Do you know how to describe and write the position of something in Japanese using directions?
We have a new unit for your Kanji practice and studies! This features N5 Kanji that deal with directions such as up, down, north, south, etc.
This is the fifth unit in a series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print. It features N5 Kanji that will appear on the JLPT N5, and mastering these kanji is an important step to passing the test!
This is the third in a series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print.
This series deals with kanji related to the human body. If you want to learn Japanese Kanji that relates to the human body, then you can download these excerpts for free.
We will be releasing more over the coming weeks – so stay tuned to this page as we will update it with new links.
Learning kanji is one of the first big steps in mastering Japanese, and numbers are a great place to start. This free JLPT N5 Kanji Worksheet (Unit 1: Numbers) focuses on essential number-related kanji you’ll encounter early in your studies — perfect for beginners preparing for the JLPT N5. Download the PDF, practice writing each character, and build a strong foundation for your Japanese journey!
Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. This class is perfect for students who plan to take the JLPT exam and work optimally towards their objectives. It covers exam practices and explanations of essentials such as Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and more!
These are the most basic kanji in Japanese — and they’re also the easiest to learn! Mastering numbers 1 to 10 will help you with counting, dates, prices, time, and more.
Number
Kanji
Kana
Meaning
1
一
いち
One
2
二
に
Two
3
三
さん
Three
4
四
し / よん
Four
5
五
ご
Five
6
六
ろく
Six
7
七
しち / なな
Seven
8
八
はち
Eight
9
九
きゅう / く
Nine
10
十
じゅう
Ten
Free Kanji Number Worksheet
Simply save the picture for your own personal review!
Start taking Japanese lessons and master Kanji skills with us!
What is the 日本漢字能力検定?
日本漢字能力検定(Nihon kanjinouryoku kentei), usually knowns as 漢検(Kanken) or the Kanji Kentei, is a test that examines the candidate’s kanji skill. It tests on the candidate’s reading and writing ability of kanji as well as the ability to understand and use them in different contexts. Like the JLPT, it is another good proof of your Japanese knowledge and is useful when applying for jobs in Japan. Although anyone can sit for Kanken, it is challenging for foreign Japanese learners. As such, if you are a foreigner looking for jobs in Japan, acquiring a Kanken certificate will make you stand out from your competitors.
How Difficult is Kanken?
There are in total of 12 levels of Kanken, Grade 10 being the easiest and grade 1 being the hardest. Each level is set for different educational levels starting from primary 1. The requirements and scope of each level are as follows.
Grade 10 (Primary 1 level) Detailed Areas of Focus: Reading & Writing –Ability to read and write kanjis from the first year of the小学校学年別漢字配当表 (list of Kanji by school year). Stroke Order – length of points and strokes. Joints and intersections, stroke order and number of strokes.
Grade 9 (Primary 2 level) Detailed Areas of Focus: Reading & Writing- able to read and write kanji from the second year of the学年別漢字配当表 (list of Kanji by school year). Stroke order – Aware of Length of points and strokes, Joints and intersections; stroke order and number of strokes. Grade 8 (Primary 3 level) Detailed Areas of Focus: Reading & Writing – able to read and write kanjis from the 3rd year of the学年別漢字配当表 (list of Kanji by school year).
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings
Roughly understand the concept of antonyms
Roughly understand the concept of homonyms
Stroke Order – know correct stroke orders and number of strokes. Radicals – able to recognize and understand basic radicals.
Grade 7(Primary 4 level) Detailed Areas of Focus Reading and Writing -Able to read and write kanjis from the fourth year of the学年別漢字配当表 (list of Kanji by school year).
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings
Roughly understand the concept of antonyms
Roughly understand the concept of homonyms
Know about the fundamental composition of Japanese idioms
Stroke order- know correct stroke orders and number of strokes. Radicals- able to recognize and understand radicals.
Grade 6 (Primary 5 level)
Detailed Areas of Focus: Reading& Writing: Able to read and write kanjis from up to the fifth year of the小学校学年別漢字配当表 (list of Kanji by school year).
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings and careful with the correct usage of kana
Know about the structure of idioms
understand the concept of antonyms and synonyms
understand the concept of homonyms
Stroke order -know correct stroke order and number of strokes. Radicals – able to recognize and understand radicals.
Grade 5 (Primary 6 level) Detailed Areas of Focus: Reading and writing: – Able to read and write kanjis from up to the sixth year of the小学校学年別漢字配当表 (list of Kanji by school year).
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings and careful with the proper use of kana
Know about the composition of idioms
understand antonyms, synonyms, and homonyms
Idioms – understand four-character idiomatic phrases Stroke order – know the correct stroke order total number of strokes. Radicals – able to understand and recognize radicals.
