Learn Japanese FAQ

Q: What does Wii mean in Japanese?

A: “Wii” doesn’t actually mean anything in Japanese!  Apparently it’s supposed to be a play on the English word “we”.   If you say “wii”  people will always think of the console.  Having said that you also hear just “nintendo” which is one of the few Japanese companies with cool kanji: 任天堂　which means “trust”, “heaven” (as in 天気 – tenki – for weather) and “dou” for “hall” or “building”