The Japanese phrase 吸うやつ (suu yatsu) has been increasingly popular online and in daily conversations. Though informal and vague, it is widely understood among native speakers. The phrase literally translates to “something you inhale” and is most often associated with vaping devices, e-cigarettes, or smoking-related products.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, usage, and cultural context of 吸うやつ, as well as why it has become a common search term in Japan.
What Does 吸うやつ Mean?
The term 吸うやつ consists of two parts:
- 吸う (suu) – “to inhale,” “to suck,” or “to smoke”
- やつ (yatsu) – “thing” or “object” (informal slang)
Together, 吸うやつ literally means:
“Something you inhale” or “an inhalable thing.”
Its meaning depends heavily on context, which makes it flexible and widely applicable in casual speech.
Common Uses of 吸うやつ
1. Vapes and E-Cigarettes
In contemporary Japan, 吸うやつ is often used to describe:
- Vape pens
- E-cigarettes
- Disposable or refillable inhaling devices
Instead of using the formal product names, people casually refer to them as 吸うやつ, especially when talking online or in informal conversations.
Example:
最近、吸うやつを使う若者が増えている。
Recently, more young people are using those inhaling devices.
2. Cigarettes and Traditional Smoking Items
The phrase can also refer to cigarettes or other tobacco products. Using 吸うやつ instead of タバコ (tabako) can sound more relaxed and less direct.
3. Humor and Vague References
Sometimes, 吸うやつ is used humorously or vaguely to avoid specifying a particular item. This makes it popular in:
- Social media posts
- Blog articles
- Forums
- Casual conversations
Its intentional vagueness makes it both flexible and relatable.
Why Is 吸うやつ Popular as a Search Keyword?
People search for 吸うやつ online because:
- It mirrors everyday spoken Japanese
- It is easy to remember and type
- It avoids brand-specific terms or technical names
- Users can search without precise product knowledge
From an SEO perspective, 吸うやつ is a high-intent keyword: searchers know what they want but describe it casually.
Is 吸うやつ Formal Japanese?
No. 吸うやつ is informal and casual.
- Not suitable for business or academic writing
- Appropriate in casual speech, social media, and blogs
- Reflects real-life Japanese language usage
Cultural Context of Using やつ
The word やつ in Japanese is often used to:
- Soften statements
- Avoid directness
- Keep conversations casual and friendly
Using 吸うやつ instead of a formal product name aligns with this cultural tendency for indirectness and simplicity.
Conclusion
吸うやつ (suu yatsu) is a casual Japanese phrase meaning “something you inhale.” It usually refers to vapes, e-cigarettes, or smoking-related items, but its meaning is flexible depending on context. Its popularity in online searches and casual conversations comes from its simplicity, informality, and alignment with real spoken Japanese.