Anime/Manga Dictionary

Manga is used by many as a broad term to describe graphic novels that come from East Asia, this encompasses (mainly) Japan, China and Korea. Each of these countries have their own term for the graphic novels that their respective artists produce. The biggest difference between each one is the general art style, but they also differ in the portrayal of things, way of writing, cultural cues/morals, etc...

Manga
This is what most people are familiar with. Comes from Japan.

Manhwa
Comes from Korea.

Manhua
Comes from China/Taiwan.

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A genre is a class or category of similar methodologies and themes in artistic works.  There are often elements of several genres blending and overlapping one another in manga and other media.
Below is a list of explanations for some of the most common genres found in the manga on this site or in the manga world.


Action
Genre that has scenes with either fighting, violence, chaos, and fast paced motion.

Adult
Contains content that is more suited to adults only. Titles in this category may include prolonged graphic scenes of intense violence and/or sexual content and/or nudity. Adult themed manga are not meant to be viewed by minors or the faint of heart.

Adventure
The character/s travel around the world that the series is set in to complete a quest of some kind.

Comedy
Has a humorous and/or satirical tone.

Drama
Focuses on situation or series of events having vivid, emotional, conflicting, or striking interest or results.

Ecchi
Has vague sexual content (skimpy clothing, partial/full nudity), but does not show sexual intercourse.

Fantasy
Takes place in a world that is outside of scientific explanation, not limited to magic, dream worlds, fairy tales.

Gender Bender
Has character/s that become or act the opposite gender by cross-dressing, surgery, magical means, etc....

Harem
A series that involves one male character with several female characters that are usually attracted to said male character.

Historical
Takes place in a setting that is not the present time.

Horror
Has scenes that inspires shock, fear, dread, terror, devastation, etc...

Josei
Typically involves romance that is more realistic and less idealized. Primarily written for women (18-30).

Martial Arts
Anything related to martial arts (karate, judo, fencing, etc...)

Mature
Contains material that is not suitable for people under the age of 17. Manga in this genre may contain scenes of intense violence, gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.

Mecha
Involves large robotic machines.

Mystery
Unexplained events/situations that are usually solved by the character/s.

Psychological
Usually deals with the philosophy of a state of mind, in most cases abnormal states of mind.

Romance
Any love related story.

Reverse Harem
A Reverse Harem is similar to Harem but it involves one female character with several male characters that are usually attracted to said female character.

School Life
The majority of the storyline takes place in a school.

Sci-Fi
Science fiction. Set in a world where technology is either contrary or a stretch of the modern scientific world

Seinen
Typically deals with issues of adulthood. Primarily written for men (18-30).

Shoujo
Typically involves romance and character development. Primarily written for females (10-18).

Shoujo Ai
Romantic relationship between females not having "adult" themes.

Shounen
Typically involves fighting and/or violence. Primarily written for males (10-18).

Shounen Ai
Romantic relationship between males not having "adult" themes.

Slice of Life
Present day-to-day happenings that take place in a world that mirrors our own.

Smut
Contains sexual situations, not necessarily explicit.

Sports
Anything sport related.

Supernatural
Involves unexplained powers/events that defy the laws of modern science/physics.

Suspense
Contains frequent plot twists or shocks meant to keep the reader guessing as to where the plot will go next.

Tragedy
Contains events of great loss and misfortune.

Yaoi
Intimate relationships between men.

Yuri
Intimate relationships between women.

Doujin or Doujinshi
Often commonly considered to be produced art that is based on an anime or manga not owned by the creator of the doujin. It is also used to refer to original work created by amateur or professional artists.

Hentai
Main focus is on graphic sexual acts. For adults only.

Kodomo
Children's manga aimed at 6-11 year olds. They tend to be moral and teach certain traits and behaviors.

Lolicon
A character in the manga has a relationship with young or under-age girls. usually does not treat mature themes, and concentrates more on the relationships between the main characters. still, to be careful, because you never know.

Shotacon
A character has a relationship with young or under-age boys.