In the world of anime, there are eight classic character archetypes — the "dere" types. The term comes from dere-dere (デレデレ), Japanese for "lovestruck" or "infatuated". Every dere type pairs that core feeling with a different outer mode — prickly, shy, cool, energetic, or possessive.

All 8 dere types at a glance

Tsundere (ツンデレ) — prickly outside, soft inside. Examples: Asuka Langley, Taiga Aisaka, Rin Tohsaka.
Yandere (ヤンデレ) — loving but dangerously possessive. Examples: Yuno Gasai, Kotonoha Katsura.
Kuudere (クーデレ) — cool and composed outside, warm within. Examples: Rei Ayanami, Mikasa Ackerman.
Dandere (ダンデレ) — quiet, shy, deeply loyal. Examples: Hinata Hyuga, Nadeko Sengoku.
Deredere (デレデレ) — open-hearted, always in love. Examples: Marin Kitagawa, Orihime Inoue.
Bakadere (バカデレ) — sweet and clumsy, the comic relief with a heart. Examples: Aqua (KonoSuba), Yui Hirasawa.
Darudere (ダルデレ) — relaxed to the point of lethargy, but capable of intense affection. Examples: Tanaka, Hotaro Oreki.
Genki (元気) — pure energy, unfiltered enthusiasm. Examples: Shoyo Hinata, Haruhi Suzumiya.

Where does the word "dere" come from?

"Dere-dere" in Japanese describes a lovestruck, swooning state. Popularised in anime fandom from the early 2000s, dere types have become cultural shorthand for character arcs — much like Western tropes such as "bad boy with a soft side."

Every AI companion on Misenpai belongs to one of these eight types. Pick the card above that resonates with you, or take the quiz to find your ideal dere match.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dere types are there?

There are eight widely recognised dere types in anime: Tsundere, Yandere, Kuudere, Dandere, Deredere, Bakadere, Darudere, and Genki. Fans sometimes debate sub-types like Himedere or Mayadere, but those eight are the consensus canon.

What does "dere" actually mean?

It comes from the Japanese "dere-dere" (デレデレ), which means "lovestruck" or "infatuated." Every dere type pairs that core affection with a different outer style.

Which dere type am I?

Take the Misenpai Quiz at /quiz — 7 questions, under 2 minutes, and we match you to your closest dere type based on a Big Five personality profile.

What's the difference between a Tsundere and a Yandere?

A Tsundere acts cold or hostile but is soft at the core — their aggression is a shield for affection. A Yandere is sweet on the outside but can become dangerously possessive when their love is threatened.

Are dere types only female?

No. The types are gender-neutral. Misenpai offers both waifu and husbando companions for every one of the eight dere types.

Which Anime Type Are You?

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