The term –dere(written as デレ in Katakana) is an umbrella term for all words that end with this specificsuffix; the term itself is usually translated in English as “lovey-dovey”. These terms actually signify a specific type of stock character in manga and anime, usually female, whose main trait is them interacting with their love interest in a certain way. There are numerous types of –dere characters and in this article, we have decided to list 20 of them and explain what they are, how they are written, and also give you some notable examples of such characters.
1. Tsundere
Tsundere(ツンデレ) comes from the Japanese words “tsuntsun” (ツンツン), a mimetic word to describe someone “irritable” or “grumpy”, and “deredere” (デレデレ), meaning “lovey dovey”.
Tsundere characters pretend not to care about someone, although their affection is very obvious. They’ll do things for their love interests, like cook them lunch or buy them stuff, but they’ll insist they don’t love them and make up cheap excuses to try and save face. Tsundere’s characters are not honest with themselves, or at least refuse to be honest with others not to hurt their pride.
Tsundere’s characters refuse to hear what others have to say. They say “hmph!” or “tch!” and turn away, but they eventually turn away out of love for the other person.
Famous examples: Taiga Aisaka, Casca, Noelle Silva, Nanao Ise, Karin Kurosaki, Sarada Uchiha, Boruto Uzumaki, Bulma, Vegeta, Chi Chi, Yuka, Victorique de Blois, Edward Elric
2. Yandere
The “yan” in“yandere”(ヤンデレ) comes from the Jašanese verb “yanderu” (病んでる), which actually means “to be mentally sick.” It is combined with the word “deredere”(デレデレ),meaning “lovey dovey”.
Yandere characters take what would be called love to extremes to form a stronger, closer, and lasting bond with their love. The idea may have arisen by exaggerating the behavior of the “Yamato Nadeshiko” (personification of an idealized Japanese woman). However, there are also male yandere characters.
Yandere characters who are “shock trope” are similar to their love trope brethren, except they have different motivations and, therefore, different outcomes. Most of his behaviors can be attributed to insecurity in his feelings for his love or insecurity in his relationship. Other motivations can be selfishness, loneliness, wanting to feel a certain way, having major mental issues, being incredibly jealous, etc.
Famous examples: Yuno Gasai
3. Dorodere
The word is derived from the terms“dorodoro” (ドロドロ), which can mean muddled or confused, and“deredere”(デレデレ),meaning “lovey dovey”.
Dorodere characters, much like Yandere, seem sweet and endearing at first but are genuinely twisted or disturbed on the inside. Unlike most other dere and yandere-like types, these first show their loving side but later reveal their more assertive side, rather than the other way, which is the case with most types.
There are two types of Dorodere characters – those who dislike or even hate the love interest and those who feel a mixture of hate and love towards their love interest. A character can also manifest signs of both types of Dorodere. While they may act “dere” at first despite the love interest’s hatred, over time, they can develop genuine feelings of love that puzzle over whether they should still see the love interest as an enemy or follow their new love feelings.
Famous examples: Saeko Busujima, Alucard, Reisuke Houjou
4. Dandere
The “dan” indanderecomes from the Japanese word “danmari” (黙り) which means “silence”, and the “dere”, of course, comes from “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “lovey dovey”.
A dandere behaves more or less like a normal person but only speaks when asked or told to. They avoid talking because of their shyness but speak when necessary, sometimes with difficulty or embarrassment. A Dandere tends to be more comfortable around more people. If another unknown person is introduced while the dandere is in a comfortable group, the dandere’s shyness will decrease.
A Dandere character is highly sensitive to criticism from others and feels inferior even when desiring genuine friendships or romantic relationships with others. They prefer to be on their own because they are rejected by society.
Famous examples: Yuki Nagato, Grey, Ururu Tsumugiya, Yoshino, Anri Sonohara, Kisa Sohma, Kanao Tsuyuri, Nezuko Kamado, Hinata Hyuuga, Gojou Wakana, Yuuri Katsuki
5. Kuudere
The “kuu” inthe word “kuudere”(クー) actually comes from the word “kuuru” (クール), which is the katakanization of the English word “cool”; the “dere”, of course, comes from “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “lovey dovey”.
A kuudere refers to a character that is often cold, outspoken, and cynical. They may seem unemotional and stoic on the outside, but on the inside, they care very much, at least when those they love are concerned. Kuudere are those characters who look deadpan, don’t respond to what the love interest says, don’t crack jokes, and are most likely considered some kind of genius with a high IQ.
