

Most people will be confused about the difference between Non-Canon and Filler episodes. Because usually, the filler is Non-Canon episodes.

The meanings of both terms are entirely different.

Fillers are those that did not contribute to character development or the original story. It means filler can also exist in the manga. On the other hand, the Non-Canon only exists in anime.

Fan Service

In many cases, terms like Fan Service are used to criticize an anime. It means that the anime creators try to add something that does not have any relation with the plot or the storyline.

But fans like those things that’s why they add that particular scene or topic. The fan service can be anything.

Like from the unnecessary comedy of character to fight scenes. Fan Service is more than female characters…

Shounen & Seinen

There is a big misconception about the meaning of Shounen and Seinen. They think Shounen means long anime series. And Seinen means short anime series.

Usually, it is right. But it is not necessary and actual meanings are much different. It’s more than that.

Shounen is a type of anime that targets a teenage male audience. Action and adventure are the most common types of genres.

In most shounen anime the male protagonist has a goal in starting anime. And in the whole anime series, he tries to achieve that goal. For example, Naruto wants to become Hokage, Ash wants to become a Pokemon master, and Luffy wants to become King Of The Pirates.

On the other hand, Seinen is pretty limited when it comes to storytelling. Their main goal is to tell a proper story.

Where Shounen has a fixed formula of action-adventure there Seinen contains a variety of genres. Also, most Seinen is made for 17+ of the audience.

Shoujo

Shoujo is a type of anime that targets a young female audience. Drama, personal problems, love, and relationships.

Most people think shojo is reverse harem anime. But it is not true. There are lots of Shoujo anime series which do not contain any type of romance.

For the last decade, Shoujo is now one of the most popular anime genres.

Yao / Yuri

Top 22 Best Yuri Anime To Watch — Best Yuri Anime To Watch

It’s quite different from other anime greens you’ve ever watched. But they are popular among the anime community.

Yao means Boy-Boy and Yuri means Girl-Girl relationship. If you want me to explain this then section 377. Now you are intelligent enough to understand what I want to say.

Japanese creators have a dedicated genre for this category. You can also watch these shows. Despite their bad reputation among society, they have pretty well-made shows.

Ecchi

In simple terms, Ecchi means an adult comedy. It should only be watched by adults. And yes, they are not Hentai. Ecchi is quite Holy in comparison to Hentai.

Some examples of Ecchi shows are:

1. High School Dxd.

2. HighSchool of the Dead.

3. Kill La Kill.

4. Heaven’s Lost Property.

5. No Game No Life

Some ecchi shows are enjoyable for most of the audience. But this genre is not for everyone. Read the review before watching any ecchi show.

Harem

Harem means – One boy and too many girls. This genre is quite popular among single anime fans.

This genre contains a male protagonist and more than 3 girls who love him. Quite unfair, Right?

Many anime are a combination of the harem and ecchi genre. In the above example High School DxD, HighSchool of Dead, and Heavens Lost Property are also Harem anime.

Common Japanese Words in Anime

In this section, we will learn some often used words in Japanese verse. These words are pretty common in anime.

1. Baka: It means Idiot.

2. Sensei: This term is used to address professionals with respect. Like Doctors, Lawyers, and Teachers.

3. Kawaii: Cute and Adorable. It can be a cat or a girl. Anything cute.

4. Arigatou: Thank You!

5. Sugoi: Awesome and Amazing.

6. Ohayo: Good Morning.

7. Gomen: Sorry

8. Konichiwa: Hello

9. Senpai: People who have more experience than you. Or you admire them like your seniors in school or office.

10. Chibi: A little cute thing. or a small adorable thing.

In this section, we learn some words related to characters’ personalities. These terms describe the nature and behavior of that particular character.

1. Tsundre: This word refers to those anime characters who show cold behavior. But inside they are caring and lovable. For example Vagita from Dragon Ball Z and Bakugo from My Hero Academia.

2. Yandere: This word refers to those characters who feel like at the start of anime. But slowly you will find how unexpected and aggressive they are. For example Levi Ackerman and Yuno Gasai from Future Diary.

3. Loli: Flat Chest. Yes! That’s it.

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Amit Kumar

Amit is an entertainment content writer. He is currently pursuing graduation with Bachelor in Commerce. He loves to watch anime and play games like Minecraft, Clash Royale, and Pokemon Go in his free time.