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A2 noun #2,000 mais comum 8 min de leitura

ジャンル

janru Top 2,000

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'ジャンル' (janru) means 'genre' or 'type'. It is a katakana word, which makes it easier for English speakers to remember. You will see it when talking about things you like, such as music or movies. For example, '好きな音楽のジャンルは何ですか？' (What is your favorite genre of music?). It is a very useful word for basic self-introductions and talking about hobbies. Just remember it is a noun and usually comes before 'の' or after a specific category like '映画のジャンル'.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'ジャンル' to categorize your interests more specifically. You can use it with 'ごとに' (goto ni) to say 'by genre', like 'ジャンルごとに本を並べる' (arrange books by genre). You will also encounter it in shops and on websites. It's important to recognize that in Japan, 'ジャンル' is used for food too, not just art. You might hear someone ask '何のジャンルの料理が好き？' when deciding where to eat. This level involves understanding the word in common daily contexts like shopping and dining.

At the B1 level, you can use 'ジャンル' in more complex sentences and idiomatic expressions. One key phrase is 'ジャンルを問わず' (janru o towazu), which means 'regardless of genre'. This is great for describing a broad range of interests. You should also be able to distinguish 'ジャンル' from similar words like '種類' (shurui - kind) and '分野' (bunya - field). While '種類' is for physical things, 'ジャンル' is for creative or conceptual categories. You might use it to discuss your '得意なジャンル' (strongest subject/area) in a conversation about skills or hobbies.

At the B2 level, you will see 'ジャンル' used in media analysis and business contexts. It might refer to '新ジャンル' (new categories) in marketing or the '境界' (kyōkai - boundaries) between genres in literature. You should be comfortable using the word to discuss trends, such as how certain genres are evolving or merging. You might also encounter the term 'ジャンルレス' (genre-less) to describe modern art or music that doesn't fit into one box. Your usage should reflect an understanding of how 'ジャンル' helps organize social and cultural information in Japan.

At the C1 level, you understand the nuanced application of 'ジャンル' in academic and professional discourse. You can discuss the 'ジャンルの確立' (establishment of a genre) or how a specific work 'ジャンルを牽引する' (leads/drives the genre). You are aware of the subtle differences between 'ジャンル', '領域' (ryōiki), and '範疇' (hanchū - category/rubric). You can use the word to critique media, discussing how a film subverts 'ジャンルの慣習' (genre conventions). Your vocabulary includes sophisticated collocations and you can use the word fluently in high-level debates about culture and society.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'ジャンル' and its place in the Japanese lexicon. You can engage in deep philosophical or sociological discussions about the necessity of 'ジャンル分け' (categorization) in human cognition. You understand historical shifts in how 'ジャンル' has been defined in Japan, from the introduction of Western concepts in the Meiji era to modern digital 'tagging' culture. You can use the word with perfect precision in any context, from casual slang to formal academic papers, and you understand the cultural weight the word carries in the Japanese obsession with classification and order.

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

ジャンル em 30 segundos

ジャンル means 'genre' or 'category' in Japanese.
It is used for music, movies, books, and even food.
Common phrases include 'ジャンルを問わず' (regardless of genre).
It is a versatile katakana word essential for daily life.

The Japanese word ジャンル (janru) is a loanword derived from the French word 'genre'. In its most fundamental sense, it refers to a category, class, or type of artistic endeavor, including music, literature, film, and fine arts. However, in modern Japanese usage, the scope of 'ジャンル' has expanded significantly beyond the traditional arts to encompass almost any classification of things that share common characteristics.

Core Definition: A specific category or type of content, often used to organize and distinguish different styles of creative work or general interests.

When you walk into a Japanese bookstore, you will see signs for different 'ジャンル' such as 漫画 (manga), 小説 (novels), and 雑誌 (magazines). Similarly, on music streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music in Japan, the interface will ask you what 'ジャンル' you prefer, ranging from J-Pop and Rock to Jazz and Classical. The word acts as a universal organizational tool in the Japanese language.

彼はあらゆるジャンルの音楽を聴くのが好きです。(He likes listening to music of all genres.)

