You might be familiar with the cool kuudere or perhaps the ever-beloved yet difficult to love tsundere, but the practice of stuffing characters into a box and slapping a “-dere” label on their personality is a vast one.
No well-written character is just one archetype, but that hasn’t stopped a lot of anime fans from creating new “-dere” hybrids to quantify their favorite anime characters. There are a lot of different “-dere” categories out there now. Some of them interesting and applicable while others are more suspiciously specific. If you have been through the standard dere offerings and wish to explore the crevices, here are a whole bunch of new dere types you probably haven’t heard of.
Before diving in, I feel it prudent to remind the saltier of us that most if not all anime characters are more than one type of “dere.” As an example, yes, Vegeta is a big buff tsundere, but as the prince of all Saiyans, he’s also got big oujidere energy too.
Best Obscure Anime Dere Types
Looking For More Dere?
Shindere
Japanese word “Shine,” meaning die + “Deredere” meaning loving = Shindere
The shindere is a person who has died and become a ghost, or at least has been brought back from death. Not zombies, though. That’s a different dere. They live very lonely lives, and tend to cling deeply to people that can see them or enter into their lives.
Examples of shindere anime characters include:
- Menma from Anohana
- Yuuna from Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs
- Hanako from Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Zondere
“Zonbi” is the katakanization of the English word “Zombie” + “Deredere” meaning loving = Zondere
Similar to a shindere, but the zondere is not a ghost or revived person. They are specifically resurrected as a zombie. This typically applies most to the intelligently resurrected zombies, since the other kind is… less likely to form meaningful relationships.
Examples of zondere anime characters include:
- Sanka Rea from Sankarea
- All the girl idols from Zombieland Saga
- Aikawa from Is This a Zombie?
Goudere
Japanese word “Gougou,” meaning boisterous + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Goudere
A goudere is a faithful servant or ultimate hype man. They believe the person they are serving is deserving of everything in the world, and would move as many mountains as possible to make their dreams come true.
Examples of goudere anime characters include:
- Tooru from Miss Kobyashi’s Dragon Maid
- Jaken from Inuyasha
- Senko from Meddlesome Kitsune Senko-san
Ahodere
Japanese word “Aho,” meaning stupid + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Ahodere
Similar to the bakadere, the ahodere is a big dumb-dumb. However, it is not that they are stupid in all ways, it is more so that they are just super oblivious to the affections directed at them. You know, like your standard shounen harem protagonist.
Examples of ahodere anime characters include:
- Nozaki from Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
- Goku from Dragon Ball Z
- Ryuuji from Toradora
Usodere
Japanese word “Usotsuki,” meaning liar + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Usodere
The usodere is a chronic liar. They will fake their own personality and hide their feelings if it means gaining affection. They will always find a way to look good with their lies, and may undermine rivals behind the scenes. Typically, they need to be snared in a lie and taught to accept who they really are.
Examples of usodere anime characters include:
- Ichika from The Quintessential Quintuplets
- Both Kaguya and Shirogane from Kaguya-sama: Love is War
- Masamune from Masamune-kun’s Revenge
Erodere
Japanese word “Eroi,” meaning erotic + “Deredere” meaning loving = Erodere
The erodere is all horned up. They are all innuendos and in-your-endo’s right up until they actually fall in love. You know what happens then? Suddenly they are all embarrassed. Well, not always. Often male versions of this type will remain horndogs to the end, love just puts a lease on it.
Examples of erodere anime characters include:
- Nazuna from Call of the Night
- Nagatoro from Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro
- Issei from High School DxD
Uzadere
Japanese word “Uzai,” meaning annoying + “Deredere” meaning loving = Uzadere
The uzadere is loud, boisterous, and often annoying to the people they are around. They lack the social awareness to understand that they are being annoying, and it takes a special breed of human to fall in love with them. Their love interests often find them annoying too, but in a charming way.
Examples of uzadere anime characters include:
- Uzaki from Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out
- Inosuke from Demon Slayer
- Najimi from Komi-san Can’t Communicate
Biridere / Gundere
Japanese sound effect “Biribiri,” meaning crackling electricity noise + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Biridere
English word “Gun” +”Deredere,” meaning loving = Gundere
These two are “suspiciously specific” dere types so I paired them together. They are essentially the same thing, really. They are characters who are violent in their affections like a tsundere, but express it with either electricity or guns instead of good old-fashioned fists.