Grade 4 (Secondary school level) Detailed Areas of Focus Reading & Writing – Able to read and write all kanjis in the 小学校学年別漢字配当表 (list of kanji by school year) as well as about 300 frequently used kanji. Able to use them in a passage appropriately.
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings and careful with the proper use of kana
Understand the composition of idioms
understand antonyms, synonyms, and homonyms
Understand the concept of 熟語訓 (special kanji readings) and 当て字 (phonetic equivalents)
Idioms – able to understand the meaning of four-character idiomatic phrases. Radicals – able to recognize the radicals and understand their meanings.
Grade 3 (Secondary school graduate level) Detailed Areas of Focus: Reading & Writing – Able to read and write all kanjis in the 小学校学年別漢字配当表 (list of kanji by school year) as well as about 600 frequently used kanji. Able to use them in a passage appropriately.
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings and careful with the proper use of kana
Understand the composition of idioms
understand antonyms, synonyms, and homonyms
Understand 熟語訓 (special kanji readings) and 当て字 (phonetic equivalents)
Idioms – able to understand 4-word idioms. Radicals – able to recognize radicals and understand their meanings.
Grade Semi-2 (High school level)Number of Kanji: 1940 Detailed Areas of Focus Reading & writing – able to read and write about 1940 frequently used Kanji and use them in a passage appropriately.
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings and careful with the proper use of kana
Understand the composition of idioms
Understand antonyms, synonyms, and homonyms
Understand 熟語訓 (special kanji readings) and 当て字 (phonetic equivalents)
Idioms -understand 4-word idioms with traceable origins. Radicals – able to recognize radicals and understand the meanings in terms of the composition of kanji.
Grade 2 (High school graduate/ university/ general public level) Detailed Areas of Focus Reading & writing – Mastered the reading and writing of all frequently used Kanji and able to use them in a passage appropriately.
Understand onyomi and kunyomi
Write correct kana endings and careful with the proper use of kana
Understand the composition of idioms
Understand antonyms and synonyms
Understand homonyms
Understand 熟語訓 (special kanji readings) and 当て字 (phonetic equivalents)
Idioms – understand 4-word idioms with traceable origins. Radicals: able to recognize radicals and understand the meanings in terms of the composition of kanji.
Grade Semi-1 (University/general public level) Detailed Areas of Focus Reading and writing – mastered the reading and writing of the 3000 kanji and able to use them appropriately in a passage.
Understand 熟語訓 (special kanji readings) and 当て字 (phonetic equivalents)
Understand anonyms, synonyms, and homonyms
Understand 国字 (Japanese-made Chinese Characters)
Understand Kanji used to represent locations/nations (this is a type of 当て字)
Understand multiple Kanji Labels. (multiple kanji used to indicate the same meaning interchangeably e.g. 国 and 國)
Idioms -able to understand four-character idiomatic compounds, Proverbs, and 故事成語 (idioms derived from historical stories). Classical literature – able to understand kanji, Chinese characters from Japanese and Chinese literature. Grade 1 (University/General Public Level) Detailed Areas of Focus Reading and writing mastered reading and writing of the 6000 kanji and able to use them appropriately in a passage.
Understand 熟語訓 (special kanji readings) and 当て字 (phonetic equivalents)
Understand anonyms, synonyms, and homonyms
Understand 国字
Understand Kanji used to represent locations/nations
Understand multiple Kanji Labels
Idioms – able to understand four-character idiomatic phrases and proverbs. Classical Literature -able to understand kanji, Chinese characters from classical Japanese, Chinese literature.
Total Scores and Percentage to Pass
Grade 1 ~ 2: 200 full score, pass for scoring 80% and above
Grade semi-2 ~ 7: 200 full score, pass for scoring 70% and above
Grade 8 ~ 10: 150 full score, pass for scoring 80% and above
How to register for the Kanken:
The paper test takes place 3 times in a year, usually in February, June, and October. Registration opens 3 months prior to the test. You can simply register for Kanken online through a few simple steps. Click here to register for Kanken If you wish to take any level from Level 7 to Level 2, you can also register for Kanken CBT (Computer Based Testing). Few reasons why you should register for Kanken CBT
It is Much more convenient. You will be sitting for Kanken on a computer at a test venue on the date chosen by yourself. There are more than 150 test venues in the country. Select the one most convenient for you.
You will receive a physical certificate just like others taking the paper test.
You will get notified your test result much faster. Your result slip will be mailed to you in about 10 days after the test
The registration for Kanken CBT can also be done online. Click here for more registration information Registration fee The registration fees are as shown below. Grade 8 – 10: 1500 yen Grade 5 – 7: 2000 yen Grade Semi-2 – 4: 2500 yen Grade 2: 3500 yen Grade Semi-1: 4500 yen Grade 1: 5000 yen
Start taking Japanese lessons and master Kanji!
