Kumi logo
    Kumi

    Learn Japanese. Where understanding folds into fluency.

    Dictionary

    KanjiKanji vocabularyKana vocabularyKanaRadicalsGrammarJLPT N5

    Learn

    GuidesStart where you areWhat is KMT?RoadmapFAQ

    Connect

    EmailDiscordInstagramThreadsTikTokYouTubeLinkedInBlueskyX

    Newsletter

    Start learning free →

    Free forever tier. No card required.

    © 2026 Kumiai Inc. All rights reserved.

    AboutFAQContactStatusPrivacyTermsAttributions
    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. 〜系

    〜系

    〜系

    This word ending helps you put people or things into a general group. It is often used by young people. It can describe a style or type of person.

    KMT7CasualSlangNominal ConstructionMixedYouthApproximating And Categorizing SlangGrammar

    Noun + 系Primary
    い-Adjective + 系
    な-Adjective + 系
    Verb [stem] + 系

    This word ending helps you put people or things into a general group. It is often used by young people. It can describe a style or type of person.

    兄あには癒いやし系けいの彼かの女じょと付つき合あっている。

    My older brother is dating a 'healing-type' girl.

    CasualProgressiveAffirmativePrenominalDeclarativeFamily & RelationshipsEmotions & Psychology
    あの人ひとは、真ま面じ目めなメガネ系けいだね。

    That person seems to be the serious, glasses-wearing type, huh?

    CasualNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeDaily LifeFashion & Beauty
    私わたしはあんまり体たい育いく会かい系けいじゃないんだ。

    I'm not really the athletic club type.

    CasualNon PastNegativeSentence EndingDeclarativeSports & Martial ArtsEducation
    彼かれは元もとヴィジュアル系けいのバンドマンだったので、服ふく装そうが派は手でだった。

    Since he was a former visual-kei band member, his clothes were flashy.

    NeutralPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeMusic & EntertainmentFashion & Beauty
    どんなイケメン系けいの人ひとがタイプなの?

    What kind of 'handsome guy' type is your preference?

    CasualNon PastAffirmativePrenominalConjecturalFamily & RelationshipsDaily Life

    This word is like putting things into a fuzzy box. It suggests something is 'kind of' like a type. It is not a strong statement. It can be a bit like saying 'ish' in English.

    Both '〜系' and '〜っぽい' show something is similar. But '〜系' puts things into a known group or style. Think of it like a category. '〜っぽい' just says something looks or feels like something else. It is more about a general feeling.

    Use this when you want to put something into a group. It helps you talk about things without being too direct. This makes your words sound softer. It is good for when you do not want to sound too serious.

    Less formal alternatives(1)

    〜風(ふう)

    This means something looks like or is in the style of something else. It is like saying "-style" or "-like" in English.

    〜だ / 〜だった

    This means 'is' or 'was'. It is the casual way to say 〜です and 〜でした.

    Kumi logo

    Track your mastery

    Kumi's KMT system tracks your mastery across kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Create a free account to use it on 220,000+ concepts.

    Related concepts for this entry

    Similar concepts

    • 〜風(ふう)
    • 〜っぽい

    prerequisite

    • 〜だ / 〜だった

    Explore more

    Grammar dictionary›Browse all entries›