Japanese Words in English
1 / 15The word 'rickshaw' comes from the Japanese 'jinrikisha.' What does 'jinrikisha' literally mean?
About Japanese Words in English
From tsunami to karaoke, test your knowledge of English words borrowed from Japanese! This free word games activity is built for older adults who want clear, readable browser-based games without sign-up friction.
Word games are useful for vocabulary, reading confidence, and language-focused problem-solving at a comfortable pace. This quiz includes 15 questions, so it works well as a quick session or as part of a longer brain-training routine. A printable version is available if you prefer offline play or want to share the game at home, in a classroom, or in a group setting.
About Japanese Words in English
Japanese Words in English is a free word games quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty. From tsunami to karaoke, test your knowledge of English words borrowed from Japanese! A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.
A few sample questions
1. The word 'tsunami' is composed of two Japanese characters. What do they literally mean?
Answer: Harbor wave
2. What does the Japanese word 'karaoke' literally translate to?
Answer: Empty orchestra
3. The word 'tycoon' comes from the Japanese 'taikun.' What did 'taikun' originally mean?
Answer: Great lord or prince
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in Japanese Words in English?
Japanese Words in English has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Japanese Words in English free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Japanese Words in English — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Japanese Words in English take?
Most players finish Japanese Words in English in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Japanese Words in English?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
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