The easiest way to say “no” in Japanese is by saying “いいえ (iie).” But did you know that it is not always that simple? Japanese people will rarely give a direct “no” as an answer, preferring instead to communicate indirectly a message that conveys so.
Japanese culture and the language itself have developed to prioritize politeness as a way to maintain peace and cooperation. Because of this, saying “no” directly can feel too harsh or disruptive in a society that highly values harmony. That’s why Japanese speakers usually choose their words very carefully, especially in business or formal situations.
So, what are the different ways you can say “no” in Japanese? How do you decline an invitation or a favor without offending your Japanese peers? In this article, we will go over some unique ways to turn something into Japanese. Let’s continue reading to find out!
Basic ways to say no in Japanese
The exact word and textbook translation for no in Japanese is “いいえ (iie).” In more casual settings, you might also say “ううん (uun)”. Let’s check them out in more detail.
1. いいえ (Iie)
The first and most straightforward way to say “no” in Japanese, which you’ll often see in textbooks, is いいえ (iie). It consists of a long “i” vowel, pronounced “ee” (like in tree), followed by “eh.”
However, textbooks don’t usually mention that iie can sometimes sound too blunt or harsh in real-life situations. While it’s common in forms or situations that require a clear “yes” or “no” — はい (hai) or いいえ (iie) — using iie in conversation can feel like a strong, outright rejection.
To soften your response, Japanese speakers often use いや (iya) in casual situations or いえ (ie) for a shorter, slightly more formal alternative when saying “no.” This brings us to our next topic!
2. いや (Iya)
いや (iya) is a casual way to say “no” or “I don’t want to” in Japanese. It’s less formal than いいえ (iie) and has a softer, more natural tone in everyday conversation. Unlike iie, which can feel like a blunt rejection, iya often expresses personal feelings or reluctance rather than an outright refusal.
There is a catch, though: iya is commonly used with people you are familiar with. We recommend avoiding using it with bosses, strangers, or in polite situations.
In any case, let’s take a look at an example of rejecting an offer using iya.
これ食べる？ Kore taberu? Do you want to eat this?
いや、大丈夫。 Iya, daijoubu. No, I’m fine.
3. ううん (Uun)
ううん (uun) is an informal, casual way to say “no” in Japanese. It is equivalent to “nah” or “nope” in English. To pronounce it, say it like oo-n, with a short pause between the vowels.
Despite being a casual way to say “no” in Japanese, ううん (uun) is often delivered with a friendly, soft intonation, making it a gentle refusal rather than a harsh rejection.
これ欲しい？ Kore hoshii? Do you want this?ううん、いらない。 Uun, iranai. No, I don’t need it.
Be careful not to confuse ううん (uun), a casual way to say “no,” with the “yes” version, うん (un). The latter is a shorter, more affirmative sound, often accompanied by nodding or other body language to show agreement.
4. ちょっと (Chotto)
Now we’re getting to ways of saying “no” indirectly. The first example is ちょっと (chotto), which literally means “a little” or “a little while.” You’ve probably heard it in the phrase ちょっと待って (chotto matte), meaning “please wait a moment.”
When used to decline something, chotto is often a shortened way of saying something like “it’s a little difficult” or “I’m a little too busy.” You can either leave it at just chotto, or add your own excuse.
The beauty of this approach is that, because Japanese people are accustomed to indirect communication, they can usually read between the lines and understand that you are politely declining. This is best used in casual situations with friends or family. Just remember: when someone says chotto to you, it’s also your cue to pick up on the polite refusal!
For example, they could say chotto, which conveys the difficulty of answering a request.
A: 明日一緒に飲みませんか? Why don’t we drink together tomorrow? Ashita, isshyo ni nomimasen ka?
B: ごめんなさい、明日はちょっと用事があって・・・ I am sorry, tomorrow. I have some errands… Gomennasai, ashita wa chotto youji ga atte…
Perhaps the best way to interpret no in Japanese is to understand the different levels. We have divided them into four groups, starting from definite expressions to the grey and ambiguous expressions that you have to read between the lines.
How to say no in Japanese around friends & colleagues
There are three expressions typically used by friends and close colleagues when it comes to expressing refusal: むり, ダメ, and できない. These are ideal for more casual situations.
1. 無理 (muri)
Translation: Impossible
The word むり (muri) literally means “impossible.” It’s a way to say “no” by emphasizing that something can’t be done, like saying, “There is no way I can do that.”
There is a hint of sarcasm when using 無理 (muri), since it’s technically a hyperbole. Overusing it can make you sound negative or defeatist, so it’s best reserved for situations where refusal is truly unavoidable.
For example, if your friend asks if you can get to their house in 5 minutes but they live an hour away, you can say むり (muri).
