Hang on tight. We're about to reveal some of the best Japanese insults that you'll read.
Maybe you'll want to learn to see how others use it on you, or perhaps you're joking around with your friends. Keep in mind that Japanese culture is a particularly polite one, and it's rare you'll be called any of these insults! We also recommend you checking out our article on Japanese swear words if you want to go deeper into learning about Japanese insults.
We've translated the following insults into English from kana, which is the Japanese writing system.
Hope you enjoy and share the article with a friend!
15 Japanese Insults That Every Beginner Needs to Know
To warm you up, we're going to start with a few milder Japanese insults before we get to the rougher ones that are likely NSFW.
1. Aho (あほ) - Idiot
Let's start soft. Aho is not always delivered as an insult, as it can be used in a friendly way amongst loved ones. However, like English or any language, if you say this to a complete stranger, they may not take it so well.
2. Kuso (糞) = Shit
This one is likely going to be expressed towards yourself. Whether you stump your toe or forget your keys in the car, you can express your frustration with 'Kuso.' Yes, it's not an insult towards someone else, but we felt this fit into the same category of other insults.
3. Yowamushi (弱虫) - Coward
Now, calling someone a coward can either really anger someone or lead to no reactions. In a masculine environment, calling one 'Yowamushi' will certainly boil up the testosterone levels.
4. Uso tsuki (嘘つき) - Liar
Yikes. Now, no one likes being called the 'L' word. This is especially true when you're discussing something sensitive like money or relationships. Japanese or not, it's hard to spin calling someone a liar as a joke. That's why you may want to tread carefully with this Japanese insult, despite how you express it.
5. Kimoi (きもい) - Creepy
So your friend is acting a bit weird. Some would say 'creepy' whether it's intentional or unintentional. Kimoi is a perfect way to describe them in Japanese whenever you get a chance.
6. Yarô (野郎) - Jerk
When you meet a person who's not playing nice, you call them out on it. On a rating of 1-10, we'd give this a 2.5 in terms of offensive Japanese insults. But that's why we're giving you 15 of them to choose from!
7. Dasai (ださい) - Lame
We all have one friend who ruins the vibe or party for everyone. It's a Friday night, and you're all excited to go out after dinner, until a friend who is being 'dasai' suggests you stay in instead! Or depending on how old you are, that may not be so lame!
8. Chibi (ちび) - Shorty
Size can be a sensitve topic in Asia. Physical appearancse like height seems to be of greater importance than western cultures. Not to say that calling someone a 'shorty' wouldn't cause offense to someone in any culture!
9. Warugaki (わるがき) - Brat
Like 'Yaro', the word brat is a relatively soft insult. At least in English, it's mostly used in reference to someone amateur because of their younger behavior.
10. Debu (でぶ) - Fatty
There isn't a ton of overweight people in Japan, despite the fact that Sumo wrestling was originated from the country. With that said, it's unclear how big of an insult this is in general, but in joking terms, it's a useful one to keep in mind! Especially when you're trying to guilt your friends to get that last piece of pizza on the table :)
Alright, hopefully you're warmed up. The following insults we recommend keeping to yourself or close friends, as these are definitely not safe for work or children.
11. Chikushô (畜生) - F*ck
The classic 'f-word' is most directly translated to Chikusho. Of course, every language has their own internal meaning, but from the research we've found, this is the closest resemblance.
12. Ijiwaru (意地悪) - Bitchy
Can you tell we're getting into dangerous territory? Not much more to add here except use with caution!
13. Busu (ぶす) - Ugly woman
Yikes. Why would anyone want to say this? We don't know, but we'll just leave it here.
14. Hentai (へんたい) - Perverted
There's another meaning for 'hentai' which we recommend you google on your own time (definitely not at the office).
15. Kutabare! (くたばれ!) - Go to hell!
Last but not least, the classical phrase you say before you walk out of the room in a heated argument. Wondering how you pronounce Kutabare? We've got you.
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Go beyond just Japanese insults
We hope you enjoyed learning a bit of the darker side of Japanese. As a reminder, Japan has one of the most friendliest and respectful cultures in the world, and we don't ever see the need to use these insults. However, if your personal curiousity is itching, you can also check out our popular article on Japanese swear words.
As always, if you're interested in learning how to speak Japanese for real, we recommend checking out Rype. You'll connect with professional Japanese tutors who are native speakers to help you keep accountable, motivated, and reach conversational fluency in no time!
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