WordList Letter - K

Kami - A God. However, if one refers to or addresses "God", the honorific "-sama" is attached to it. Hence Kami-sama. Kami is the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith.

Kanchyou - Captain. Used to address the commander of a warship. See also Teichyou.

Kawaii - Cute. Don't mix it up with Kowai. Literally means "lovable", "cute", or "adorable", it has become a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture. The noun is Kawaisa, literally, "lovability", "cuteness" or "adorableness". The words "kawaii" have the root word "kawai" which is formed from the kanji "ka", meaning "acceptable", and "ai", meaning "love". The term kawaii can take some meanings, like "cool","groovy","acceptable","desirable","charming" and "non-threatening".

Kaze - Wind.

Ki - Tree, yellow, table, mood, raw, chest, ... "Ki" has many uses depending on its kanji writing. If you only have the kana writing you'll have to look at the context to determine the correct translation. [Sailor Moon]: "Kino Makoto" although it is a name literally means Makoto of the tree.

Kimagure - It means "whimsical", "capricious", or "fickle" (although these are all in adjective form. "kimagure" itself is noun.

Koko - Here, this place. Used to refer to a place which is closer to the speaker than to the listener.

Konban wa - Good evening. Standard greeting in the evening. Keep in mind that the actual spelling is "konban ha".

Konnichi wa - Hello, Good day. Standard greeting. Keep in mind that the actual spelling is "konnichi ha".

Kousoku - Lightspeed. [Gall Force]: "Kousoku drive": lightspeed drive.

Kowai - Scary, frightful. Can also be used on its own to indicate that one is affraid. [Sailor Stars]: When little Hotaru is menaced by the malevolent reflection of Neherenia she says "Kowai". She used it to indicate she was affraid although she didn't say it to anyone in particular. Don't mix it up with Kawaii.

Kun - A diminutive suffix attached to a male person's name. Used only in informal speech e.g. among close friends or family. [Kimagure Orange Road]: Madoka addresses Kyousuke as Kasuga-kun. The fact that she uses his family name in combination with kun is an indication that although they are close she keeps a certain distance by using his family name. [Shin Seiki Evangelion]: Rei refers to Shinji as Ikari-kun for the same reasons. Colleagues at work may also use the combination -kun. It is also used to address or refer to a male person who is younger and/or has a lower status than the speaker. In some cases it is also used to refer to a female person. [Ranma 1/2]: On at least one occasion Genma addressed Nabiki as Nabiki-kun. See also Chan.