2. ダメ (dame)
Translation: Not good
ダメ is usually translated into English as “no good”, “not allowed”, or “cannot”. Unlike ちょっと (chotto), which softens a refusal, だめ (dame) does the opposite: it is one of the firmest ways to say “no” in Japanese. It can be used to indicate that a situation is hopeless, that something is broken, or to tell someone that they shouldn’t do something.
A: あなたの部屋(へや)にたべてもいいですか？ Anatono heya ni tabetemo iidesuka? Is it okay if I eat in your room?
B: だめです。 Dame desu. No, you may not.
3. できない (dekinai)
Translation: Cannot
できない is less definite. できない emphasizes your personal inability rather than the impossibility of the situation itself. In other words, it expresses the speaker’s regret that the circumstances would not allow acting in accordance with one’s request. Always keep in mind, these expressions are rarely, if ever, heard as a response to a request in business-related situations.
The nuance of using できない (dekinai) is neutral and factual. Still, it can sound firm depending on the context.
明日手伝える？ Ashita tetsudaeru? Can you help tomorrow?
ごめん、できない。 Gomen, dekinai. Sorry, I can’t do it.
How to say no in Japanese in a business context
Saying “no” in Japanese when you are speaking with a client or company partner is even trickier. Professionals use softer, more tactful ways to decline requests, turn down proposals, or express limitations without offending colleagues or clients. In general, people can use these three expressions:
1. 厳しい (kibishii) & 難しい (Muzukashii)
Translation: Strict and difficult
Words like 厳しい (kibishii) or 難しい (muzukashii) are used to softly communicate refusal or difficulty. These terms imply that a request is challenging or difficult to fulfill, without outright rejecting it.
厳しい (kibishii) is often used to indicate that meeting a request would be difficult due to rules, standards, or constraints.難しい (muzukashii), on the other hand, suggests that completing the task or agreeing to the request is complicated or challenging.
今の状況では、対応が難しいです。 Ima no joukyou dewa, taiou ga muzukashii desu. Given the current situation, it’s difficult to accommodate.
2. 大変 (Taihen)
Translation: Tough, difficult, hard
たいへん (taihen), on the other hand, refers to a suggestion or request that is not easy because of a situation’s complexity. The word has a similar meaning to むずかしい (muzukashii), but is often used for situations or experiences rather than just problems.
The term たいへん can be subjective and creates ambiguity amongst the parties involved in various business relations.
Speaking Japanese in a formal capacity can seem overwhelming and full of nuances to be aware of. So, read our Introduction to Japanese Keigo to overcome the fear of speaking out of turn in delicate situations.
3. 遠慮する (Enryo suru)
遠慮する literally means “to refrain” or “to hold back,” and in business Japanese, it’s a polite way to decline an offer, invitation, or request without directly saying no.
今回は遠慮させていただきます。 Konkai wa enryo sasete itadakimasu. I will respectfully decline this time.
Other ways to indirectly say no in Japanese
Other words tend to dwell in the grey areas of meaning and interpretation. Even native Japanese speakers could misinterpret the signals these words are meant to express. But it’s possible the ambiguity is intentional to avoid commitment or disrupting harmony when multiple parties are involved in the decision-making.
1. 微妙 (Bimiyoe)
Translation: Subtle, delicate, tricky
びみょう expresses a borderline scenario where neither party can express certainty of what will play out. Despite the underlying uncertainty hinted at in びみょう, more often than not, the speaker means to decline.
2. 結構です (Kekkou)
Translation: Enough
The Japanese expression けっこうです may be the greyest of these expressions. The term can have completely opposite meanings, such as an affirmative “ok” or a negative “no thank you”.
Now, this brings us to いそがしい, typically used as an excuse to decline a request. Of course, it is a tactical way to say no in Japanese, and you can use it even though you are not actually busy! People usually take it as an immediate hint that you can’t go to an invitation. If you got this reply from your Japanese peers, and don’t bother asking to reschedule despite!
明日、公園行くか？ Ashita, kouen iku ka？ Tomorrow, do you want to go to the park?
ごもえん、明日は少し忙しくて… Sumimasen, ashita wa sukoshi isogashikute.. Sorry, tomorrow I am a bit busy..
4. 大丈夫 (Daijoubu)
大丈夫 (daijoubu) literally means “okay” or “all right,” but in Japanese, it can also be used to politely decline help, an offer, or a suggestion without directly saying “no.” Basically, you are saying that you can manage on your own or that the offer is not needed, making it a polite, soft refusal.
Showing uncertainty to indirectly refuse or decline something in Japanese
If you thought there weren’t enough ambiguous expressions for saying no in Japanese, there are a few more. However, these terms leave potential for an affirmative response. Initially, when someone uses these expressions, it may seem they are denying your request; however, they are actually expressing uncertainty about the current circumstances, which could change in the future
かもしれません and all of its variations communicate a certain level of uncertainty, like saying “maybe” or “perhaps”. This expression is more of a clause that attaches to verbs or nouns. So, if you want to say “I probably can’t make it,” you would attach かもしれない to いけない by saying “いけないかもしれない”. This expresses a higher probability that you can’t make it, while being open to the possibility that you can.
