otaku
Otaku (noun) means someone with an intense, all-consuming interest in a hobby or subject, especially a devoted fan of Japanese anime or manga. Example: “He's a total otaku — his apartment is wall-to-wall anime figures and manga volumes.”
How to use otaku
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hardcore, dedicated fan — usually of anime or manga, though the word has spread to describe obsessive fans of other niche hobbies too.
In Japan the word can still carry a slightly negative, "socially awkward shut-in" undertone, whereas in English it's mostly used neutrally or even as a badge of honor among fans.
Word forms
otakus plural, otaku plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He's a total _____ — his apartment is wall-to-wall anime figures and manga volumes.
Etymology
From Japanese オタク (otaku), which grew out of お宅 (otaku), a formal way of saying "your home" or "you." Fans in the early-1980s Macross anime fandom used it to address each other, and outsiders picked it up as a label — originally a bit of an insult, later reclaimed with pride by fans themselves.
Rhymes for otaku
See all rhymes for otaku →Frequently asked questions
What does “otaku” mean?
The word “otaku” means someone with an intense, all-consuming interest in a hobby or subject, especially a devoted fan of Japanese anime or manga. In plain terms, a hardcore, dedicated fan — usually of anime or manga, though the word has spread to describe obsessive fans of other niche hobbies too.
How do you pronounce “otaku”?
“Otaku” is pronounced oh-TAH-koo (/oʊˈtɑku/ in IPA).
How do you use “otaku” in a sentence?
Here is “otaku” used in a sentence: “He's a total otaku — his apartment is wall-to-wall anime figures and manga volumes.”
What part of speech is “otaku”?
“Otaku” is a noun.
Where does the word “otaku” come from?
The word “otaku” dates back to around 1980 and comes from Japanese.
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