Living in Japan, I’ve always faced the uncertainty of speaking keigo and “casual” Japanese (tameguchi). Beyond social hierarchy (as in who’s higher than you), the degree of intimacy and relationship plays a big role in how you should communicate. It’s not just the literal word that conveys the meaning, but the delivery and tone of speech that reveals your intentions. 

This won’t be a full breakdown of keigo, as we have a very thorough section dedicated to helping you understand the formal Japanese language (like knowing Japanese honorifics). This won’t also be a list of Japanese slang or swear words. Instead, this will be a more generic guide on the difference between using Keigo and tameguchi. 

Sometimes, people use a mix of keigo and tameguchi. If you’re starting out, you might be so conflicted on which form to use that you end up switching one with the other. This is completely fine — as fine as a common Japanese language mistake all learners make, of course.

Jump to:

• Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)
• What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo
• When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo
• What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form
• When Can You Use Tameguchi? 
• When Should You Not Use Tameguchi?
• Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

Keigo (敬語) vs Tameguchi (タメ口)

Going back to the first sentence, I’ve faced a bunch of awkward conversations in the konbini where I would bounce between speaking in keigo and tameguchi with the employee. Here’s an example:

袋がいらないだけど。レシートをいただけますか？
Fukuro ga iranai da. Reshiito o itadakemasuka?
I don’t need a plastic bag, but can I get the receipt?

In the first sentence, I’m (involuntarily) using tameguchi: using da instead of desu. This makes my statement feels blunter. The second sentence uses the basic keigo rule: replacing morau (to receive) with its most humble form itadaku. 

Meaning-wise, you can bet that you get the message across, but imagining you’re talking with a mix of old, Victorian-era English with Gen-Z lingo. Yikes. 

Generally, keigo Japanese shows respect and politeness to strangers, but when you’re using it in every conversation with store staff and employees, you can sound as if you’re trying too hard — which, frankly, you are. At the same time, using a too-casual form can easily make someone frown. The easiest way is to stick with formal Japanese. 

However, as you get more comfortable with speaking Japanese, you may want to ‘upgrade’ said skill. After all, how can you prove you’re advanced in speaking the language when you don’t speak like a native?

What’s Keigo? Teineigo, Sonkeigo and Kenjougo 

Keigo is the Japanese polite form used when you meet someone for the first time or strangers, elders, people who have higher social status than you — and, often dismissed, when you’re talking to an out-group. 

The first three groups are pretty self-explanatory, and most of you probably know about this when you’re just starting to learn Japanese. If you go to luxury department stores, supermarkets or konbini, the staff will always speak in keigo.

いらっしゃいませ！
Irrashaimase!
Welcome!

When you’re talking to your boss and clients, you will also use the same keigo form. To address yourself and your own actions, you will use the Japanese humble form, kenjougo (謙譲語), in front of them.

However, when referring to someone in your inner circle, you should humble them too. What does that mean? For example, while you might use kenjougo to refer to yourself in front of your boss and clients, what happens when you’re out with your boss together to have a meeting with your client?

When this happens, you represent both the company and your boss. The concept of “in-group” stipulates that they’re part of you too, so even though your manager. An important thing to know is that you “raise” people from your out-group while you lower the peope in your in-group, regardless of the individual’s status from the beginning.

The other type of Japanese keigo is 尊敬語 (sonkeigo). Think of kenjougo as an honorific form that humbles the person who’s talking. Referring to yourself in the most humble way “raises” the status listener. Sonkeigo, on the other hand, “elevates” and shows respect for superiors, out-groups and people in a higher position. 

Keep in mind that Japanese keigo (polite form) is different from formal Japanese, also known as teineigo. For everyday interactions with strangers, standard teineigo (丁寧語) will do just fine. For example:

私の名前はコトです。
Watashi no namae wa koto desu.
My name is Coto. 

私はコトと申します。
Watashi wa koto to moushimasu.
My name is Coto. 

The first sentence uses formal Japanese, while the second uses the most humble form of “~ to say”. Although both means “My name is (name)”, these sentences carry a different nuance and will present you in a different way. 

When You Shouldn’t Use Keigo

While it is okay to use keigo to strangers who might be younger than you, if you are an adult talking to an obvious kid in keigo, you’ll get a few raised eyebrows. They’ll probably understand (although some younger Japanese children may not know keigo yet), but they will feel strange. 

The most important thing is to not use exaggerated keigo speech you hear and read in Japanese pop culture: anime, manga or historical movies. Remember that the Japanese used in these media are totally different than the ones in real life. You don’t want to sound like a low-caste farmer talking to a feudal lord during the samurai era. 

What’s Tameguchi? Casual Japanese Form

Tameguchi is a form of Japanese language used to refer to speaking to someone else as an equal — without using humble, honorific or even formal language. Tameguchi” means a way of talking that doesn’t contain polite expressions in Japanese conversation. 

