What Is A Waifu?

In this generation, anime/weeb culture is highly popularised. We have encountered many terms that we haven’t heard before. For example, the words “senpai”(meaning senior/master) or “kawaii”(meaning cute). These are words from the Japanese language but are exceptionally known because of their everyday use in anime.  Another familiar term that we bump into is “waifu.” What exactly does waifu mean?

WAIFU MEANING

In Otaku culture, “Waifu” refers to female fictional 2-dimensional characters you love or have affection for. The term used for such male characters is “Husbando.” The characters referred to as waifus often include shyness, kindness, humbleness, and commitment in their personality. All anime lovers have a waifu or husbando. They are characters that the person likes explicitly.

Social media is another reason why it’s highly famous and considered as a new “trend.” If you use social media, mainly Instagram, you will see many cosplayers dressing up as their favorite waifus. WA-I-FU in Katakana is ワイフ. Waifu word comes from the Japanese way to say the Wife.

According to Know Your Meme, the term waifu was first introduced to the otakus/weebs through an anime scene from the popular high school anime series Azumanga Daioh. In the scene, the protagonist’s teacher Mr Kimura drops a picture of a woman on the floor. When students asked him about who’s the woman in the photo, the teacher simply replies: “Mai Waifu” (My Wife).

Let’s look into the emotional aspect of the concept of waifus. Some anime series become very close to your heart, and you get attached to the characters in them. You might have heard of the term “comfort show,” which means that you watch that specific show when you want to feel good. Similarly, comfort characters exist too! While many anime watchers have waifus for fun or the trend, some like or relate to the specific character.

TYPES OF WAIFUS

What Does The Term Waifu Mean?
Image: Deviant Art

If I’m honest, all anime girls are attractive or kawaii in some way or the other. However, all of them can’t be considered waifus. They need specific characteristics which set them apart. All waifus have a few similar features, but there are different types of them. Let’s look into the kinds of waifus in detail.

TSUNDERE

The popular waifus are mostly tsundere. They are distant and are unable to express their feelings appropriately. However, they are very kind from the inside and care about you a lot. It’s often very confusing for the guy to understand her feelings since they are not expressive. They are sweet but would act tough and mean in front of you. They would probably slap you when they want to hug you. Even though they love you, they would never say it to your face—for example, Taiga Aisaka from Toradora or Chitoge Kirisaki from Nisekoi. 

YANDERE

Have you ever heard of a girlfriend who would kill for you unironically? Yes, that is a yandere waifu. They tend to be overly possessive of someone they love. They get jealous quickly and would probably kill anyone who tries to get close to you. I mean, it might seem excessively violent, but at least they are doing it out of their love for you! If you are looking for someone who would protect you at all costs, even when you don’t need to be protected, Yandere girls are what you need! For example, Kotonoha Katsura from School Days.

DANDERE

Dandere girls are timid and introverted. They tend to speak only when they are required to. They get flustered quickly and are most likely to run away when they encounter their crush. Dandere girls are sometimes tough to deal with because of their anti-social ness. Due to their shy personality, they often struggle to express themselves. Although they have their fair share of flaws, they are adorable and caring—for example, Hinata Hyuga from Naruto.

GOUDERE

The type of girlfriend who will go out of their way to please you and fulfill your needs. They would do everything for you with a smile and will not stop doing so even if you shut them out. They are very expressive and tend to show their affection forcefully. Goudere girls might come off as annoying at first, but they will win your heart with time. Dont get me wrong, they do mess up from time to time, but the love they have for you would melt your heart, and you will probably end up forgiving them. For example, Juvia Lockser from FairyTail.

DEREDERE

The typical joyous and lovable girlfriend who you would probably find flawless, which they are! They are affectionate and openly express their love for you. However, unlike Goudere girls, they aren’t forceful. They tend to be optimistic and not shy and are most likely to strike up conversations with their crushes and befriend them. Watching a Deredere character will make you happy even from the other side of the screen due to their delightful energy! For example, Tohru Honda from Fruits baskets.

For more waifu dere types in anime check, All Dere Types In Anime Explained

FAMOUS WAIFUS

Famous waifus

Yes, waifus are totally up to your personal choice or taste, but here are a few examples of waifus who are extremely popular. If you have been familiar with otaku culture before, you have probably heard of these characters!

  • Chizuru Mizuhara from Rent a girlfriend 
  • Aqua from Konosuba
  • Zero Two from Darling In The Franxx
  • Rem from Re: Zero
  • Mai Sakurajima from Bunny Girl Senpai
  • Shinobu Kouchou from Demon Slayer
  • Shouka Nishimiya from A Silent voice
  • Tsunade from Naruto
  • Mikasa Ackerman from Attack On Titan