NPC

えぬぴーしー

noun

non-player character

informalinternetentertainment communication

1. non-player character

A character in a video game that is not controlled by a player. NPCs are controlled by the game's AI and often provide information, quests, or services.

NPCに話(はな)しかける。

Talk to an NPC.

このゲームはNPCが多(おお)い。

This game has many NPCs.

NPCから情報(じょうほう)を集(あつ)める。

Gather information from NPCs.

2. someone who acts without independent thought

Internet slang for a person who seems to lack original opinions or behaves in a predictable, programmed manner.

あいつはNPCみたいだ。

That guy is like an NPC.

NPC的(てき)な反応(はんのう)しかしない。

They only give NPC-like responses.

自分(じぶん)の意見(いけん)を持(も)たないNPCにはなりたくない。

I don't want to become an NPC without my own opinions.

Etymology

Abbreviation of English "Non-Player Character."

SENSE 1 — GAMING:
Standard gaming terminology for characters controlled by the game's AI rather than a player.

Common collocations

NPCに話(はな)しかける: to talk to an NPC
NPC村人(むらびと): NPC villager
NPCキャラ: NPC character

SENSE 2 — INTERNET SLANG:
Used critically to describe people who seem to lack independent thought — they follow trends without questioning, repeat popular opinions, and appear to act in a predictable, scripted manner.

Common patterns

NPCみたいだ: is like an NPC
NPC的(てき)な反応(はんのう): NPC-like response

Register

Sense 1 is neutral gaming terminology. Sense 2 is informal internet slang, often derogatory.

general

Added 2026.1.21 10:02 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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