Interestingly, 'ジャンル' is also used in casual conversation to describe personal preferences or 'types' in a non-artistic context. For example, if someone is talking about food, they might ask, 'What genre of food do you want to eat tonight?' (今夜は何のジャンルの料理が食べたい？). This usage is slightly more flexible than the English 'genre', which usually sticks to formal artistic categories.

Usage in Media: In television and film, 'ジャンル' is the standard term for categorizing shows into drama, variety, news, or documentary.

この映画はホラーというジャンルに分類されます。(This movie is classified into the horror genre.)

Furthermore, in the world of gaming, 'ジャンル' is essential. Gamers discuss RPGs, FPS, and Action games as distinct 'ジャンル'. The term helps users navigate the vast landscape of digital entertainment. It is a word that bridges the gap between high art and everyday consumer choices.

Social Context: In social settings, 'ジャンル' can even refer to a person's 'vibe' or the social group they belong to, though this is quite colloquial.

彼女は私とは違うジャンルの人だ。(She is a person of a different 'genre' [type/world] than me.)

新しいジャンルに挑戦する。(To challenge a new genre/field.)

得意なジャンルは何ですか？(What is your specialty/strongest genre?)

Using ジャンル correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as a noun. It is frequently followed by the particle 'の' to modify other nouns, or preceded by 'の' to specify the category. For example, '音楽のジャンル' (genre of music) or 'ジャンル別のリスト' (list by genre).

Common Verb Pairings: ジャンルを分ける (to divide into genres), ジャンルに属する (to belong to a genre), ジャンルを問わず (regardless of genre).

One of the most useful phrases is 'ジャンルを問わず' (janru o towazu), which means 'regardless of genre' or 'across all genres'. This is often used in advertisements or when describing someone's broad tastes. For instance, 'ジャンルを問わず、面白い本なら何でも読みます' (I read any book as long as it's interesting, regardless of the genre).

このアプリはジャンルごとに検索できます。(You can search by genre in this app.)

When discussing personal skills or knowledge, you might use '得意なジャンル' (tokui na janru - a genre one is good at/knowledgeable in). In a quiz show context, a contestant might say, '歴史は私の得意なジャンルです' (History is my strong genre/subject).

Adjectival Use: ジャンルレス (genre-less) is a common modern term for things that defy categorization.

彼はジャンルにとらわれない活動をしています。(He engages in activities not bound by genre.)

In business, you might hear '新ジャンル' (shin-janru - new genre/category). This was famously used to describe a specific type of beer-like beverage in Japan that didn't fit into traditional tax categories. This shows how the word is used to define market segments.

Formal vs. Casual: While 'ジャンル' is acceptable in most settings, in very formal writing, '部門' (bumon - department/sector) or '領域' (ryōiki - domain/field) might be preferred depending on the context.

幅広いジャンルの知識を持っている。(To have knowledge in a wide range of genres.)

どのジャンルが一番人気ですか？(Which genre is the most popular?)

好きな料理のジャンルは和食です。(My favorite genre of food is Japanese food.)

You will encounter ジャンル in almost every facet of modern Japanese life. It is a staple of media, commerce, and daily conversation. If you are consuming Japanese media, you are guaranteed to see this word.

In Retail: Stores like TSUTAYA (rental/books) or Tower Records use 'ジャンル' to organize their entire inventory. Signs will point you toward 'ロック' (Rock), 'ジャズ' (Jazz), or 'アニメ' (Anime) genres.

On television, variety shows often have segments where guests discuss their '得意なジャンル' (specialty areas). For example, a celebrity might be introduced as an expert in the 'convenience store dessert genre'. This specific application shows how 'ジャンル' can be applied to very niche categories in Japanese culture.

「今夜の番組は、様々なジャンルのゲストをお迎えしています。」(Tonight's program welcomes guests from various genres/fields.)

In the digital world, websites like 'Tabelog' (restaurant reviews) or 'Amazon Japan' rely heavily on 'ジャンル' for their navigation menus. You can filter restaurants by 'ジャンル' like 'Italian', 'Ramen', or 'Izakaya'. This makes the word essential for anyone living in or visiting Japan.

