The term "Yan" comes from the Japanese verb "Yanderu (病んでる)," which means to be depressed or to suffer. The term "dere" describes a specific character archetype. Dere refers to a character's personality type, usually about their affection towards a love interest. When "Yan" is combined with "Dere," you get the character archetype Yandere. Yandere characters are characters who are initially sweet and loving but become violent and possessive when it comes to their love interest. They are often willing to harm or kill others to protect or be close to the person they love.