jyu6 zaak6 zuk6御宅族

Jyutpingjyu6 zaak6 zuk6

Yaleyyuh jakh jukh

Definition

Otaku, a Japanese term for people with obsessive interests such as anime, manga, and video games; see also 宅女[zhai2 nu:3]

colloquialpeopleother

How it's used

Borrowing directly from Japanese, this term carries a slightly self-deprecating or critical nuance in Hong Kong. While it describes someone obsessed with hobbies like anime or gaming, it often implies a lack of social skills or a preference for isolation. It is frequently shortened to 宅男 or 宅女 depending on the gender of the person being described.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5 seng4 jat6 nei1 maai4 hai2 fong2 zan1 hai6 din2 jing4 jyu6 zaak6 zuk6 lai2 gaa2

佢成日匿埋喺房，真係典型御宅族嚟㗎。

He always hides in his room; he's a typical otaku.

nei5 zou6 me1 jyu6 zaak6 zuk6 aa4 ceot1 heoi3 haang4 haa5 laa1

你做咩御宅族呀？出去行下啦。

Why are you being such an otaku? Go out and walk around.

Common phrases

zaak6 zoi6 gaa1

宅在家

staying at home

cam4 mai4 dung6 maan6

沉迷動漫

obsessed with anime

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being a homebody or someone who likes to stay in. The term specifically implies an intense, almost obsessive focus on a niche interest that often leads to social withdrawal.