What is imouto?

"Imouto" (妹) is a Japanese word that translates to "younger sister" in English. It is commonly used in Japanese language and culture, particularly in the context of anime, manga, and light novels. In these media, the imouto character is often portrayed as a cute, caring, and sometimes mischievous younger sister, and this archetype is popular among fans.

The concept of "imouto" has become a notable trope in Japanese pop culture, often linked with the "little sister" genre, where the dynamics of sibling relationships are explored, occasionally with romantic or comedic subtexts. This trope can be seen in various works, including series like "Oreimo" (Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai) and "Eromanga Sensei."

In broader contexts, the word "imouto" is simply used in everyday conversation among Japanese speakers to refer to one's own younger sister or other people's younger sisters, depending on the situation and level of formality.