In the video above, Yuka-sensei will introduce you to a more in-depth explanation of how to use かもしれない!
2. 多分 (tabun)
Translation: Maybe
たぶん is similar to かもしれない since it also conveys uncertainty. The difference here is that 多分 doesn’t attach to other words and can be used more flexibly. Below are some instances of how to use たぶん:
Using tabun when refusing
A: Can you make it? いけますか？ ikemasuka?
B: Maybe, I cannot. 多分、いけません。tabun, ikemasen.
Using tabun when affirming
A: Is that a dog? 「それはいぬですか？」 sore wa inu desu ka
B: I think so. 「多分そうでしょう。」tabun soudeshou
3. 臨機応変に対応する (Rinkiouhen ni taiyou suru)
Translation: Let’s play it by ear
The expression, “りんきおうへんにたいおうする” is similar to the English expression: let’s play it by ear. This expression is often used to postpone difficult decisions at business meetings when the voting is not unanimous.
Go beyond saying no in Japanese and speak confidently with Coto Academy!
Why stop at just learning how to refuse something in Japanese? Keep improving your Japanese with fun, flexible lessons and expert guidance at Coto Academy. Our courses are designed for learners of all levels and provide practical, real-life Japanese that you can use immediately.
If you’re just starting your Japanese journey and want a comprehensive course that teaches everything from the basics, with easy-to-follow lessons, plenty of example sentences, and speaking practice, Coto Academy is here to help. Join our part-time or intensive courses, available in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online!
Start learning Japanese the smart way! Fill out the contact form below to get started and receive a free Japanese level check.
FAQ
What is the word for "no" in Japanese?
The direct translation for “no” in Japanese is いいえ(iie). But there are many ways one can say “no,” especially to be more polite in more formal or delicate situations.
What is a polite way to say "no" in Japanese?
There are many ways to say “no” politely in Japanese, such as simply saying “chotto,” which implies the request is a bit difficult to fulfill. In a situation when denying someone a kind offer, you could say “kekkou desu” or even “daijoubu desu”. In a more formal context, saying “kibishii” or “muzukashii” would be a polite way of saying “no”.
Do Japanese People Never Say "No"? Do they say something else instead?
Japanese people do say “no” but tend to do so in more indirect ways to avoid conflict. They don’t want to seem rude or outright decline someone. So, a few common phrases instead of a direct “no” include,
Ever wanted to learn some Japanese swear words? Much like in any language exchange, the topic of “what are the swear words in your language?” inevitably comes up — and Japanese is no exception. While Japan is often imagined as an extremely polite and quiet country, with its keigo and culture of respect, behind that veneer lies a rich and surprisingly fierce array of Japanese profanity, some of which can rival, or even surpass, English in intensity.
Japanese swear words are super fun to learn, especially if you’ve got a good basis of Japanese under your belt. It is one of the things you need to know them to avoid saying them, too. It’s rare for strangers to use Japanese curse words or slang casually. In fact, even if you’re friends with a Japanese person, you still need to be cautious about using a swear word, even if it’s mild.
That is to say, don’t really swear in public, or in general. Still, these are fun Japanese swear words to know, and we can’t blame you for wanting to learn. And it’s not like you can never say these. Around your friends, go for it, but with someone you don’t really know, maybe watch your tongue. Here, we will cover as many Japanese swear words as we can!
1. 馬鹿 (Baka): Stupid
The Japanese word baka (ばか) basically means “fool” or”idiot”. Depending on the tone and situation, it can range from a playful “dummy” to a harsh insult that stings.
The kanji is 馬鹿. 馬, meaning “horse” (uma), and 鹿, which means “deer” (shika). You might also see it written in katakana as バカ.
お前はバカなの？ Omae wa baka na no? Are you stupid?
2. アホ (Aho): Stupid
Aho means idiot or stupid. If you watch a lot of anime, you probably know another way to call someone an idiot, 馬鹿 (aka), so what’s the difference between the two? While the two share the same meaning, アホ is more commonly used in the Kansai region, where it can range from playful teasing to outright insults, while 馬鹿 is used more in the Kanto region. Funnily enough, this results in either being more offensive in the region they’re used less.
In contrast, in the Kanto region, アホ feels harsher, and 馬鹿 is the preferred term for calling someone stupid.
お前、アホちゃう？ Omae, aho chau? Are you an idiot?
3. ブス (Busu): Ugly Woman
Busu is an extremely ugly woman, and it is used specifically for women to insult their physical appearance; it’s a cruel and offensive term. It’s not the word you should use to a stranger — unless you want to crush their self-esteem.
It’s a demeaning term, so even if you intend to joke around, consider how people might feel about it.