These characters are usually styled with hair colors of white, blue, or other cool colors. Kuudere’s point is that they are presented as something like moving ice statues. As they build their relationship with the other person, they begin to open up, even showing expressions like a slight smile over time.
Famous examples: Rei Ayanami, Kanade Tachibana, Nozel Silva, Nemu Kurotsuchi, Shoto Todoroki, Mei Aihara, Yin, Decim, Killua Zoldyck, Ai Enma
6. Deredere
This name actually doesn’t have any abbreviation with the base “deredere” (デレデレ) word, which means that they are the perfect example of a “lovey-dovey” stock character.
The Deredere type differs from other Dere types in their usual acceptance when the love interest rejects them, as this Dere type is almost always purely in love. Although they may be in love with someone, they can still develop their characters in a different way than this. The most obvious difference between other similar types is that Deredere characters don’t find it strange that someone else gets along with the person they love, as long as they don’t harm them.
They are fine even though their love starts dating someone else because they are so nice. As long as they are satisfied and happy with the current situation, the deredere won’t make a fuss about what happens in the end. They will even be nice to their rivals while having fun. Deredere characters aren’t afraid to show their love interests care, and affection. However, when it comes to their love for you, they’re either completely open about it or a little reluctant to share those feelings with you. They often cuddle willingly and flirt with their love.
Famous examples: Orihime Inoue, Usagi Tsukino, Emma, Izuku Midoriya, Mina Ashido, Mitsuki, Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, Lucy Heartfilia, Yuno Gasai, Naruto Uzumaki
7. Hiyakasudere
This word is a compound of the terms “hiyakasu” (ひやかす), which means “to banter”, “tease” or “make fun of”, and “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “lovey dovey”.
Hiyakasudere characters, also known as Teasedere (ティーズデレ) in some media, are sarcastic, mischievous, or at least playful at heart, and a bit flirtatious when teasing the people they love. However, on the inside, some who are just super attractive care deeply about their love interest and tease them even more. This is a softer, milder version of erodere.
While the hiyakasudere characters will only try to flirt with the love interest, the erodere will be much more direct, suggesting, thinking, and talking about more intimate plots and situations. Erodere characters are dirtier when talking, while Hiyakasudere characters are instead more charming but respectful of what they can say, usually trying to be attractive enough to tease the love interest a bit or win their heart.
Famous examples: Zero Two, Chelsea, Irina Jelavić, Nemuri Kayama, Bulma, Lucy Heartfilia, Satoru Gojou, Meliodas, Merlin, Blair
8. Goudere
The name Goudere (豪デレ) comes from the combination of the words “gougou” (豪豪) and “deredere” (デレデレ), which are translated as “boisterous” and “lovey dovey”, respectively.
Goudere characters are high achievers who try to get everything they think they want or deserve from their loved ones; They even compel anyone who crosses their path to give or contribute to what the goudere considers their master’s perfection and happiness. Without the other saying anything or misinterpreting an innocent comment, they will decide for themselves what their lover would like to have in their life.
They usually go to extremes, turning something simple into a monumental goal. For example, his love interest, who wants candy, causes them to buy or rob the whole candy store or even steal all the candy they find on their way, whether the love interest wants it – which they usually don’t. The goudere does not necessarily consider the desires of his special someone but rather decides what he wants for the love interest.
Famous examples: Tooru, Soifon, Karin Uzumaki
9. Ahodere
Ahodere (アホデレ) comes from the words “aho” (アホ), which means “stupid”, and “deredere” (デレデレ), meaning “lovey dovey”.
Ahodere characters are –dere-type characters who are oblivious to other people’s feelings. No matter how many clues they get or how obvious it is that someone is in love with them, they just can’t figure out what their love interest is like until they say straight up. “I love you.” Because Ahodere’s characters can be so clueless, they can do essentially romantic things with their love without realizing the repercussions.
They will act confused when their love seems embarrassed. Some Ahodere characters may not even realize that they are in love. These characters may mistake signs of infatuation for something else, e.g., if their cheeks turn red, like a cold. At the moment they realize they are in love, these characters will be very surprised and start behaving differently toward their love interest, usually in a very silly way.
Famous examples: Son Goku, Asta, Yami Sukehiro, Yuzu Aihara, Chizuru Yoshida, Atsushi Otani, Heiji Hattori, Akane Tendo, Kasumi Tendo, Anya Forger, Ryuuji Takasu, Violet Evergarden
10. Megadere
The real meaning of this word is unknown, but it probably comes from the Japanese word “megane” (眼鏡/めがね), which means “glasses”, and deredere (デレデレ) which means “lovey-dovey”.
