What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
manga
Example
I love reading manga because the stories are so engaging. [manga: noun]
Example
She spent the afternoon drawing manga characters in her sketchbook. [manga: adjective]
cartoon
Example
My favorite cartoon growing up was Tom and Jerry. [cartoon: noun]
Example
The political cartoon in the newspaper made me laugh out loud. [cartoon: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cartoon is more commonly used than manga in everyday language, especially in Western countries. Cartoons are a staple of childhood entertainment, while manga is still a niche interest outside of Japan.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between manga and cartoon?
While cartoon is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, manga can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions of Japanese culture or literature.
