1The second (party, rank, grade); B. Paired with 甲 (kō, “A”). Commonly used in contracts to refer to the second party — i.e., the counterparty.
本契約において、甲は乙に対し下記の業務を委託する。
In this contract, Party A (kō) shall entrust the following work to Party B (otsu).
書類は甲・乙・丙の順に分類されている。
The documents are classified in the order of 甲, 乙, 丙.
成績は甲・乙・丙の三段階で評価される。
Grades are evaluated on a three-tier scale: A (甲), B (乙), C (丙).
2Stylish, chic, tasteful, or witty — used as a na-adjective in patterns like 乙な味 (a fine/refined flavor) or 乙な計らい (a tasteful gesture). Has a slightly old-fashioned, sophisticated ring.
雨の日に温かいお茶を飲むのも乙なものだ。
Sipping hot tea on a rainy day has its own quiet charm.
この料理、塩だけのシンプルな味付けが乙だね。
The simple, salt-only seasoning of this dish is wonderfully tasteful.
あの店のさりげない心遣いが乙だ。
The understated thoughtfulness of that shop is really classy.
3Strange, quaint, or somewhat odd — a na-adjective use. Depending on context, can carry a mildly positive nuance of “oddly charming.”
彼の言い回しは少し乙なところがある。
There's something a bit quaint about the way he phrases things.
古い旅館の佇まいが乙で、つい長居してしまった。
The old inn had such a quaint atmosphere that I ended up lingering.
4Slang abbreviation of お疲れ様 (“good work / thanks for the effort”), used in online chat, message boards, and game streams. Comes from the shortening お疲れ → おつかれ → おつ → 乙.
今日の配信お疲れ様でした！乙です！
Great stream today! Otsu (nice work)!
ナイスゲーム、乙〜
Nice game, gg~
発表終わったの？乙乙！
You finished your presentation? Nice work!
5A casual sign-off used at the end of voice chats, streams, or text chats — like saying “later” or “night,” derived from the same お疲れ slang.
そろそろ寝るわ、乙〜
I'm gonna sleep — later, all!
じゃあ今日はここまで。みんな乙！
Okay, that's it for today. Later, everyone!