Translation guide
The English word 'meme' is widely used in Japanese as a loanword. This guide covers how to talk about internet memes, image macros, viral content, and related concepts in Japanese.
Referring to a viral internet meme, such as an image macro, video, or catchphrase.
The direct loanword for 'meme', used in the same broad sense as in English. Common in online and tech-savvy contexts.
このミームはすぐに広まった。
This meme spread quickly.
インターネットミームは文化の一部だ。
Internet memes are part of culture.
A versatile word meaning 'material' or 'content', often used for joke material, viral topics, or meme-worthy content. Can refer to the concept behind a meme.
そのネタはもう古いよ。
That meme is already old.
この画像はいいネタになる。
This image will make a good meme.
Literally 'funny image', often used to describe image-based memes or humorous pictures shared online.
面白画像を集めてるんだ。
I'm collecting funny memes.
Short for 'copy and paste', refers to copypasta or text-based memes that are repeatedly shared.
あの長文コピペ、また見たよ。
I saw that long copypasta again.
Describing something that has gone viral or become a widespread trend online.
A verb meaning 'to go viral' or 'to buzz'. Derived from 'buzz'. Commonly used for tweets, videos, or memes that gain sudden popularity.
その動画がバズってる。
That video is going viral.
このツイート、バズるかも。
This tweet might go viral.
Means 'topic' or 'hot subject'. Used to describe something that is being talked about a lot, including viral memes.
A verb meaning 'to become popular' or 'to be in fashion'. Can be used for memes that catch on.
Specifically referring to an image with superimposed text, often humorous.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'something with text put on an image'. The most direct way to describe an image macro.
こういう画像に文字を入れたものが好き。
I like these image macros.
Short for 'collage image', often used for photoshopped or edited images, including memes. Can imply a manipulated picture.
あのコラ画像、笑える。
That meme image is hilarious.
Referring to a meme that is surreal, ironic, or intentionally low-quality.
Literally 'shit meme', used similarly to 'dank meme' in online communities. Very casual and can be vulgar.
クソミームばかり見てしまう。
I keep looking at dank memes.
Means 'surreal meme', used for absurd or nonsensical memes.
彼はシュールなミームが好きだ。
He likes surreal memes.
The loanword ミーム is widely understood among internet users, but in more formal or general contexts, you may need to explain the concept. Words like ネタ or 面白画像 are more accessible to a broader audience.
Do not try to translate 'meme' as 文化遺伝子 (cultural gene) unless discussing the academic concept coined by Richard Dawkins. For internet memes, stick to the loanword or common alternatives.
It's a meme that's trending online right now.
That phrase suddenly became a meme.