Megadere signs are a more exaggerated case of the deredere type. They are not afraid to show their emotions for their love because it is only when they see or think of them that they will exaggeratedly show their loving side. So your crush on someone will be obvious to other characters and even the love interest in some cases. They will giver their all to attract the attention of the person they like.
If they are more open, they won’t even hesitate to perform acts of love like hugging them or following them. Their reactions to them will be so exaggerated that there will be many occasions where the Megadere will be depicted with hearts around them, heart eyes, dreamy pink backgrounds, and, most importantly, expressions of infatuation.
Famous examples: Ayame Sarutobi, Usagi Tsukino, Brock, Hinata Hyuuga, Motoko Minagawa, Marika Tachibana
11. Onidere
This word is a compound of “oni” (オニ), a Japanese word signifying a demon, and “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “lovey dovey”.
Onidere characters are like Kamidere characters, but instead of thinking they are a god, they think they are a demon lord. Some of them may be real supernatural beings, but others would just think they are. They believe they are powerful demons or a being of darkness. They feel in a higher position than others, like a Kamidere, but usually extremely determined, with megalomania, psychopathy, and insane actions and thoughts, making them even more dangerous than Kamidere.
Some Onidere characters may behave this way because they feel they have to be cruel and feel strong in the position they are in, but they will eventually show their “dere” side when their “oni”-outside is broken by someone with a good heart who accepts them for who they really are.
Famous examples: Megumin, Shun Kaidou, Power, Muzan Kibutsuji,
12. Sadodere
This word is a compound of “sado” (サド), which is taken from the phrase “sadomasoch*stic” (サドマゾヒスト), and “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “lovey dovey”.
A sadodere is a troublemaker who likes to manipulate the feelings of others and often takes pleasure in doing so. It is common for a sadodere to play with his love’s emotions and humiliate him. Typically defined by their sad*stic tendencies, sadodere characters can be violent and cruel towards others and even more cruel and violent towards their loved ones.
They still have a severe lack of empathy, but some characters who are sadodere can redeem themselves. A sadodere is known to hurt others physically and emotionally because he wants to and enjoys doing it. Its opposite is the masodere.
Famous examples: Kurumi Tokisaki, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Frieza, Akito Sohma, Alucard
13. Usodere
The name “usodere” (嘘デレ) comes from the combination of the Japanese words “usotsuki” (嘘つき) and “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “liar” and “lovey dovey”.
They are compulsive liars who seek to please others and their love by faking their true selves and hiding their feelings. To win the affection of others, they make decisions and act based on exclusicely logical and practical considerations that help them gain the acceptance and trust of others. You can never trust a Usodere because they’ll probably find a way to look good with lies.
You will make people believe you are sincere and trustworthy because you speak confidently. Some may also use dirty tricks to win over the love interest and leave other rivals as villains instead, although this isn’t the case. It’s also possible that they’re lying about something they want to keep secret because they think knowing that aspect of themselves will make people hate them, so they hide it with lies to make them look normal and be accepted.
Famous examples: Kaguya Shinomiya, Ichika Nakano, Miyuki Shirogane, Usopp
14. Kamidere
This word is a compound of “kami” (神), which means “God” in Japanese, and “deredere” (デレデレ) which means “lovey dovey”.
Kamidere characters believe they are a god or higher being. They feel in a higher position than others, even though they are not a deity and are only human or of the same species as other characters. They are also very arrogant and proud and aren’t afraid to speak their mind and show everyone how right they are. They are considered an extreme version of the Himedere and Oujidere characters. They believe that they are the most perfect and infallible beings and should be given special attention and priority.
Her pride makes her very arrogant, arrogant, and stubborn. Kamidere’s characters think they’re better than everyone else and are always right. If they are not of the same type or position as the protagonists or other characters, they will also claim that these groups are inferior to them and, in extreme cases, exterminate them en masse. They will be even more arrogant and proud if they are true deities and the other characters are not.
Famous examples: Haruhi Suzumiya, Sousuke Aizen, Griffith, Light Yagami, Boruto Uzumaki, Momoshiki Otsutsuki, Orochimaru, Frieza, Cell, Madara Uchiha
15. Inudere
Inudere(犬デレ) comes from the Japanese words “inu” (犬), which means “dog,” and “deredere” (デレデレ), meaning “lovey-dovey.”
Inudere characters behave like dogs, some even Inumimi, or part human and part dog. When they express their love, they may try to “wiggle” a part of their body, e.g., with their hair when they don’t have a tail. They will also tend to add “pale” to their sentences. Inudere characters are generally energetic, or at least generally happy. They can also be described as somewhat narrow-minded or determined.
