Ask John: What is Engrish?

Question:
What is Engrish?

Answer:
As commonly translated, Japanese language has no “L” sound. The Japanese phonetic “R” sound doubles as the English equivalent of both “R” and “L.” This phonetic overlap occasionally results in multiple spellings or translations of certain words or names, such as Reiji or Leiji Matsumoto and the old joke, “I rove you.”

As a highly educated nation heavily influenced by Western society, Japanese language also borrows frequently from English language, often to sound “cool” or multi-cultural. However, English is rarely adopted correctly into Japan. In an odd set of circumstances, English is common in Japan, but rarely spoken, so native English speakers often find themselves faced with distinctive and odd uses of English terms, and English phrases that may or may not conform to the rules of proper English grammar. “Engrish,” a playful “romanized” translation of the word “English,” using a Japanese “R” in place of a standard “L,” has become the default standard by which to identify examples of Japan’s off-kilter and not-quite masterful fascination with the English language.

A pair of examples culled from the AnimeNation warehouse include:

“Enjoy the mellow flavor and sweet aroma of sunshiny oranges rich and ripe in every wrap of soft and juicy Kasugai Orange Gummy.”

“This is not a new product at all. The Edition of us whom it is already on market were painted again in the new method, hi-skill and a point of view.”

For more great examples, visit Engrish.com.