Japanese word

洒落

Pronunciation

Romajishare

Meaning

  • nounpun

Example

その洒落は面白いです。so no share wa omo shiro i de su

That pun is funny.

Illustration for 洒落 (pun)

More examples

姉は答えに洒落を取り入れました。ane wa kota e ni share o to ri i re ma shi ta

My sister worked a pun into her answer.

Core concept

Uses a clever twist in words or ideas to create a light comic effect.

Common phrases

  • 洒落を言うshare o yū

    make a pun

  • 洒落が通じるshare ga tsū ji ru

    understand a pun

Similar words

ダジャレdajare: A pun that uses similar sounds in an intentionally simple or corny way.
語呂合わせgoroawase: A playful connection of words with similar sounds for an amusing or memorable expression.
言葉遊びkotobaasobi: The creative use of language for amusement, including puns and other verbal tricks.

Definition in Japanese

言葉の音や意味のつながりを利用した、気の利いたおかしみのある表現。koto ba no oto ya i mi no tsu na ga ri o ri yō shi ta ki no ki i ta o ka shi mi no a ru hyō gen

Word origin

The noun 洒落 (share) comes from the verb 洒落る (shareru), originally meaning "to be stylish" and later associated with witty wordplay; the kanji are ateji.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese comedy, ダジャレ (dajare) usually means an intentionally obvious, corny pun, making it a more specific and often less flattering label than 洒落 (share).

Other meanings

  • jokenoun

Related words

  • 洒落っ気sharekkesense of humornoun

Word lists with this word