These traits may be their default personality, or they may appear excited or airy when showing their softer side. Inudere characters are generally portrayed as somewhat appetizing. They can eat a lot at once and are almost always hungry. They are generally faithful to their love as a dog is to its master. An Inudere can also be a real dog or Inumimi for his master. These types of Inudere can be very protective of their master.
Famous examples: Michiru Inukai, Denji, Shigure Sohma, InuYasha
16. Shundere
The word is a compound of “shun…” (しゅん。。。), a Japanese sound effect used to represent melancholy, being down, sad, depressed, etc., and “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “lovey dovey”.
Shundere characters almost never smile, but their love interest can help them open up and feel accepted. You tend to ignore and avoid others for no reason. A shundere is almost or always sad for small things. The second type of Shundere are those who don’t show their sadness to people and hide it all the time but are very sad all the time. If they are seen smiling, it will likely be a fake smile they show in public to hide their inner sadness.
Famous examples: Tomoko Kuroki
17. Masodere
Masodere(マゾデレ) comes from the words “maso” (マゾ), which is short for “masoch*st”, and “deredere” (デレデレ), meaning “lovey dovey”.
Masodere characters have expressed masoch*stic tendencies. Wanting to be hurt and shamed, these characters find joy in their own suffering. Masodere’s characters want their love to abuse them mentally or physically, especially when enjoying the pain inflicted on them by someone they admire.
They fit perfectly with the “Sadodere” characters. While both Dere types enjoy humiliation and pain, Sadodere characters enjoy inflicting it on others, mostly loved ones, while Masodere characters enjoy inflicting it on themselves, mostly by loved ones. It is the opposite of sadodere.
Famous examples: Darkness, Akeno Himejima, Ruby Toujo, Hidan
18. Erodere
The nameerodere(エロデレ) comes from the combination of the words “eroi” (エロい) and “deredere” (デレデレ), which translate to “erotic” and “lovey dovey”, respectively.
Erodere characters will behave evilly at first, but as they get to know the love interest better, they will fall in love and develop a purer, sweeter love for them. These characters will pretend to be perverted and seductive in front of others, especially the love interest, to hide their true romantic feelings. They’ll pretend to be just lewd and lewd, but they’re actually more vulnerable and romantic than they want others to see.
They can also be characters that have a pronounced a lewd trait, be flirtatious and lusty with others, and talk to people with a few hints of suggestive topics. They aren’t shy about suggesting naughty things to anyone who catches their eye or might be interested. However, once they find true love, they will be less evil, at least with others.
Famous examples: Jiraiya, Kon, Minoru Mineta, Arsène Lupin III, Brook, Sanji
19. Nyandere
The wordnyandere(ニャンデレ) is a compound of the word “nyan” (ニャン), which is a Japanese onomatopoeia for a cat sound, and “deredere” (デレデレ), which means “lovey dovey”.
Nyandere characters tend to include “nyan” in their sentences. They might even be Nekojin, who is half cat and half human. When expressing their love, they can say “nya~” to show their love feelings.
Famous examples: Blair, Ichigo Momomiya, Haineko, Shouko Komi, Korin
20. Bakadere
Bakaderecomes from the words “baka” (バカ), which can mean “stupid”, “moron”, “fool”, or most commonly, “idiot”, and “deredere” (デレデレ), meaning “lovey dovey”.
For the most part, Bakadere characters are very innocent and cute, but their stupidity outweighs their other attributes. They are basically weak, dizzy, or clumsy girls or boys in love. They also tend to behave like children who need to be cared for and informed about the lives and interests of others. Most of these characters are generally carefree and optimistic due to their lack of intelligence. Bakadere’s characters also act childlike and airy. They usually rush into things without thinking about them logically, which leads to embarrassing or even disastrous situations.
However, not all characters of this type are actually stupid; they just act a little stupid towards others, even on purpose. In this case, these characters are generally considered an example of Deredere rather than Bakadere. It’s not uncommon for a Bakadere character to also be a Deredere character due to their innocence. Both types also tend to make people around them smile, some intentionally and sometimes unintentionally.
Famous examples: Sheele, Rin Okumura, Ayumu Kasuga, Kon, Isshin Kurosaki, Mina Ashido, Chio Miyamo, Shin-chan, Shiro, Son Goku, Mirajane Strauss, Natsu Dragneel, Naruto Uzumaki, Monkey D. Luffy, Ash Ketchum, Yor Forger
