1. Quick Definition (TL;DR)
- Kanji/Kana: ～アル (Katakana) / ～ある (Hiragana)
- Romaji: ~aru
- English Meaning: No direct translation. It is a sentence-ending suffix used to indicate a character is Chinese.
- Pronunciation Guide: “Ah-ru” (The ‘r’ is a soft tap, like a light ‘d’)
2. Deep Dive: The “Otaku” Nuance
If you’ve watched anime like Gintama or Ranma ½, you’ve definitely heard a character end every single sentence with “~aru” (e.g., “Hara hetta aru” – I’m hungry).
In the world of Japanese linguistics, this is a prime example of Yakuwarigo (Role Language). Coined by Professor Satoshi Kinsui, this term refers to language styles that instantly tell the audience who a character is (e.g., a rich girl, a samurai, or a tough guy) based solely on how they speak.
The “~Aru” nuance specifically signals: “This character is Chinese.”
Historically, this originates from the late Edo and Meiji periods (late 19th century). When foreigners moved to settlements like Yokohama, a “pidgin Japanese” developed to make communication easier. Complex verb endings like desu, masu, and arimasu were simplified to just “aru” (or yoroshi).
While this was originally used by Westerners and Chinese immigrants alike, over time, pop culture cemented it strictly as the “Stereotypical Chinese Character” voice.
Important Note: This is not how Chinese people actually speak Japanese today. It is a fictional “flavor” used in fiction to make a character seem exotic, energetic, or comedic.
3. Typical Situations in Anime
Here is where you will spot the “Aru” user:
- The “China Girl” Archetype:
The most iconic user is the girl wearing a China Dress (Qipao), often with “Odango” (double bun) hair. She is usually energetic, strong, and a big eater.- Famous Example: Kagura from Gintama. She is the modern queen of “~aru.” She uses it even when she’s being serious or rude.
- The Martial Arts Rival:
Often found in older manga or gag anime. A rival character from China who challenges the protagonist will speak this way to emphasize their foreign origin immediately.- Famous Example: Shampoo from Ranma ½.
- Comedic Misunderstandings:
Sometimes, Japanese characters will fake this accent to try (and fail) to blend in while infiltrating a Chinese mafia or restaurant. It is played for laughs because it sounds so unnatural.
4. Real Life vs. Anime (Can I use this?)
- Safety Rating: ANIME ONLY / CRINGE
STOP! Do not use this.
If you go to Japan and say “Konnichiwa aru!”, two things will happen:
- People will look at you strangely because it is grammatically incorrect (resembling 150-year-old broken Japanese).
- It can be perceived as insensitive or borderline racist, as it mimics an old caricature of Chinese immigrants.
While it is beloved in anime as a character quirk (like Kagura), using it in real life makes you sound like you are mocking foreigners or that you have lost touch with reality. Stick to standard Desu/Masu!
5. Related Terms
- Yakuwarigo (役割語): “Role Language.” The concept that specific words define a character’s archetype (e.g., old men using “washi”).
- ~Desu wa (～ですわ): A sentence ender used by the “Ojou-sama” (rich, high-class girl) archetype.
- ~Daze (～だぜ): A rough, masculine sentence ender used by “cool” or delinquent characters.
- Odango (お団子): The “dumpling” hairstyle (double buns) almost always sported by female characters who use “~aru.”
Summary
The suffix “~aru” is the anime equivalent of a “Hello, I am the Chinese Character!” nametag; it’s a historic “pidgin” Japanese turned into a cute, energetic trope by shows like Gintama.