In Hobbies: Cosplayers, artists, and writers on platforms like Pixiv or Twitter (X) use hashtags with 'ジャンル' to find like-minded creators.

同じジャンルの友達が欲しいです。(I want friends who like the same genre.)

When listening to the radio, the DJ might introduce a song by saying, 'Next is a song from a genre that's becoming popular lately' (次は、最近人気が出てきたジャンルの曲です). The word is so integrated that it doesn't feel like a foreign word to most Japanese speakers; it's just the standard way to say 'category'.

このゲームは新しいジャンルを切り開いた。(This game opened up a new genre.)

文芸ジャンルの境界が曖昧になっている。(The boundaries between literary genres are becoming blurred.)

While ジャンル is a loanword, its usage doesn't always perfectly overlap with 'genre' in English or French. One common mistake for learners is using it where 'category' (カテゴリ) or 'type' (タイプ) might be more natural, although 'ジャンル' is quite versatile.

Mistake 1: Over-formalizing: Using 'ジャンル' in a strictly scientific or biological context is usually incorrect. For animals or plants, use '種' (shu - species) or '分類' (bunrui).

Another mistake is the pronunciation. English speakers often want to say 'zhon-ruh' with a soft 'zh' sound. In Japanese, it is a hard 'j' sound (like 'jump'), and the 'n' is a distinct beat (mora). It's 'ja-n-ru'. Mispronouncing it might make it hard for locals to recognize the word immediately.

× 彼のジャンルは親切です。(His genre is kind.)
○ 彼は親切なタイプです。(He is the kind type.)

Learners also sometimes confuse 'ジャンル' with 'スタイル' (style). While a genre is a category of work, a style is the specific way something is done. You can have a 'horror genre' movie filmed in a 'documentary style'.

Mistake 2: Particle Confusion: Using 'ジャンルで' when 'ジャンルに' is required for verbs of belonging. 'この本はミステリージャンルに属する' is correct.

× ジャンルを関係なく (Regardless of genre - grammatically awkward)
○ ジャンルを問わず (The standard idiomatic expression)

Finally, avoid using 'ジャンル' for physical locations or sizes. For those, '場所' (basho) or 'サイズ' (saizu) are appropriate. 'ジャンル' is for conceptual categories of content or interest.

間違ったジャンルに分類してしまった。(I classified it into the wrong genre.)

それは音楽のジャンルではありません。(That is not a genre of music.)

Japanese has several words that overlap with ジャンル. Understanding the nuances between them will help you sound more natural and precise.

カテゴリ (Category): Often used in digital contexts (website menus, blog tags). It feels slightly more technical or structural than 'ジャンル'.

種類 (Shurui - Kind/Type): The most general word for 'kind' or 'variety'. Use this for physical objects like 'kinds of apples' or 'types of pens'.

While 'ジャンル' is used for creative works, '種類' is used for almost anything. You wouldn't say 'apples of this genre', you'd say 'apples of this 種類'. However, for music, you could use both, but 'ジャンル' sounds more professional.

この店にはたくさんの種類のパンがある。(This shop has many kinds of bread.)

分野 (Bunya - Field/Sphere): Used for academic fields, professional sectors, or areas of expertise. 'The field of medicine' is '医学の分野'.

The difference between '分野' and 'ジャンル' is that '分野' implies a broader territory of knowledge or activity, whereas 'ジャンル' is a stylistic classification. An artist works in the '分野' of fine arts, but their 'ジャンル' might be 'surrealism'.

専門分野以外のことはわかりません。(I don't know things outside my field of expertise.)

部門 (Bumon - Department/Section): Used for organizational divisions or award categories (e.g., 'Best Actor Department' at the Oscars).

彼は営業部門に所属しています。(He belongs to the sales department.)

どのカテゴリに追加しますか？(Which category will you add it to?)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Exemplos por nível

好きなジャンルは何ですか？

What is your favorite genre?

ジャンル is the subject.

音楽のジャンルはジャズです。

The music genre is jazz.

Noun + の + ジャンル.

このジャンルは面白いです。

This genre is interesting.

Demonstrative + ジャンル.

