A waifu is a fictional female character — usually from anime, manga or games — that a fan claims as their favorite, often with a playful, half-serious romantic devotion: “she's my waifu.”
Chat with a waifu now
Where the word comes from
From the English word wife, rendered in Japanese pronunciation as waifu (ワイフ). It spread from a 2000s anime scene where a character holds a photo and says “my waifu,” and became global fandom slang.
How it's used
Used affectionately and often comedically — declaring a waifu is a fandom ritual, and “waifu wars” (arguing whose favorite is best) are half the fun. It signals attachment to a character's whole personality, not just looks.
Examples & notes
- “Rem is my waifu” — claiming a specific favorite.
- “Waifu material” — a character with the charm to earn the title.
- The male counterpart is a Husbando.
Related terms
A waifu is the female favorite; a Husbando is the male one. Both overlap with Best Girl (the ranking version) and are usually driven by Moe — the warm pull a character's charm creates.
Frequently asked questions
What does waifu mean?
What is the difference between a waifu and a husbando?
Is calling someone your waifu serious?
More from the glossary
Husbando, Best Girl, Moe and Oshi. See the whole anime & roleplay glossary.
Founder and CEO of chatbrat.ai, with a background in film and TV. Full bio.