Daily Life
Wasei-eigo in the Daily Life category — 16 words that look English but mean something completely different in Japanese.
ベビーカー
bebīkā
A baby stroller / pushchair / pram ≠ stroller
コンセント
konsento
An electrical outlet / wall socket / power plug ≠ outlet
ドクターストップ
dokutā sutoppu
A doctor's order to stop an activity for health reasons ≠ doctor stop
ガソリンスタンド
gasorin sutando
A gas station / petrol station / filling station ≠ gas station
ゴールイン
gōru in
Crossing the finish line; figuratively, getting married ≠ goal in
ハイタッチ
hai tacchi
A high five (slapping palms together in celebration) ≠ high five
レベルアップ
reberu appu
An improvement, upgrade, or advancement (skills, products, services) ≠ level up
マジックテープ
majikku tēpu
Hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) ≠ magic tape
モーニングコール
mōningu kōru
A scheduled wake-up phone call ≠ morning call
ペーパードライバー
pēpā doraibā
A person who has a driver's license but rarely or never drives ≠ paper driver
ペットボトル
pettobotoru
A plastic drink bottle (for tea, water, juice, etc.) ≠ PET bottle
サービス
sābisu
A freebie / something free of charge / a discount ≠ service
シャッターチャンス
shattā chansu
The perfect moment to take a photograph ≠ shutter chance
サイン
sain
A signature or autograph (written by hand) ≠ sign
シルバーシート
shirubā shīto
Priority seating on trains/buses for elderly and disabled passengers ≠ silver seat
テンション
tenshon
Energy level, excitement, or mood (テンション高い = hyped up, excited) ≠ tension