Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. To celebrate our special collabo with My Love Story!!, this week’s lesson focuses on some words more commonly seen in Shojo manga. This lesson may be of use if you want to ask out a special boy or girl.

KANOJO (かのじょ)

KANOJO means “girlfriend.” Most Shonen Jump characters are too busy fighting, adventuring, hunting, cooking and card-game collecting to have a girlfriend, but then again, Raku from Nisekoi has like 20, so it evens out. Hey Raku, how about deciding on one girl already so people stop getting the wrong idea about you?!

I know some fans really get into passionate arguments over which characters belong together. Naruto and...Sakura? Naruto and...Hinata? Naruto and a bowl of ramen? I think I know what Naruto’s choice would be...but I’m rooting for Hinata! I had an attack of the feels during the recent Naruto chapter that showed Hinata’s dream.

KARESHI (かれし)

And if you want to say boyfriend, KARESHI is the word you’re looking for. Which manga character would make the best KARESHI? What about Soma from Food Wars!? Okay, he’s almost as oblivious as Raku, but least you’d get a lot of delicious meals!

Food Wars! Digital Volumes 1–2 on sale now!

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