Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

otaku

noun

/oʊˈtɑːku/

Definition

A term used to describe a person with an intense or obsessive interest, particularly in anime, manga, and video games.

Examples

My friend is such an otaku; he watches anime every weekend and collects figurines.
The otaku community often meets at conventions to celebrate their shared interests.
She learned Japanese to better enjoy her favorite anime, embodying the true spirit of an otaku.

Meaning

In Japanese culture, ‘otaku’ originally referred to someone who has a dedicated passion for a particular subject, often leading to social withdrawal. In the West, it is commonly associated with fandoms surrounding anime and video games.