You don't need Japanese to enjoy NPB — but a handful of words unlocks the whole culture. Here are 20 essentials, with romaji and where you'll hear them.
The game
- サヨナラ (sayonara) — a walk-off win; literally "goodbye," because the game ends the moment the run scores.
- 完封 (kanpū) — a shutout: the opposing team scores zero runs.
- 鉄人 (tetsujin) — "iron man": a player who never misses a game.
- ノーヒットノーラン (nōhitto nōran) — a no-hitter, borrowed from English.
- 逆転サヨナラ (gyakuten sayonara) — a come-from-behind walk-off; the best kind of game.
The culture
- 応援 (ōen) — cheering; the organized, song-filled support led by fan clubs.
- 応援団 (ōendan) — the cheering squad itself.
- 売り子 (uriko) — the roaming food and drink vendors who weave through the stands.
- 甲子園 (Kōshien) — the legendary stadium; also the national high-school championships.
- 熱戦 (netsusen) — a heated battle; the word on every big-game poster.
The structure
- セ・リーグ (serīgu) — the Central League. パ・リーグ (parīgu) — the Pacific League.
- 日本シリーズ (nippon shirīzu) — the Japan Series.
- クライマックスシリーズ (kuraimakkusu shirīzu) — the Climax Series playoffs.
- 首位 (shu-i) — first place; the pennant race's summit.
- 球団 (kyūdan) — a ball club, as an organization.
The feeling
- 万歳 (banzai) — the triumphant cheer; fans shout it after walk-offs.
- 感動 (kandō) — being moved; the word for why the game matters.
- 名場面 (meibamen) — a highlight, a "famous scene."
- 伝説 (densetsu) — a legend; what every great player becomes.
- 野球 (yakyū) — baseball itself. The whole reason you're here.
Learn five words. Enjoy ten times more.
Bookmark this page and check the ōendan guide to hear these words in action.