Sayori Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on September 11, 2024 by Isabella Claire

If you have recently encountered the term “Sayori” and were thinking that it was some new word you did not know the meanings of, you would be incorrect. However, have no fear. You have come to the right place to learn all you need to know concerning this term.

Below, you will find the meaning of this term, information about its origin, and some other meanings if there are any for it. Some example conversations are provided for you here as well in addition to all of this information so you can see how the term is used properly. You will also see some related terms to this word that might be of interest.

Sayori Meaning and Origin

  • “Sayori” is a Japanese given name with various meanings depending on the kanji used, often associated with elegance and beauty.
  • It is also known from the game Doki Doki Literature Club, where Sayori is a cheerful and kind-hearted character.
  • The name is chosen for its pleasant sound and positive connotations.
Sayori Meaning
Sayori Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does Sayori Mean?

“Sayori” is a Japanese name, and like many Japanese names, its meaning can vary depending on the kanji characters used to write it. Generally, “Sayori” (さより or サヨリ) can be written with different kanji that give it different meanings:

  1. 小夜里 – “小” (small), “夜” (night), and “里” (village or hometown).
  2. 沙依織 – “沙” (sand), “依” (rely or depend), and “織” (weave).

The meaning of “Sayori” can change based on how it’s written, but it often conveys a sense of gentleness, beauty, or nature, which are common themes in Japanese names.

Additionally, “Sayori” is also the name of a character (a girl) in the visual novel game “Doki Doki Literature Club!” where the name might have been chosen for its pleasant sound or cultural nuance rather than its direct meaning.

Origin of Sayori

The origin of this character came about with the origin of this game. The game premiered on Steam September 22nd, 2017. It quickly gained popularity among users and has developed a cult following since. However, it is not a game that should be played by everyone because of the game content. The game is considered deceiving by many who play it because it starts out all happy, but then explores subjects such as depression, suicide, self-harm, and has graphic images of death.

Other Meanings

There are currently no other meanings of this term that can be located. However, some have mentioned that this girl’s name means “depressed or suicidal” in Japanese. This is simply not true as the word name did not exist as a part of the Japanese language prior and, therefore, has no meaning.

Related Terms to Sayori

  • Sayuri (小百合) – Another Japanese name, similar in sound to “Sayori.” It often means “small lily,” where “小” means “small,” and “百合” means “lily.” Like “Sayori,” it’s a name associated with beauty and nature.
  • Sakura (桜) – A popular Japanese name meaning “cherry blossom.” It’s culturally significant in Japan and often represents beauty, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life.
  • Yori (頼り) – A word in Japanese that means “reliance” or “dependence.” It can be related phonetically to the “yori” in “Sayori,” though “Yori” itself is not typically a standalone name.
  • Sayoko (沙代子 or 小夜子) – Another Japanese female name that might have similar roots or kanji as “Sayori.” It combines “Sayo,” which can mean “small night,” with “ko,” a common suffix in Japanese female names meaning “child.”
  • Saori (沙織 or 早織) – A name that shares similar kanji and sounds to “Sayori.” “Saori” can mean “sand weaving” or “early weaving” depending on the kanji. It’s a common name in Japan and has a poetic or artistic connotation.
  • Monika – A character in “Doki Doki Literature Club!” related to Sayori as they are both members of the same literature club in the game. Monika plays a central role in the game’s plot and her relationship with Sayori is significant.
  • Yuri (百合) – Another character from “Doki Doki Literature Club!” and also a Japanese name meaning “lily.” “Yuri” shares the floral theme with names like “Sayuri.”
  • Natsuki (夏希) – Yet another character from “Doki Doki Literature Club!” and a Japanese name that means “summer hope.” This name, like Sayori, fits the game’s theme of using meaningful Japanese names for its characters.

These terms are culturally or contextually connected to “Sayori,” either through shared origins, meanings, or association with similar characters or concepts.

Sayori Examples

A conversation between two friends via text message.

  • Friend 1: Have you ever played the game Doki Doki?
  • Friend 2: You mean Doki Doki Literature Club on Steam?
  • Friend 1: Yes! That one!
  • Friend 2: LOL! I have played it before, but I stopped playing it once I got to Act 2 and just couldn’t play it anymore due to the content. It hit too close to home.
  • Friend 1: Oh, gotcha. I completely understand. I loved Sayori‘s character! 🙁

An online discussion between two forum users.

  • User 1: Does anyone else here play the Doki Doki Literature Club game on Steam?
  • User 2: I do!
  • User 1: Who is your favorite character? Mine is Sayori.
  • User 2: Mine too! I love her!
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