Zako

Zako is a Japanese term written with the kanji 雑魚, read as zako. The word literally combines ideas of “miscellaneous” or “varied” (雑) with “fish” (魚) and has long been used to describe small or insignificant fish. In everyday language it has come to denote something or someone considered minor, weak, or disposable. In modern pop culture, especially in gaming and online discourse, zako refers to weak or non-boss enemies and to low-status characters.

In video games, zako denotes the standard, non-boss enemies that players encounter frequently. These foes typically have low health, simple artificial intelligence, and yield modest rewards or experience. The term is common in discussions of game design, strategy, and boss versus minion dynamics. Zako mobs are contrasted with bosses (ボス) or tougher adversaries (強敵), and their presence shapes pacing, resource management, and player progression.

Culturally, the term has broader usage beyond gaming. It can describe real-world people or groups regarded as unthreatening or inconsequential, sometimes in a pejorative or humorous sense. The nuance ranges from light teasing to outright insult, depending on context and tone. In media such as manga, anime, and online communities, 雑魚 or zako frequently appears in commentary about character strength, combat scenes, or competitive play.

Common related terms include 雑魚キャラ (zako kyara, “zako character”) and 雑魚敵 (zako teki, “zako enemy”). The word remains a popular shorthand in Japanese gaming culture for signaling low-level threats or minor opposition.