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Japanese dramas and anime contain rude language such as バカ (baka), あほ (aho) and くそ (kuso). The twelve expressions below help you recognize insults and their strength. Translations are approximate; tone and context matter, and fictional dialogue is not a model for polite conversation.
1. バカ (baka) – Stupid, Idiot
バカ (baka) means “fool,” “idiot” or “stupid.” It can be an insult or self-criticism. Friends sometimes use it jokingly, but the relationship and tone determine whether it is hurtful.
かのじょのいうことをしんじるなんて、わたしはなんてばかなんだろう。
Kanojo no iu koto wo shinjiru nante, watashi wa nante baka nan darou.
How foolish I am to believe what she says!
しけんで０てんとったの？ばか！
Shiken de rei ten totta no? Baka!
You got 0 on the exams? (You must be) Stupid!
2. ばかやろう(bakayarou) – Asshole, Idiot
ばかやろう (baka yarō) is a stronger insult than バカ, roughly “you idiot” or “you bastard.” It does not specifically mean that someone is a liar or hypocrite.
3. あほ (aho) – Moron
あほ (aho) means “fool” or “idiot.” It is particularly associated with Kansai, but both あほ and バカ are understood throughout Japan. Their relative force varies by region, relationship and tone.
For example,
おまえ、あほか？！
Omae, ahoka?!
Are you an idiot?!
あほか！
Ahoka!
Are you an idiot?!
4. くそ (kuso) – Shit, Crap
くそ or kuso is usually used as an interjection or intensifier. While this word means “shit”, “f*ck” or “crap”, its meanings may actually vary depending on its context and how it is used.
For example,
クソッ、またしっぱいだ。
Kuso, mata shippai da.
Damn, I failed again!
このくそやろう！
Kono kuso yarou!
You bastard!
5. ちくしょう (chikushou) – Shit, Son of a B*tch
ちくしょう (chikushō), written 畜生, is often an exclamation such as “damn it!” English swear words are contextual equivalents, not literal translations.
For example,
ちくしょう、パンクだ。
Chikushou, panku da.
Shit, I’ve got a flat tire.
ちくしょう、さいふわすれちゃった！
Chikushou, saifu wasurechatta!
Damn it, I forgot my wallet.
6. わるがき(warugaki) – Brat
わるがき (warugaki), 悪ガキ, means a mischievous or badly behaved child: “brat.” It is not a neutral term for anyone who annoys you.
7. ふざけるな (fuzakeru na) – Stop messing around!
ふざけるな (fuzakeru na) literally means “don’t fool around” or “stop messing around.” It may express angry disbelief (“you’ve got to be kidding”), but does not literally mean “go away.”
For example,
ふざけんじゃねえよ。
Fuzaken janee yo.
Are you f*cking kidding me?
8. どけ(doke) – “Get out of the way!”
どけ (doke) is a blunt command to move out of the way. A polite alternative is すみません、通してください (sumimasen, tōshite kudasai): “Excuse me, please let me through.”
For example,
どけ！じゃまだ。
Doke! Jama da.
Get out of my way! (You’re in my way!)
9. しね (shine) – Die!
しね (shine), 死ね, is the imperative of 死ぬ: “die.” It is a severe, hostile expression, rather than an ordinary way to say you are annoyed.
10. ブス(busu) – Extremely Ugly Woman
ブス (busu) is a derogatory insult directed at someone’s appearance, often a woman’s. The supposed derivation from ぶさい given in some informal explanations is not reliable; learn its meaning and offensiveness rather than treating that as an established etymology.
For example,
あのおんなはちょうブスだぞ！
Ano onna wa chou busu da zo!
That woman is really ugly!
あんたブス！
Anta busu!
You’re (really) ugly!
11. ウルサイ (urusai) – Shut up!
This word literally means “noisy” but you can also use this to tell someone to shut up, or if someone is being annoying.
For example,
うるさい！
Urusai!
Shut up!
あんたはほんとうにうるさいなあ。
Anta wa hontou ni urusai naa.
You are really annoying.
12. だまれ(damare) – Shut up!
だまれ (damare), 黙れ, is a forceful command meaning “be quiet” or “shut up.” A polite request is 静かにしてください (shizuka ni shite kudasai).
For example,
だまれ。しゃべりすぎだ。
Shut up. You talk too much. (Damare. Shaberisugi da.)
Now that you have learned more Japanese curses and insults, always be mindful of actually saying these as you might get in trouble or offend other people’s feelings.
Do you know any other Japanese insults not included here? Share it with us in the comments!
