What is anime called in Japanese?

In Japanese, anime (アニメ) is simply the abbreviation of "animation" (アニメーション, animēshon). It is a term used in Japan to refer to all forms of animation, both domestic and international. However, outside Japan, the word anime has come to specifically refer to Japanese animation, particularly the stylized, colorful animation that originated in Japan.

Breakdown of the Term:

• アニメ (Anime): Derived from the English word "animation."
• アニメーション (Animēshon): The full Japanese version of the word "animation," which is a direct borrowing from English.

So, while anime in Japan refers to all animation, when you hear it used outside of Japan, it usually refers to the unique style and medium of Japanese animation.

If you're referring to animation from other countries, they typically just use the word "cartoons" in English or "アニメ" in Japanese for international animations.

Cultural Note:

While in Japan, "anime" can describe any animation, globally, the word is often used to denote animation that features distinct artistic styles (large eyes, exaggerated expressions, and often fantasy or action-driven themes).