Complete Explanation of Important Terms in Hunter x Hunter | 50 Words Beginners Should Know

How to Use the Hunter x Hunter Vocabulary List

Hunter x Hunter features a unique system of Nen abilities and a complex world setting, introducing many specialized terms at first read. This vocabulary list explains 50 important terms necessary for understanding the work in a dictionary format, serving as reference content to support the reading experience of beginners.

The terms are broadly categorized into three groups. In the related terms for Nen abilities, about 20 terms are included, covering everything from the basics of Nen to the six types and applied techniques, deepening the understanding of ability battles. The organizational terms of the Hunter Association explain about 15 terms regarding the structure and positions within the association. The terms related to the worldview and settings cover about 15 terms, including place names, races, and organizations.

Each term comes with a concise explanation and indicates in which scenes of the work it becomes important. When encountering unfamiliar terms, searching this page allows for smooth progress in reading the work. Having the vocabulary list at hand while reading the work will yield a deeper understanding and enjoyment.

Important Terms Related to Nen Abilities

Nen ability is the most crucial system in the world of Hunter x Hunter. It is the technique of manipulating aura, the life energy, and serves as the core of the combat scenes and story development in the work. In this section, we systematically explain the terms necessary for understanding Nen abilities, from the basic concepts of Nen to the classification of the six types and further applied techniques.

• Basic Terms of Nen
• Terms of the Six Types
• Applied Terms of Nen Abilities

Basic Terms of Nen

• Nen (ねん): A general term for the ability to manipulate the aura, the life energy. A fundamental skill for Hunters.
• Aura: The life energy emitted by all living beings. Nen users can perceive and manipulate it.
• Four Major Techniques: The four basic techniques of Mantle, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu. They form the foundation of Nen abilities.
• Mantle (テン): A technique that retains the aura overflowing from the body on the surface of the skin. It improves defensive power and reduces fatigue.
• Zetsu (ゼツ): A technique that completely cuts off the aura of the entire body.
• Can erase presence but becomes defenseless
• Ren: A technique that generates an aura beyond the normal. Increases attack power.
• Hatsu: A technique that activates a unique ability using one’s own aura. The true power of a nen user.
• Gyo: A technique that concentrates aura in a specific part. When used on the eyes, it allows the user to see hidden auras.
• Shu: A technique that envelops objects in aura. Increases the strength of weapons.
• Suimishiki: A diagnostic method to determine one’s nen type. Conducted by floating a leaf on a glass of water.

For those who wish to learn more details, please refer to 【Related Articles】: A Comprehensive Explanation of Hunter x Hunter's Nen Abilities for Beginners | From Aura and Chakras to the Four Major Actions.

Terminology of the Six Types

nen abilities are classified into six types, and each person is born with an innate affinity for one of these types. Abilities of one’s own type can be learned with high efficiency, while those of an incompatible type are difficult to acquire.

• Enhancement Type: A type that enhances objects or physical abilities. The simplest form of combat ability. The protagonist Gon’s type.
• Emission Type: A type that detaches and shoots aura from the body. Excels in long-range attacks.
• Transformation Type: A type that changes the properties of aura. Can replicate various properties such as electricity and stickiness. Killua’s type.
• Manipulation Type: A type that controls objects or living beings. Capable of controlling others’ actions and manipulating objects.
• Materialization Type: A type that creates substances from aura. Can materialize weapons and tools. Kurapika’s chains are a prime example.
• Specialization Type: Special abilities that do not belong to the other five types. Many are extremely rare and unpredictable.

For more detailed information on the six types, refer to 【Related Articles】: A Comprehensive Explanation of the Six Types in Hunter x Hunter | Compatibility and Personality Diagnostics of Nen Abilities.

Application Terms of Nen Ability

By understanding the basic techniques and systems of Nen, and further learning more advanced techniques and concepts, you can get closer to the essence of Nen abilities.

• Constraints and Vows: A technique that places limitations or risks on abilities to enhance their power. The stricter the constraints, the more powerful it is.
• Nen Beast: A creature created from aura. Acts autonomously and executes the user's will.
• En (Circle): A technique to expand the aura over a wide area. Can sense a radius of several meters to several dozen meters.
• In (Hide): A technique to conceal the aura. Impossible to perceive without using Gyo.
• Kou (Hard): A technique that concentrates the aura of the whole body to a single point. Exhibits maximum attack and defense power.
• Ryuu (Flow): A technique that instantaneously changes the distribution of aura. Instantly switches between offense and defense.

For those who want to know more about advanced Nen techniques, please see 【Related Articles】: Complete Explanation of Advanced Nen Techniques from Hunter x Hunter | Differentiating Gyo, In, Kou, En, Ryuu, and Ken.

Organization Terms of the Hunter Association

The Hunter Association is the world's largest organization that trains and manages professional hunters. Only those who pass the rigorous Hunter Exam can obtain a hunter license and gain various privileges. This section explains the structure of the association, positions, and types of hunters.

• Basic Terms of the Association
• Position and Rank Terms

Basic Terms of the Association

• Hunter Association: An international organization that trains and manages professional hunters. Has branches all over the world.
• Hunter Exam: A super difficult exam to become a professional hunter. The passing rate is one in thousands.
• Hunter License: A certificate granted to those who pass the exam.
• Valid for life with various privileges
• Chairman: The head of the Hunter Association. Leorio was elected after Netero and Chidore.
• Vice Chairman: A position that assists the chairman. Pariston served in this role.
• Hunter Site: An information network exclusive to hunters. Only license holders can access it.