The ため in this word was originally a gambling term, referring to when a pair of dice landed on the same number. The word “guchi” comes from the kanji kuchi (口), which means mouth or way of talking. The other name for tameguchi is tamego (タメ語) — 語 meaning “language”. 

Tameguchi is casual and, if used in the wrong scenario, impolite. One of the easiest ways to spot the difference between polite, formal and casual Japanese is the length. 

やっば〜！宿題忘れちゃった！
Yabbaa! Shukudai wasurechatta!
Oh no! I forgot my homework! 

Tameguchi, or casual Japanese, tend to be shorter compared to keigo. Let’s take a look at a scenario where you are asking someone to pass you the salt.

お塩を回していただけますでしょうか。(Keigo)
Oshio o mawashite itadakemashouka?

塩ちょうだい。(Tameguchi)
Shio choudai.

Notice the first sentence is way longer than the second? This is because it incorporates all the basic rules of keigo: adding the honorific prefixes of o (お) or go (ご) and いただく.

Another example is written below. 

大阪へはどうやっていけますか？(Teineigo)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte ikemasuka?
How do you get to Osaka?

大阪へはどうやって行くの? (Tameguchi)
Oosaka e wa dou yatte iku no?

When Can You Use Tameguchi?

When you’re talking to someone younger, it’s usually okay to use casual Japanese — even if you are meeting them for the first time. Remember that seniority plays a big part in Japanese society. Elders will use it when they’re talking to kids. It is, however, a big red flag when you reverse the situation. You should never use tameguchi to someone you’re trying to show respect to.  

Japanese people adopt a high-context culture, which means there are many factors taken into consideration in communication: status, social relationships, social environment, formality, non-verbal gestures and even silence. Because of this, you might come across a few trials and errors before you can discern the appropriate time to use tameguchi and keigo.

When you are not sure, formal Japanese is probably the best form of the Japanese language. 

When Should You Not Use Tameguchi?

If you have just met a person and they talk to you as if they’ve known you all their life, you might feel a bit uncomfortable. 

In Western culture, ‘casual’ language is a great way to break down the ice and help relax the mood. However, you don’t want to present yourself as ‘too friendly’ in front of a stranger. There’s not really an exact point when you can use tameguchi, but generally, you both need to establish a good, intimate relationship. 

Where to Learn — and Not to Learn — Tameguchi

The same thing goes for tameguchi. You wouldn’t want to imitate the slang and way of talking from anime or manga — particularly if it’s shounen (young boy’s) genre.

Think of anime dialogue as the sort of dialogue you’d hear among 12-year-olds at recess, where they’re just shouting “Baka!” While some shows do take place in business seating and incorporate more polite, realistic characters, most of them tilt towards one extremity: super polite or super rude.

In most cases, dialogue in anime is very direct. Used outside the context of anime, it comes off as coarse, insulting, and even derogatory. The easiest way to look at it is this: even anime voice actors don’t speak like that. Instead, they often overexaggerate the words and manipulate the tone of their voice depending on the character’s personality. 

Learning Japanese from anime might make you more comfortable with the language and its structure, but taken by itself, it can really throw off your progress. The last thing you want to do is default your Japanese speaking skill to super-casual. 

Learning Japanese casual forms is a bit more tricky than learning keigo as there are seldom formal lessons about it. JLPT N2 and N1 examine your ability to use Japanese in the business setting, so keigo is usually part of the curriculum of many JLPT prep courses and advanced-level classes. 

However, tameguchi is not often taught in classroom lessons as often as in formal forms. Your best bet is to learn from comics, social media — and Japanese people. Try listening to your Japanese friends when they’re talking to one another. Slowly, you’ll start to adopt a few informal Japanese and obtain enough fluency to interact with them on a more personal, casual level. This is what’s known as immersion-based learning, where you learn a new language in the most natural way by interacting directly in the environment.  

Conclusion

Some people use tameguchi when they speak to foreigners because it’s simple and straightforward, while keigo relies on a lot of implications. 

However, Japanese people are more tolerant when non-native speakers use tameguchi in the wrong setting. Using over-enunciated street slang or super-casual Japanese isn’t seen as ignorance, but rather “beginner errors” in the use of language. 

Learning the Japanese language that you can actually use in real life can be tricky. What you learn in textbooks may not always be used in real life. Coto Academy has excellent teachers and lessons that can take you from beginner to advanced. We also offer programs to improve your business Japanese and understanding of Japanese culture. If you are interested in learning with us, contact us here.

Whether you are coming to Japan to look for work or just want to apply to Japanese companies, a good cover letter will help you stand out! Just like in any other country, a cover letter is a chance for you to make an impression on your potential employers and personally explain your experience and motivations. This is your chance to show who you are beyond the hard figures on your resume.