Examples of biridere/gundere anime characters include:
- Lum from Urusei Yatsura (Biri)
- Misaka from A Certain Scientific Railgun (Biri)
- Isuzu from Amagi Brilliant Park (Gun)
- Revy from Black Lagoon (Gun)
Kichidere
Japanese word “Kichigai,” which is a ruder form of calling someone crazy + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Kichidere
Usually a kichidere is a two-faced person. They have their insane side, and a loving side they show to people they care about. They are similar to the yandere, but not the same. The yandere is made crazy by love, the kichidere was already demented before love.
Examples of kichidere anime characters include:
- Esdeath from Akame ga Kill
- Sato from Happy Sugar Life
- Tsukino from Koutoura-san
Kiredere
Japanese word “Kire,” meaning sharp + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Kiredere
The kiredere is a person that is often very harsh with their love interest. They are unhappy with something about their lover, and they believe they can better themselves with strongly worded motivation. They don’t do it out of hate, they do it because they care.
Examples of kiredere anime characters include:
- Bisco from Sabikui Bisco
- Chidori from Full Metal Panic
- Maeda from Mars Red
Himedere / Oujidere
Japanese word “Hime,” meaning princess and “Ouji,” meaning prince + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Himedere / Oujidere
This character type wants to be treated like royalty, even if they aren’t. They believe themselves elevated and deserve treatment as such.
Examples of himedere anime characters include:
- Erina from Food Wars
- Mio from The World God Only Knows
- Azuki from The Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat
This also has a gender opposite in the form of oujidere where male characters want to be treated like princes. Oddly enough, many oujidere’s are, in fact, princes.
Examples of oujidere anime characters include:
- Lelouch from Code Geass
- Ciel from Black Butler
- Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z
Ojoudere / Jendere
Japanese word “Oujo,” meaning a refined lady + “Deredere” meaning loving = Ojoudere
“Jentoruman “ which is the katakanization of the English word “Gentleman” + “Deredere” meaning loving = Jendere
The oujodere and jendere are female/male gendered terms like the himedere/oujidere, but to less of an extreme. Instead, these men and women are calmer, refined beings that act more like royalty that represents the people rather than snobbish rich royals. They are often feature top-tier manners.
Examples of ojoudere anime characters include:
- Elizabeth from Seven Deadly Sins
- Momo from My Hero Academia
- Miyuki from The Irregular at Magic High School
Examples of jendere anime characters include:
- Kongming from Ya Boy Kongming
- Sengoku from Horimiya
- Tamaki from Ouran High School Host Club
Kamidere
Japanese word “Kami,” meaning god + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Kamidere
The kamidere does not necessarily mean godly characters. It just means they want to be treated like a god. Similar to a himedere, but going plus ultra with it. Naturally, this does still include many godly characters.
Examples of kamidere anime characters include:
- Light from Death Note
- Gilgamesh from Fate / Stay
- Aqua from Konosuba
Onidere
Oni is a type of demon from Japanese folklore + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Onidere
The onidere is much like a kamidere, but more outwardly evil and cruel. If they fall in love, they will treat their lover terribly in front of others, but show a loving side in private. They also may be supernatural beings, or just think they are beings of darkness. Regardless, like the kamidere, they believe they are elevated over mere humans.
Examples of onidere anime characters include:
- Power from Chainsaw Man
- Satania from Gabriel DropOut
- Muzan from Demon Slayer
Hinedere
Japanese word “Hine,” meaning to twist and turn + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Hinedere
Not to be confused with the aforementioned “himedere”, the distinctly different “hinedere” is the height of cynicism. They often have cold attitudes and a poor outlook to the world. Often you will find this pessimism dispelled by love.
Examples of hinedere anime characters include:
- Hachiman from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
- Ishigami from Kaguya-sama: Love is War
- Naofumi from The Rising of the Shield Hero
Undere
“Un” is a short way of saying yes in Japanese + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Undere
Undere characters are the agreeable sort, or the “simps,” as you young people might say. They are willing to do whatever for whomever they love, be it family or lovers.
Examples of undere anime characters include:
- Misa from Death Note
- Raphtalia from The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Mikasa from Attack on Titan
Byoukidere
Japanese word “Byouki,” meaning illness + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Byoukidere
The byoukidere character fills a very specific role in anime. They are typically the little sister or the tragic love interest as a byoukidere is someone who is quite sweet, but sickly. They are designed to evoke your pity, and unfortunately, their death flag gets stronger when main character development is needed.