The male version of ブス (Busu) is ブ男 (Buotoko). When someone mutters “busu” or “buotoko” under their breath, you’ll know the meaning and possibly how to react.
お前、ブスだよ。 Omae, busu da yo. You’re ugly
4. 畜生 (Chikusho): Damn It!
Chikusho (ちくしょう) is an exclamation usually used out of frustration. It’s similar to saying “Damn!” or “Damn it!” in English. Sometimes, the translation goes, “For Christ’s sake!” It also has meaning outside of as an exclamation, that being “Beast” or “Brute”.
You don’t direct this Japanese swear word to someone. Rather, you use it when facing an unfortunate event or anything remotely inconvenient.
Like the phrase うるさい (Urusai), damare is used to say “Shut up!” The word stems from the Japanese verb 黙る (damaru), which means “to be quiet.” However, this is the Japanese command form used to express strong orders or demands.
Unlike using ください (kudasai) or お願いします (onegaishimasu), which are closer to a request or soft demand, this command form is not exactly polite.
This Japanese swear word is often interchangeable with うるさい (urusai), but they mean two different things, with the same implication. うるさい is a Japanese adjective that means “noisy.”
If you hear someone say this, it’s more to passively shut someone up: “You’re noisy! (So shut up)!” They will typically take it as a sign to tone it down.
だまれ, on the other hand, is much more of a command, so it is much more impolite to use it.
だまれ、このやろう！ Damare, kono yarou! Shut up, you bastard!
6. どけ (Doke): Get out of my way!
Similar to だまれ, どけ (doke) is a Japanese command form from the verb どく, which means to step aside or move out of the way. When you’re pissed off and have to make the people move out of your path, you might lash out and say, “Get out of my way!”
It’s an extremely rude way of ‘asking’ someone to make way for you, and you shouldn’t use it in normal circumstances — like when you’re trying to get out of a packed train car.
どけ、邪魔だよ！ Doke, jama da yo! Move, you’re in my way!
7. ふざけるな (Fuzakeru na): Don’t Mess With Me!
Any Japanese verb with a “na” な on the end is usually taken as an aggressive negative command of “don’t”.
ふざけるな comes from the phrase ふざける (fuzakeru), meaning to mess around. When used with な, it becomes a negative command, telling someone to stop messing around. It has since been translated to mean either “Stop messing around/with me”, or the more direct “Screw off”. The more casual version of this is the shortened ふざけんあ (Fuzakenna) often used in anime or informal settings.
ふざけるな、マジで！ Fuzakeru na, maji de! Don’t mess with me, seriously!
8. うざい (Uzai): Annoying!
The word うざい, stylized as ウザイ (uzai), is short for うるさい (urusai), which means “noisy”, and うざったい, which means “annoying”. If you’re the type who gets annoyed at the slight public disturbance, you can use this for a not-so-subtle diss.
Think of this word as the English equivalent of saying that someone is being a pain in the ass.
If you want to stress the swear word more, you can end the word ウザイ (uzai) with a long ‘e’: ウゼェー (uzee)!
田中先生がウザくない？ Tanaka-sensei ga uzakunai? Isn’t Tanaka-sensei a pain in the ass?
9. クソ (Kuso): Shit!
Kuso means “Poo”. Much like chikushou, it is used as an exclamation out of anger. While it can be used independently, it also sees a lot of use with other words. In these cases, it is used as an adjective. For example クソガキ (kusogaki), meaning “Shitty brat”.
クソ！なんでこうなるんだ？ Kuso! Nande kou narun da? Shit! Why does this always happen?
10. お前 (Omae): You
These are both very rude ways of saying “you” in Japanese. In anime, particularly the shounen genre, male characters may use this second-person pronoun. It’s often translated as “bastard”, but most people wouldn’t really say it in real life.
This is similar to another word not on this list 貴様 (きさま), another rude way of saying “You,” which is commonly used in anime but never in real life.
Omae can be considered a rude way to refer to someone. It used to be considered honorific, but that was a long time ago. Of course, real life is not like anime, so try not to use it with just anyone.
お前が言うな. Omae ga iu na. Look who’s talking.
11. 手前 (てめえ/Temee): You (Bastard)
Not necessarily a Japanese swear word, but it is a very rude word that is hardly used by anyone in real life, though it can be commonly found in Japanese media like manga and anime.
Fictional characters use it to address others when they are angry, as it is considered less rude than in real life.
手前、何様のつもりだ？ Temee, nani-sama no tsumori da? Who do you think you are, bastard?
12. 死ねえ (Shinee): Go Die!
Another swear word very popular in anime, しねえ means ”Die!” or “Go die!” Can’t get much worse than that. Of course, because it’s so commonly used, it’s kind of lost its severity, making it a fun word to throw around among friends.
