noun

bara

BAH-ruh

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Bara (noun) means a genre of homoerotic art and comics from Japan, made by and for gay men, typically depicting muscular, masculine men. Example: “The convention had a small section dedicated to bara artists.”

noun

A genre of homoerotic art and comics from Japan, made by and for gay men, typically depicting muscular, masculine men.

"The convention had a small section dedicated to bara artists."

adj

Describing art, comics, or media in this style.

"He draws in a distinctly bara art style."

How to use bara

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA Japanese-originated genre of gay men's comics and art focused on macho, muscular male characters, distinct from the more feminine-styled 'yaoi' genre aimed at women.

Easily confused with

yaoi

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: baras

Test yourself on “bara” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

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The convention had a small section dedicated to _____ artists.

Etymology

Shortened from Japanese barazoku ("rose tribe"), the name of a pioneering Japanese gay men's magazine, itself borrowing "rose" as a coded term for gay men in postwar Japan.

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for bara

ara kara para Tara mara Nara Sara Lara Dara Cara Zara Hara

See all rhymes for bara →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bara” mean?

The word “bara” means a genre of homoerotic art and comics from Japan, made by and for gay men, typically depicting muscular, masculine men. In plain terms, a Japanese-originated genre of gay men's comics and art focused on macho, muscular male characters, distinct from the more feminine-styled 'yaoi' genre aimed at women.

How do you pronounce “bara”?

“Bara” is pronounced BAH-ruh (/ˈbɑː.ɹə/ in IPA).

How do you use “bara” in a sentence?

Here is “bara” used in a sentence: “The convention had a small section dedicated to bara artists.”

What part of speech is “bara”?

Depending on how it is used, “bara” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “bara” come from?

The word “bara” comes from Japanese. Shortened from Japanese barazoku ("rose tribe"), the name of a pioneering Japanese gay men's magazine, itself borrowing "rose" as a coded term for gay men in postwar Japan.

How many meanings does “bara” have?

“Bara” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a genre of homoerotic art and comics from Japan, made by and for gay men, typically depicting muscular, masculine men.

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Vocabulary lists that include bara:

Words with Japanese origins