Looking for a quick reference guide to manga terms? You’ve come to the right place! This glossary has everything you need to know, from the basics like shōnen and shōjo to more niche terms like doujinshi and omake. So whether you’re a seasoned manga fan or just starting to explore this exciting world, dive in and discover new definitions!
A
- Ajusi
- A Korean term used to address an older man, typically one who is not a family member.
- Anime
- Japanese animation, often based on manga or original concepts. Anime is characterized by its distinct art style and storytelling techniques.
C
- Chakra
- A spiritual energy or life force found in many Eastern philosophies and practices.
- Cheobol
- A Korean term for a wealthy conglomerate or business group in South Korea.
- Chi
- The Chinese term for life force or vital energy, similar to chakra.
- Cultivation
- The practice of training and developing one’s spiritual and martial abilities.
D
- Dantian
- A mystical energy center in the human body, often associated with the cultivation of chi or qi.
- Doujinshi
- Fan-created manga based on existing series or characters. Doujinshi are often produced and sold at conventions or online.
E
- Ecchi
- Manga with sexual content, often exaggerated or humorous.
J
- Josei
- A genre of manga targeted at adult women. Josei manga often explores more mature themes and content compared to shōjo, and may include elements of romance, drama, and career-focused stories.
K
- Kouhai
- A junior or less experienced person, often used in a school or workplace setting.
M
- Manga
- The Japanese term for comics. Manga is typically read from right to left, and can be serialized in magazines or published in individual volumes.
- Manhua
- Chinese comics, often read from left to right. Manhua can vary in style and content, but often incorporate elements of traditional Chinese culture.
- Manhwa
- Korean comics, often read from left to right. Manhwa can be influenced by both manga and Western comics, and may feature a variety of genres.
- Meridian
- A network of energy channels in the human body, through which chi or qi flows.
O
- Omake
- Extra content included in manga volumes, such as short stories, illustrations, or behind-the-scenes information
- Oppa
- A Korean term used by a younger woman to address an older man, typically one who is a friend or acquaintance.
- Otaku
- A person with an obsessive interest in anime, manga, or other forms of Japanese popular culture. Otaku are often seen as dedicated fans who are passionate about their interests
Q
- Qi
- The Japanese term for life force or vital energy, similar to chakra and chi.
R
- Realm
- A level of power or spiritual attainment in many martial arts cultivation systems.
S
- Sajuma
- A Korean term used to address an older woman, typically one who is not a family member.
- Seinen
- A genre of manga targeted at young men. Seinen manga often explores more mature themes and content compared to shōnen
- Senpai
- A senior or experienced person, often used in a school or workplace setting.
- Shōjo
- A genre of manga targeted at young women. Shōjo manga typically focuses on romance, relationships, and coming-of-age stories.
- Shōnen
- A genre of manga targeted at young boys. Shōnen manga often features action, adventure, and friendship themes.
- Slice of life
- Manga that depicts everyday life and the mundane aspects of existence.
W
- Webtoon
- A type of digital comic, often read vertically on mobile devices. Webtoons are popular in South Korea and have gained a global following.
- Wuxia
- A genre of Chinese fiction, often adapted into manga, that features martial arts, chivalry, and swordplay. Wuxia stories often involve heroes who uphold justice and morality.
X
- Xianxia
- A genre of Chinese fiction, often adapted into manga, that features cultivation, immortality, and martial arts. Xianxia stories often involve protagonists who ascend to higher realms of power through training and spiritual cultivation.
- Xuanhuan
- A genre of Chinese fiction, often adapted into manga, that features cultivation, immortality, and martial arts. Xuanhuan stories often involve protagonists who ascend to higher realms of power through training and spiritual cultivation.
Y
- Yaoi
- Manga featuring romantic relationships between men.
- Yuri
- Manga featuring romantic relationships between women.
