Naru (なる) is primarily a verb meaning ‘to become’ or ‘to turn into.’ However, in modern Japanese slang, it has evolved into a versatile suffix used to describe adopting a certain status, behavior, or trend, often seen in casual online communication and social media.
At its core, ‘naru’ is essential for expressing change. In the world of internet slang, you might see it attached to nouns or adjectives to indicate someone is ‘entering a phase’ or ‘becoming a certain type of person.’ It captures the fluid nature of youth culture, where identities and trends shift rapidly.
A: Did you see the new filter? Everyone is becoming a cat!
B: Yeah, it’s funny how quickly everyone naru-fied their profile pictures.
Using ‘naru’ correctly allows you to sound more like a native speaker who understands the playfulness of contemporary Japanese. It is less about strict grammar and more about capturing the feeling of ‘shifting’ into a new state of being.
Pro-tip: While ‘naru’ is very common, be careful with formality. In business settings, use the polite form ‘narimasu’ to avoid sounding too informal. If you are ever unsure if your language is too casual, remember that naru is best saved for social media and conversations with close friends.
To master the subtle art of Japanese communication, it is helpful to look at how other nuances impact speech. Understanding naru pairs well with grasping Wa: The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Profound Concept of Harmony and Group Consensus, as the trends people ‘become’ often reflect group-oriented behavior. Furthermore, knowing when to be casual versus formal is a skill similar to mastering What Does ‘Go-iken’ Mean? The Ultimate Guide to Asking for Opinions in Japanese Business.