映画のジャンルを選びます。

I will choose a movie genre.

Object + を + verb.

アニメというジャンルが好きです。

I like the genre called anime.

という to define the genre.

新しいジャンルの本を読みます。

I read a book of a new genre.

Adjective + ジャンル.

どのジャンルがいいですか？

Which genre is good?

Question word + ジャンル.

ゲームのジャンルはRPGです。

The game genre is RPG.

Topic marker は.

ジャンルごとに分けてください。

Please divide them by genre.

ごとに (by/per).

色々なジャンルの料理を食べたい。

I want to eat various genres of food.

色々な modifies ジャンル.

この店はジャンルが豊富です。

This shop has a rich variety of genres.

豊富 (abundant/rich).

得意なジャンルはスポーツです。

My strong genre is sports.

得意な (specialty).

ジャンルを一つ選んでください。

Please choose one genre.

Counter 一つ.

同じジャンルの曲を聴きます。

I listen to songs of the same genre.

同じ (same).

ジャンルが多すぎて迷います。

There are too many genres, so I'm lost.

すぎ (too much).

このジャンルはあまり知りません。

I don't know much about this genre.

あまり + negative.

ジャンルを問わず、何でも読みます。

I read anything, regardless of genre.

問わず (regardless of).

彼は幅広いジャンルで活躍している。

He is active in a wide range of genres.

幅広い (wide/broad).

この作品はどのジャンルに属しますか？

Which genre does this work belong to?

属する (to belong to).

ジャンル別の売上を確認する。

Check the sales by genre.

別 (by/classification).

未知のジャンルに挑戦してみたい。

I want to try a genre I don't know yet.

未知 (unknown).

ジャンルが固定されるのを嫌う。

I hate being pigeonholed into a fixed genre.

固定される (to be fixed).

特定のジャンルに特化したサイト。

A site specialized in a specific genre.

特化した (specialized).

ジャンルを超えたコラボレーション。

A collaboration that transcends genres.

超えた (transcended).

ジャンルの境界線が曖昧になっている。

The boundaries between genres are becoming blurred.

曖昧 (vague/blurred).

新ジャンルの開拓に力を入れている。

They are putting effort into exploring new genres.

開拓 (pioneering/exploration).

この映画は複数のジャンルを融合させている。

This movie fuses multiple genres.

融合 (fusion).

ジャンルの慣習を打ち破る作品だ。

It is a work that breaks genre conventions.

慣習 (convention/custom).

彼は自分のジャンルを確立した。

He established his own genre.

確立 (establishment).

ジャンルレスな音楽が若者に受けている。

Genre-less music is popular among young people.

受けている (is popular/well-received).

ジャンルの定義を再考する必要がある。

It is necessary to rethink the definition of the genre.

再考 (rethink).

市場には新しいジャンルが次々と生まれている。

New genres are being born one after another in the market.

次々と (one after another).

ジャンルの枠組みに囚われない自由な発想。

Free thinking not bound by the framework of genre.

枠組み (framework).

その作品はジャンルのパロディとして機能している。

The work functions as a parody of the genre.

機能している (is functioning).

ジャンルの変遷を辿ると興味深い事実が見えてくる。

Tracing the transition of the genre reveals interesting facts.

変遷 (transition/change).

彼は特定のジャンルを牽引する存在だ。

He is a figure who leads a specific genre.

牽引する (to lead/pull).

ジャンルの多様性が文化の豊かさを象徴している。

The diversity of genres symbolizes the richness of culture.

象徴 (symbol).

既存のジャンルを解体し、再構築する試み。

An attempt to deconstruct and reconstruct existing genres.

解体 (deconstruction).

ジャンル特有の表現技法を駆使している。

Making full use of expression techniques unique to the genre.

駆使 (to use freely/master).

ジャンルの商業化が創造性を阻害しているとの批判。

Criticism that the commercialization of genres is hindering creativity.

阻害 (hindrance/obstruction).

ジャンルの通時的な分析を試みる。

Attempting a diachronic analysis of the genre.

通時的 (diachronic).

ジャンルという概念そのものが恣意的である可能性。

The possibility that the concept of genre itself is arbitrary.