Examples of byoukidere anime characters include:
- Nagisa from Clannad
- Yui from Angel Beats
- Nunnally in Code Geass
Bokodere
Japanese word “Bokoru,” meaning to beat someone + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Bokodere
This is a sort of an odd one. Bokodere are very easily confused for a tsundere, as in they can be violent when embarrassed. However, unlike tsunderes that are primarily quite outspoken and confrontational, the bokodere is pretty shy. They are like a hybrid of dandere and tsundere – A sweet girl who may start swinging at first blush.
Examples of bokodere anime characters include:
- Mahiru from Working
- Mio from K-On
- Umi from Love Live
Sadodere
The English term “Sadist” + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Sadodere
The sadodere is a manipulative tease. Their pleasure comes from the humiliating and sometimes pain of those they like. Normally it is just teasing, but their not above a getting a little physical.
Examples of sadodere anime characters include:
- Kurumi from Date a Live
- Izaya from Durarara
- Mitsuba from Mitsudomoe
Hiyakasudere
Japanese word “Hiyakasu,” meaning to tease + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Hiyakasudere
Much like the sadodere, the hiyakasudere loves to tease their lover, but they keep things strictly playful. There is no violence and minimal humiliation.
Examples of hiyakasudere anime characters include:
- Holo from Spice and Wolf
- Takagi from Skillful Teaser Takagi-san
- Usui from Class President is a Maid
Masodere
English word “Masocist” + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Masodere
The exact opposite of sadodere, the masodere would probably get along well with them. They like to be hurt. They love abuse and want humiliation.
Examples of masodere anime characters include:
- Dino from Blend S
- Darkness from Konosuba
- Hori from Horimiya
Mayadere
Either the Japanese word “Mayakashi,” meaning fake or “Ma yaku su,” meaning to cheat + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Mayadere
The mayadere is the turncoat. What usually happens is that they start off as an antagonist, then change sides when they realize they have fallen in love with the main character, or otherwise, a person on the side of good. Feelings of love are not a necessity, though. Those who change sides after defeat are also applicable.
Examples of mayadere anime characters include:
- Esdeath from Akame ga Kill
- Temari from Naruto
- Hiei and Kurama from Yu Yu Hakusho
Shundere
“Shun” refers to the Japanese sound effect that represents depression or melancholy + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Shundere
As the shunned ones, the shundere is often unpopular, and usually pretty sad about it. Unlike similar types of dere, they have no initially clear reason for it. They suffer from depression and usually need someone to yank them out of it.
Examples of shundere anime characters include:
- Rei from March Comes In Like a Lion
- Mei from Another
- Tomoko from Watamote
Utsudere
Japanese word “Utsu,” meaning depression + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Utsudere
Extremely similar to the shundere, the utsudere is a similarly unpopular person, but this time they have reason to be. The utsudere is outcasted often due to trauma. They are bullied, suffering loss, or have been otherwise traumatized by people and events. Typically, the plot requires trust to be built in order for them to overcome this. …Sometimes they also become psychopaths ala Magical Girl Site.
Characters can be both shundere and utsudere. A good example is Rei from March Comes in Like a Lion. He has clinical depression, but also has his reasons to keep people away due to events in his past.
Examples of utsudere anime characters include:
- Kotoura from Kotoura-san
- Nanaka from Myself; Yourself
- Mei from Say I Love You
Bakadere
Japanese word “Baka,” meaning idiot + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Bakadere
Bakadere – They’re the idiots. They are not just limited to dumb-dumbs, though. They are clumsy, ditzy, and often endearing in sheer ignorance of common things. They have license to act childish and impulsive, driving comedy or plot. Having bakadere tenancies is often seen as a way to make a character more likable.
Examples of bakadere anime characters include:
- Yoshiko from Aho Girl
- Tohru from Fruits Basket
- Vash from Trigun
Kanedere
Japanese word “Kane,” meaning money + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Kanedere
Kanedere’s are gold diggers. They ain’t messing with no broke gentlemen. While love can break them, they really only talk to people with wealth or status.