Again, make sure not to use it against anyone you don’t know too well.
死ねえ、もう我慢できない！ Shinee, mou gaman dekinai! Die, I can’t take it anymore!
13. やろう (Yarou)
Yarou technically just means ”Guy” (gender). It’s commonly used towards men and as a way to refer to someone.
As a Japanese swear word, it usually doesn’t stand alone. Rather, you’ll pair it with other words like baka or kuso. ばかやろう(baka yarou). You should not use やろう (yarou) to address women, as the usage would be wrong.
だまれこのやろう Damare konoyarou Shut up you bastard!
14. くたばれ (Kutabare): Drop Dead / Go to Hell
This is one of the stronger insults in Japanese, used to express extreme anger. It’s far more intense than common words like baka (idiot) or damare (shut up). This phrase isn’t something you’d hear in everyday conversation but might appear during heated arguments or in dramatic movie scenes. Its use is rare, but when it’s said, the intention is clear: the speaker is furious.
It’s used only in extreme situations, usually when someone loses control and wants to lash out verbally.
くたばれ、この野郎！ Kutabare, kono yarou! Go to hell, you bastard!
15. ばばあ (Babaa) / じじい (Jijii): Grumpy Old Woman / Cranky Old Man
These words are used to insult older people, with babaa directed at women and jijii at men. In a culture where elders are usually treated with respect, using these words can be particularly offensive. While they might be used jokingly in anime or manga, in real life, they’re more likely to upset or insult someone.
Often spoken in frustration or anger. These words are also common in fictional works to portray rude or rebellious characters.If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, you might recognize the character Yubaba. Her name cleverly incorporates ばば (baba), which is a nod to ばばあ (babaa), meaning “old woman.” While it’s not intended as an insult in the film, her personality, stern, controlling, and a bit unpleasant, ties into the connotations of the word. This is an example of how language can be used creatively in storytelling without the usual negative implications
16. カス (Kasu): Scum / Worthless Person
Kasu is a deeply insulting term that likens someone to residue or waste, which is its literal meaning. It’s often used to demean someone’s character, implying they have no value. This word is not just offensive; it carries a lot of weight when spoken, so it’s best avoided altogether.
Usually heard in heated arguments, where emotions run high, and the speaker intends to seriously insult someone.
あのばばあ、また文句ばかり言ってるよ。 Ano babaa, mata monku bakari itteru yo. That old hag is complaining again.
17. ボケ (Boke): Fool
Boke (ボケ) means “fool” or “idiot.” It’s often used humorously in conversations, but it can also come off as an insult depending on the tone. In a more casual sense, it’s often paired with other words, like ボケナス (bokenasu), which means “stupid eggplant.”
お前、ボケてんの？ Omae, boketen no? Are you being stupid?
18. くさい (Kusai): Smelly
Kusai (くさい) means “smelly” or “stinky.” It can be used to describe something that literally smells bad or as an insult to say someone reeks. This term can also imply someone has a figurative stench, like being shady or suspicious.
お前、くさすぎるよ！ Omae, kusa sugiru yo! You stink too much!
19. きもい (Kimoi): Gross
Kimoi (きもい) is slang for “gross” or “creepy.” It’s short for 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui), meaning “disgusting.” This word is often used casually among friends, but can be offensive depending on the context.
あいつ、本当にきもいね。 Aitsu, hontou ni kimoi ne. That guy is really gross.
20. ハゲ (Hage): Baldy
This word is mostly used as a jab at men, hitting a sensitive spot — after all, few people like having their receding hairline or thinning crown pointed out. ハゲ literally means “bald” or “bald person.” It can sometimes be funny or teasing, but depending on how you use it, it can easily come off as offensive.
Fun fact:ハゲ can also be a verb. The verb ハゲる (hageru) means “to go bald” or “to become bald.”
彼はハゲてる Kare wa hageteru He is bald.
21. あばずれ (Abazure): Bitch
If you’ve ever heard the word あばずれ (abazure) in Japanese, you might want to brace yourself — it’s not exactly a compliment. This term is a pretty harsh insult, usually directed at women, implying that they’re shameless, immoral, or just plain wild.
Fun fact: The word can technically apply to men, too, but these days, it’s mostly aimed at women. Historically, it had a broader meaning, but the modern use is definitely more pointed.
At the end of the day, Japanese swear words are a normal part of the culture, much like in any other country. But if you don’t plan on ever using them, why bother learning them?
1. Know it to understand
The most straightforward reason: learning Japanese swear words helps you actually understand them, so you won’t be caught off guard. Imagine someone calls you something in Japanese that sounds like a curse, and you have no idea what it means. You’ll look completely clueless.
2. Avoid offending people
If you spend a lot of time watching anime or reading manga aimed at adults, it’s easy to pick up words without realizing their strength. Knowing what’s considered rude keeps you from unintentionally offending others.