恣意的 (arbitrary).

ポストモダン文学におけるジャンルの混淆。

The blending of genres in postmodern literature.

混淆 (blending/mingling).

ジャンルの規範を内面化しつつ、それを逸脱する。

Internalizing genre norms while deviating from them.

逸脱 (deviation).

ジャンル形成における社会的・歴史的要因の考察。

Consideration of social and historical factors in genre formation.

要因 (factor).

ジャンルの受容過程における文化的差異。

Cultural differences in the process of genre reception.

受容 (reception).

ジャンル論の観点からその作品を再評価する。

Re-evaluating the work from the perspective of genre theory.

観点 (perspective).

ジャンルのヒエラルキーを覆すような革新的な手法。

Innovative methods that overturn the hierarchy of genres.

覆す (to overturn).

Colocações comuns

ジャンルを分ける

ジャンルに属する

ジャンルを問わず

幅広いジャンル

得意なジャンル

新ジャンル

ジャンル別

ジャンルレス

同じジャンル

違うジャンル

Frases Comuns

ジャンルを問わず

得意なジャンル

音楽のジャンル

映画のジャンル

料理のジャンル

新ジャンル

ジャンルごとに

同じジャンル

幅広いジャンル

ジャンル分け

Frequentemente confundido com

ジャンル vs 種類

ジャンル vs 分野

ジャンル vs タイプ

Expressões idiomáticas

Fácil de confundir

ジャンル vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

slang

Can be used to describe a person's 'vibe' in very casual contexts.

nuance

Slightly more artistic/conceptual than 'category'.

Erros comuns

Using 'ジャンル' for personality.
Pronouncing it 'zhon-ra'.
Using it for animal species.
Writing it in Hiragana.
Confusing it with '分野' in science.

Dicas

Use with 'の'

Always connect it with 'の' when specifying, like '音楽のジャンル'.

Learn '問わず'

The phrase 'ジャンルを問わず' is very high-level and useful.

Food Categories

In Japan, 'Italian' and 'Chinese' are considered food 'genres'.

Verb Pairing

Use '属する' (zokusu) to say something belongs to a genre.

Pitch Accent

The accent is on the first syllable. JAN-ru.

Store Signs

Look for ジャンル in bookstores to find your favorite manga.

Katakana Practice

Practice writing 'ジャンル' to master the 'n' and 'ru' combination.

Small Talk

Asking about 'genres' is a great way to start a conversation about hobbies.

App Filters

Most Japanese apps use 'ジャンル' for filtering content.

Janru vs Shurui

Use Janru for art/music, Shurui for physical objects like fruit.

Memorize

Origem da palavra

French 'genre'

Contexto cultural

'Shin-janru' (New Genre) refers to a specific low-malt beer-like drink created for tax reasons.

In Japan, food is strictly categorized into 'genres' like Washoku (Japanese), Chuuka (Chinese), and Italian.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"好きな音楽のジャンルは何ですか？"

"最近、新しいジャンルの映画にハマっています。"

"ジャンルを問わず、おすすめの本はありますか？"

"料理のジャンルで一番好きなのは何？"

"このゲーム、何のジャンルだと思う？"

Temas para diário

Write about a genre of music you recently discovered.

List your top three favorite movie genres and why.

Describe a person who likes many different genres of things.

Is there a genre of food you want to try for the first time?

Do you think 'genre' is important for organizing your life?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Usually no. Use 'タイプ' (type) for personalities. 'ジャンル' is for categories of work or interests.

It is neutral. It can be used in casual talk and professional settings like marketing or media.

You can say 'ジャンルを超えた' (janru o koeta) or 'ジャンルレス' (janru-resu).

Yes, very commonly. '料理のジャンル' is a standard phrase in Japan.

It literally means 'New Genre' and often refers to a specific category of beer-like drinks in Japan.

Yes, but very lightly. It's not a long 'oo' sound.

Yes, it means something doesn't fit into a specific category.

Say '好きなジャンルは何ですか？' (Suki na janru wa nan desu ka?)

Rarely. Scientists use '分類' (bunrui) or '科' (ka - family/order).

Because it is a loanword from French.