ネタ

ねた
noun
material; topic; joke; sushi topping
1. material, topic, content
Source material for conversation, jokes, articles, or creative work.
話(はなし)のネタが尽(つ)きた。
I've run out of things to talk about.
ブログのネタを探(さが)している。
I'm looking for material for my blog.
ネタバレしないでね。まだ見(み)てないから。
Don't spoil it. I haven't seen it yet.
ネタバレ = spoiler (lit. 'material revealed')
2. joke, gag, comedic material
A joke or comedic routine, especially in stand-up comedy or variety shows.
このネタ、面白(おもしろ)いでしょ？
This joke is funny, right?
芸人(げいにん)が新(あたら)しいネタを披露(ひろう)した。
The comedian performed a new routine.
鉄板(てっぱん)ネタだから、絶対(ぜったい)笑(わら)いが取(と)れるよ。
It's a surefire joke, so it'll definitely get laughs.
鉄板(てっぱん)ネタ = a reliable joke that always works
3. sushi topping, ingredient
The fish or other topping on sushi (comes from reversing タネ).
この寿司屋(すしや)はネタが新鮮(しんせん)だ。
This sushi restaurant has fresh toppings.
今日(きょう)のおすすめネタは何(なん)ですか。
What's today's recommended topping?
ネタが大(おお)きくて、シャリが見(み)えないくらいだった。
The topping was so big that you couldn't even see the rice underneath.
シャリ = sushi rice

VERSATILE SLANG TERM:
ネタ is derived from タネ (種(たね)) reversed, a form of slang inversion common in Japanese.

COMMON USES:

Material/Topic (sense 1):

Comedy/Entertainment (sense 2):

Sushi (sense 3):

  • ネタ: Sushi topping (fish, seafood, etc.)
  • 旬(しゅん)のネタ: Seasonal sushi topping
  • シャリ: Sushi rice (paired with ネタ)

INTERNET USAGE:

NOTE: In casual speech, ネタ often implies something entertaining or amusing, even when referring to 'material' or 'topics.'

general
Added 2026.1.17 17:56 · Revised 2026.6.28 15:23
06000/06309_neta