3. Understand Japanese culture more
Many Japanese swear words are tied to physical traits — being old, bald, overweight, or smelly — and reflect cultural attitudes. Learning them gives insight into how Japanese people express insult, humor, and social judgment.
If you want to learn Japanese, contact the friendly team at Coto Academy and we will recommend you the best class and campus!
Japanese culture is rooted in indirect communication, where the “true” meaning is often found between the lines. For students of the language, this creates a hidden minefield. Even if you never utter a single explicit swear word, the intentional (or accidental) misuse of social cues can be just as offensive to a Japanese listener as a string of profanities.
Here are the two most common ways learners accidentally cause offense:
1. The “Anata” Trap
In English, “you” is a functional, neutral pronoun. In Japanese, however, the word anata (あなた) carries a heavy weight. Why? Because Japanese relies on pronoun avoidance, “you” can feel confrontational, sounding more like an accusation than a simple address.
For example, imagine you want to see if a co-worker can help with an additional task. You walk over to their desk and, before making the request, you ask them what they are doing.
The English Thought: “What are you doing?” (Neutral)
あなたは、何をしていますか？ Anata wa, nani o shite imasu ka? What are you doing?
To a native speaker, this doesn’t sound like a curious question. It sounds like a finger pointed at their chest. It carries the energy of: “And just what do you think you’re doing?”
Work around this by softening the blow. In Japanese, it is always safer to use the person’s name with the right Japanese suffix or omit the subject entirely.
2. Weaponizing the “Wrong” Language
In Japanese, “profanity” isn’t always about using bad words, either. It’s often about the misuse of honorifics (keigo). Dropping into casual speech with a stranger or a superior is a linguistic way of signaling a total lack of respect.
This is particularly dangerous when you are still “socially blind” to the Japanese hierarchy. Imagine this scenario:
You are in the elevator with your company’s CEO. As the doors open, you accidentally bump into them. No physical harm is done, but you want to apologize quickly. You recently learned how to say “sorry” in your Japanese class, so you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind: “Gomen ne!” (ごめんね！)
In English, “Sorry!” works for almost anyone. But in Japanese, gomen ne is what you say to a very close friend. By saying this to your CEO, you have effectively “leveled” them to you or your junior.
To avoid sounding shockingly rude, you should have used “Sumimasen” (すみません) or the even more formal, “moushiwake gozaimasen” (申し訳ございません).
Ready to speak more (or less) Japanese profanity? Be fluent in Japanese with Coto Academy’s fun, flexible courses!
Let’s face it: no standard textbook is going to teach you how to curse in Japanese. That’s where Coto Academy comes in. With conversation-focused, practical Japanese lessons, wegive you the tools to recognize, understand, and navigate Japanese swear words in real life. That way, when someone drops a word you’ve never heard, you won’t be left staring blankly.
Learn the language as it’s really spoken, not just what’s in textbooks, and never get caught off guard again by joining our part-time or intensive Japanese lessons! If you’re ready to dive deeper into Japanese language and culture, why not take a class with us and learn the right way to express yourself?
Ready to start learning Japanese? Fill out the form below for a free level check!
FAQ
How insulting is baka?
Baka means “fool” or “idiot,” and how insulting it is really depends on how and where it’s used. In casual, playful conversations, it’s often harmless, but if said with a harsh tone, it can definitely offend someone.
Is kuso a curse word?
Yes, kuso means “shit” and is considered a mild curse word. It’s often shouted when frustrated, like saying “damn it!” in English, or combined with other words for insults.
Is it rude to say oi in Japanese?
Yes, oi is a pretty rude way to get someone’s attention. It can come across as aggressive or impatient, so it’s not something you’d use in polite situations.
What is a rude word for “you” in Japanese?
Words like omae, temee, and kisama are all considered rude ways to say “you.” They’re mostly used in arguments or seen in anime and are not appropriate for polite settings.
Does the f-word exist in Japanese?
Not exactly. There isn’t a direct Japanese equivalent of the F-word, but phrases like kutabare (go to hell) or kuso (shit) come close in terms of intensity.
Is the middle finger rude in Japan?
Yes, the middle finger is considered rude in Japan, especially if it’s used in an aggressive or confrontational way. While it might not have the exact same cultural weight as in Western countries, it’s still seen as disrespectful, so it’s best to avoid using it.
What is yabai?
Yabai is a super versatile slang word. It can mean anything from “awesome” to “terrible” or even “risky,” depending on the tone and situation.
Why are there so many Japanese insults in anime?
Anime exaggerates language for drama or humor. A lot of these words are rarely used in real life, but they make characters stand out or add tension to stories.
How do you politely express frustration in Japanese?
Instead of swearing, you can say things like taihen (this is tough) or mou yappari (ugh, I knew it) to vent your feelings without offending anyone.
