How to Say 'Meme' in Japanese

With internet culture being such a global phenomenon, you might wonder how Japanese people refer to those viral images, videos, and jokes we call "memes." The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think, with several terms used depending on context and generation.

The Most Common Ways to Say 'Meme' in Japanese

ミーム (Mīmu) - Direct Katakana Translation

The most straightforward way to say "meme" in Japanese is ミーム (mīmu), which is simply the English word written in katakana. This direct borrowing has become increasingly popular, especially among younger Japanese internet users.

Example:

• このミームは面白い (Kono mīmu wa omoshiroi) - "This meme is funny"

ネットミーム (Netto Mīmu) - Internet Meme

ネットミーム (netto mīmu) is a more specific term that explicitly refers to internet memes. It combines "net" (ネット) with "meme" (ミーム) to clarify the digital context.

Example:

• 最近のネットミームをチェックした？ (Saikin no netto mīmu wo chekku shita?) - "Did you check out the recent internet memes?"

拡散ネタ (Kakusan Neta) - Traditional Japanese Term

Before the widespread adoption of katakana borrowings, Japanese internet users often used 拡散ネタ (kakusan neta). This term literally means "spreading material" or "viral content."

• 拡散 (kakusan) = spreading, diffusion
• ネタ (neta) = material, content, joke

Example:

• この拡散ネタは数年前から人気だ (Kono kakusan neta wa sūnen mae kara ninki da) - "This viral content has been popular for several years"

Which Term Do Japanese People Actually Use?

Based on current online discussions and usage patterns:

1. ミーム (mīmu) is becoming the standard term, especially when naming specific memes
2. ネットミーム (netto mīmu) is used for clarity when discussing internet culture more broadly
3. 拡散ネタ (kakusan neta) is still understood but sounds more dated

Regional and Generational Differences

Younger Japanese speakers (teens to 30s) tend to prefer the katakana ミーム, while older internet users might still use traditional terms like 拡散ネタ. The choice often depends on the platform and audience too.

Other Related Japanese Internet Vocabulary

When discussing memes and internet culture, these terms are also useful:

• バズる (bazuru) - to go viral
• 炎上 (enjō) - online controversy/flame war
• ツイッター民 (Tsuitā-min) - Twitter users
• ネット用語 (netto yōgo) - internet slang

Practical Usage Tips

For casual conversation: Use ミーム (mīmu) For formal writing: Use ネットミーム (netto mīmu) When being nostalgic: Reference 拡散ネタ (kakusan neta)

Try Using These Terms

Next time you're discussing internet culture in Japanese, try incorporating these terms naturally. Japanese people will appreciate that you know the current vocabulary, and using ミーム shows you're up-to-date with modern Japanese internet slang.

The evolution from 拡散ネタ to ミーム reflects how Japanese adapts to global internet culture while maintaining its own linguistic patterns. Understanding both traditional and modern terms helps you communicate effectively across different generations of Japanese speakers.