草食系
そうしょくけい
noun, no-adjective
"herbivore" type; passive, gentle, unassertive type (especially regarding romantic relationships)
1.
"herbivore" type; passive, gentle, unassertive type (especially regarding romantic relationships)
A slang term originating in the late 2000s to describe people (especially men) who are not aggressive in pursuing romantic relationships.
A cultural buzzword that became widely used around 2008–2009. Literally means "herbivore type," contrasting with 肉食系 ("carnivore type" — aggressive, assertive in romance). Originally described men who were gentle, non-aggressive, and uninterested in actively pursuing romantic relationships, but usage has broadened to describe passive personality types generally.
Common collocations
- 草食系男子: herbivore-type man (passive man)
- 草食系女子: herbivore-type woman
- 草食系と肉食系: passive type vs. aggressive type
Similar words
- 肉食系: carnivore type — aggressive, assertive in romantic pursuit
- 絶食系: fasting type — even more disinterested in romance than herbivore type
Cultural note
The term sparked extensive media discussion about changing gender dynamics in Japanese society. While initially carrying a mildly negative nuance, many people now self-identify positively as 草食系.