あざまる

• Reading: あざまる
• Romaji: azamaru
• Pronunciation: /a.za.ma.ɾu/

Meaning

A cute, abbreviated way of saying 'thank you' — shortened from ありがとうございます with a playful twist.

あざまる is a youth slang abbreviation of ありがとうございます, created by shortening it to あざ (from ありがとうございます) and adding まる (meaning 'period/circle,' as in the ◯ punctuation mark). The extended form あざまる水産 (azamaru suisan, 'Azamaru Fisheries') is a further playful variation that rhymes. It is used almost exclusively among young women and on social media, and is considered very cute and trendy. Using it in any serious or formal context would be inappropriate.

Examples

1. 写真撮ってくれたの？あざまる！ You took a photo for me? Azamaru!
2. プレゼントありがとう、あざまる水産！ Thanks for the gift — azamaru suisan!
3. あざまる〜！めっちゃ助かった。 Azamaru~! That was such a huge help.

Usage Guide

Context: friends, social media, LINE messages

Tone: cute, playful, feminine

Do Say

• おごってくれるの？あざまる！ (You're treating me? Thank youuu!)
• あざまる水産〜！ (Thanks so much! — playful extended version)

Don't Say

• 目上の人に「あざまる」 (Never say あざまる to superiors or in any formal situation — it sounds disrespectful)

Common Mistakes

• Using あざまる with people older than you or in professional settings — it is strictly for close friends and casual social media
• Not knowing あざまる水産 is a popular extended form — it rhymes for extra playfulness

Origin & History

Derived from ありがとうございます → あざ(す) + まる (the circle/period symbol ◯). Popularised by gyaru and JK (high school girl) culture in the late 2010s, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. The extended form あざまる水産 adds a playful rhyme.

Cultural Context

Era: Late 2010s, from JK/gyaru culture

Generation: Gen Z, especially young women

Social background: Youth culture, social media

Regional notes: Used across Japan among young people, especially on social media. One of several まる-ending abbreviations (おつまる, etc.).