Examples of kanedere anime characters include:
- Fujiko from Lupin III
- Ami from Toradora
- Mogana from Medaka Box
Kitikudere (Thugdere, yo)
Japanese word “Kitiku,” meaning brute + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Kitikudere
The kitikudere is a tough person. They can be prone to violence, but mostly they put on a tough act and have the martial experience to back it up. Unlike your murderous yandere, they typically don’t direct violence at people they like.
Examples of kitikudere anime characters include:
- Revy from Black Lagoon
- Kuwabara from Yu Yu Hakusho
- Nami from One Piece
Nemuidere
Japanese word “Nemui,” meaning sleepy + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Nemuidere
The nemuidere is tired. They are chronically ready for a nap. Imagine that being your defining character trait. No one, save a protagonist with a futon and some ambien, is catching their attention.
Examples of nemuidere anime characters include:
- Kumin from Love, Chunibyou, and Other Delusions
- Aizawa from My Hero Academia
- Sougo from Gintama
Darudere
Japanese word “Darui,” meaning sluggish + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Darudere
Similar to the nemuidere, the darudere isn’t sleepy, they are just lazy. They want to do fuck all, and do that all day. Of course, with this type, when they do lift a finger, it is usually to be a badass.
Examples of darudere anime characters include:
- Umaru from Himouto Umaru-chan
- Shikamaru from Naruto
- Yoh from Shaman King
Dorodere
Japanese word “Dorodoro,” meaning muddled + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Dorodere
Easy to confuse with other violent dere types, the dorodere seems very cute, but is actually quite psychopathic. They have twisted thoughts and may or may not act on them. Typically, they were twisted from normal into their present bout of mental illness, and unlike a yandere, love does not affect their dictate their unpredictable actions.
Examples of dorodere anime characters include:
- Reisuke from Future Diary
- Alluka from Hunter x Hunter
- Junko from Danganronpa
Hajidere
Japanese word “Haji,” meaning embarrassment + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Hajidere
The hajidere is very nervous around their crush, not unlike the dandere, but to a more extreme. Often confessing love is quite impossible for them.
Examples of hajidere anime characters include:
- Tadashi from Haikyuu
- Chiyo from Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun
- Kosaki from Nisekoi
Bocchandere
“Bocchan” is a term that refers to a young master used by servants in Japanese + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Bocchandere
Similar to himedere/oujidere, bocchanderes believe they are better than others. They don’t necessarily demand to be treated that way, but they do think it.
Examples of bocchandere anime characters include:
- Metori from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
- House Silva in Black Clover
- Mikako in Heaven’s Lost Property
Kekkondere
Japanese word “Kekkon,” meaning marriage + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Kekkondere
Why this needs to be a “dere” type, I don’t know, but kekkondere is essentially a person in a rush to get married. They are thirsty for it.
Examples of kekkondere anime characters include:
- Juvia from Fairy Tail
- Neko in Masamune-kun’s Revenge
- Layala in Inuzuma Eleven
Nyandere
The Japanese word for the sound of a cat’s meow, “Nyan” + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Nyandere
Catgirls.
Catgirls. All. Day. Long.
Sometimes catboys.
Examples of nyandere anime characters include:
- Ritsuka from Loveless
- Vanilla and Chocola from Nekopara
- Nyanta from Log Horizon
Yottadere
Japanese word “Yotta,” meaning drunk + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Yottadere
The yottadere has a love of alcohol that goes above and beyond the call of any alcoholic.
Examples of yottadere anime characters include:
- Cana in Fairy Tail
- Yukari in Azumanga Daioh
- Tsunade from Naruto
Megadere
The English word “Mega” + “Deredere,” meaning loving = Megadere
The megadere is the stan. They are all about their crushes and fanperson excessively over them. Although prone to moments of stalking, they are rarely violent.
Examples of megadere anime characters include:
- Toko from Danganronpa
- Palm from Hunter x Hunter
- Hinata from Naruto
Deredere
Deredere means loving!
Not everyone has to be something else plus the dere. Sometimes they can just be all balls of sweetness. These characters are full of joy and extra energetic about it. Immune to trauma, no baggage, and if their love interest isn’t interested, they are just fine with that. It’ll sting, but like a well-adjusted person, they will get over it.
Examples of deredere anime characters include:
- Gon from Hunter x Hunter
- Chitanda from Hyouka
- Chisato from Lycoris Recoil
These are literally the tip of the iceberg. Anime fandom has gone a bit bananas with “dere” types over the years. Do you have a favorite? Let tell us about it in the comments section below.
