As the Japanese term “kawaii” is gaining recognition around the world, almost synonymous to our pop-culture, I hear many foreigners repeatedly saying “Kawaii! Kawaii!” like a native speaker! Pretty awesome!
However, I’d like to introduce to you another word you should definitely know.
オシャレ（”o-sha-re”）
It means “fashionable” in its simplest form, but it also includes meanings like “posh”, “chic”, or “elegant”. Japanese people use this term in various occasions.
For instance, an sophisticated bar would be considered “oshare”, as well as the soothing music played in those type of places.
Another usage of it would be concerning occupations. Any job that is considered creative or hip would probably fall under the category of “oshare”.
It is an easy word to apply to your daily conversation. Just throw it in as a synonym of “hip” or “cool”.
“Wow, you went to Paris this summer? That’s oshare!”
“Do you know any oshare restaurants that I could dine with my girlfriend?”
“I’m not a big fan of those oshare places. I prefer a local bar that might even be a bit dirty, but cozy.”
Try using it in your daily conversation! You would surely impress your Japanese friends!
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Osewa ni narimasu（お世話になります）- Fun! Japan Words vol.17
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