Positions and Rank Terms

The Hunter Association has various positions and ranks, each fulfilling specific roles. Hunters with outstanding achievements are awarded special titles.

• Zodiac: A group of the 12 strongest hunters chosen by Chairman Netero. They decide the important matters of the association.
• Star Hunter: A title for hunters who have achieved special merits. Three-star is the highest rank.
• Bounty Hunter: A specialized hunter who captures criminals. Bounties are the source of income.
• Gourmet Hunter: A hunter who explores unknown ingredients and dishes. Menchi and Buhara are representative.
• Ruins Hunter: A hunter who explores ancient ruins and treasures. Satotsu is famous.
• Beast Hunter: A hunter who searches for unknown creatures and mythical beasts. Pokkle falls under this category.
• Contract Hunter: A jack-of-all-trades type of hunter who takes requests. Gon’s father, Jing, also falls under this category.

Worldview and Setting Related Terms

The world of Hunter x Hunter consists of unique geography and diverse races and organizations. Outside the human world lies an unknown dark continent, inhabited by special races and dangerous creatures. This section explains important place names, races, and organizations crucial for understanding the work's worldview.

• Place Names and Terms
• Races and Organizations Terms

Place Names and Terms

• Dark Continent: An unknown continent existing outside the human world.
• Extremely dangerous place for humanity
• Greed Island: A game world created by Jin's Nen ability. It is a real island.
• Meteor City: A lawless zone where garbage from all over the world gathers. The residents do not have legal documentation.
• Kukuro Mountain: The mountain where the Zoldyck family’s headquarters is located. Ordinary people cannot approach it.
• NGL: A nature conservation country that rejects mechanical civilization. In reality, it is a cover for drug manufacturing. The setting of the Chimera Ant arc.
• Sky Arena: The largest fighting arena in the world. A 251-story building where Nen users fight on the upper floors.
• Yorknew City: A city with the largest auction venue in the world. The main setting of the Phantom Troupe arc.

For those wanting to know more about major events in various regions, please check 【Related Articles】: Thorough explanation of Hunter x Hunter's Chimera Ant arc | Reasons it's called a masterpiece and key points and Easy-to-understand explanation of Hunter x Hunter's Dark Continent arc | Organizing complex settings.

Terms of Races and Organizations

The work features various races other than humans, and organizations with specific purposes drive the story. Understanding these terms will clarify the background of the story.

• Chimera Ant: A species of ants that prey on other organisms and inherit their traits. Originating from the Dark Continent.
• Phantom Troupe: A band of thieves with A-class bounties. All 13 members are powerful Nen users.
• Zoldyck Family: The world's strongest assassination family. All family members master assassination techniques and Nen abilities. Killua's family.
• Kurta Clan: A minority group that has their eyes turn crimson when emotions run high. They were massacred by the Phantom Troupe.
• V5: An international organization of the five major countries that dominate the world's five continents. Manages travel to the Dark Continent.
• Kakin Empire: A rising nation that has joined V5, becoming V6. The setting of the succession war.
• Shadow Beasts: A group of Nen users acting as the mafia's watchdogs. They were wiped out in the battle against the Phantom Troupe.
• Ant King: An existence that stands at the top of the Chimera Ants.
• Meruem is applicable
• Guard Force: Three direct subordinates who protect the King of Ants. Neferpitou, Shaiapouf, Montutuyupi

If you want to know more about the various races and organizations, please check the related articles: Complete Explanation of Hunter x Hunter's Phantom Troupe Members | List of 13 Abilities and Survival Status and Thorough Explanation of Hunter x Hunter's Zoldyck Family | Family Tree and Summary of Abilities of the Assassination Family.

How to Memorize and Utilize Terms

Hunter x Hunter has a large number of terms, which may be difficult to memorize at first glance. However, by knowing efficient memorization and application methods, you can smoothly understand the work.

First, it is important to organize and memorize by category. By dividing into three categories: Nen abilities, the Association, and the worldview, you can systematically understand it without confusion. It is effective to start with the four great techniques of Nen abilities and gradually learn the six categories and application techniques.

Next, it is recommended to confirm terms while actually reading the work. When you encounter an unfamiliar term, search for it on this page and understanding its meaning on the spot makes it easier to remember. Especially in battle scenes, associating technique names with their categories deepens your understanding.

Additionally, associating terms with major characters is also effective. For example, Gon is Enhancement type, and Killua is Transformation type; by linking characters and abilities, you can naturally acquire the terms. It is also good to memorize based on organizations or races central to each episode, such as the Phantom Troupe or Chimera Ants.

By keeping this glossary at hand while progressing, you can enjoy the complex worldview of Hunter x Hunter more deeply.

Summary: Enjoy the Work More Deeply by Utilizing Hunter x Hunter Terms

I have explained 50 important terms of Hunter x Hunter, categorized into three categories: Nen abilities, Hunter Association, and worldview. By understanding these terms, you can enjoy the battle scenes and story developments of the work more deeply.

Please use the glossary as a dictionary, and refer to it whenever you come across unfamiliar words. Especially the six categories and the four great techniques of Nen abilities are important concepts that form the basis of understanding the work. By learning the terms organized by category step by step, you will be able to smoothly understand the complex worldview of Hunter x Hunter. Feel free to enjoy the profound narrative world of Hunter x Hunter using this glossary.