A cover letter is a stepping stone for your employers to get to know you a bit more personally. With that said, how do you write a good cover letter, that too, in Japanese?

What Are Japanese Cover Letters

Cover letters, or カバーレター (cover letter) in Japanese, are a relatively new concept in Japan and were not typically part of a Japanese hiring process. However, they are being more adopted, especially with the increase in Japanese job boards. A cover letter is meant to provide context for your resume, personally introduce yourself, and ultimately persuade your potential employer that you are worth the time to interview. However, there are some key differences in structure, where Western cover letters are considered somewhat flexible, in Japan, you should stick to the following structure and content:

1. Name and Personal Details
2. Company Name and Details
3. Introduction
4. Qualifications & Reasons for wanting to join
5. Closing Statement & Request for Response
6. Sign-off

What a Cover Letter is Not

Your cover letter should not be a detailed autobiography describing your life from birth. You don’t need to share your whole life story, just parts that are relevant. For example, if you’re applying for an engineering job, you can say something like “ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated with how machines worked…” and then discuss how this led you to pursue your current academic or work qualifications. Remember to keep it relatively concise, ideally under 1 page.

Also, cover letters are not meant to be generic papers that are mass-mailed to a bunch of companies. They are meant to be personalized, showcasing your unique interest in the company you’re applying for.

Do You Need a Cover Letter in Japan?

Traditionally, Japanese companies only required a Japanese resume, or rirekisho, and submitting a cover letter was uncommon. However, nowadays, many English-based jobs in Japan recommend or require a cover letter, especially when submitting an English resume.

Still, although a cover letter may be listed as “optional,” it is highly recommended. It helps you stand out, demonstrates professionalism, and clearly explains your suitability for the position. In the early stages of the application process, the cover letter may not always be carefully reviewed. However, in the later stages, especially before final interviews, it is increasingly read by hiring staff and potential supervisors.

A cover letter in English should be formal, concise, and well-structured. It should summarize your career so far and highlight your skills and relevant experience that may not be fully reflected in your resume.

Breakdown of Japanese Cover Letters

As briefly discussed, there are 6 main sections of a typical Japanese cover letter: personal details, company details, introduction, body, closing, and sign off. So, let’s break down in detail how you should write each part, piece by piece.

1. Name & Personal Details

Typically, at the very top of the resume is your name, followed by your address, phone number, and email address. You can align it to the right to make the section feel more separated from the rest of the cover letter. It’s not uncommon to have the date after your name and personal details.

2. Company Name & Details

Generally, you also provide the details of the company, including the name of the hiring manager, the company name, and the address. Some people decide to align the section to the right instead of the first section. This just helps to make each section feel more readable.

3. Introduction

Finally, for the actual cover letter, an introduction is normally written in Japanese as 採用ご担当様 (saiyou go tantou sama), which means Dear Hiring Manager. But it’s somewhat standard to use this common phrase at the start of a formal letter:
Example 1:
拝啓　貴社ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。
Haikei kisha masumasu goseiei no koto to oyorokobimoushiagema su.
Dear Sir/Madam, I am happy to hear your company is doing well.

After the greeting, you introduce yourself by providing your name, the name of the position you are applying to, and expressing your interest. Here are some common phrases you can use when expressing interest in the company:

Example 2:
ぜひ一度、お話を伺える機会をいただければ幸いです。
Zehi ichido, ohanashi o ukagaeru kikai o itadakereba saiwai desu.
I’d really appreciate being given the chance to speak to you further about this.

Example 3:
・・・新聞で貴社の募集広告を拝見し、応募いたしました。
…shinbunde kisha no boshuu houkoku o haiken shi, obou itashimashita.
I wish to apply for the job post you advertised on…

Then, at the end of your introduction, give concrete reasons why you are interested in this job. Include useful phrases such as:

Example 4:
私は特にこの仕事に興味があります。なぜなら・・・
Watashi wa toku ni kono shigoto ni kyoumi ga arimasu. nazenara…
I am particularly interested in this job, the reason why is…

Example 5:
・・・として御社に勤務したいと考えております。
…toshite onsha ni kinmu shitai to kangaete orimasu.
I would like to work for you, in order to…

**Explaining Why You’re Leaving Your Company

If you’re currently working, you don’t necessarily need to give a reason for leaving your current company, especially since it’s better to focus on why you want to join the hiring company. But, if you feel the need, you can briefly describe the circumstances for why you are applying for the company and planning to leave your current employment. Try to emphasize pull factors (characteristics about the company that are motivating you to apply) without using any negative language about your current company (it’s actually a bad look). We highly recommend framing your plans to leave as a positive next step, rather than something negative, like you disliking something about your current company, or because your contract is ending.

Your reason should sound like you have learned something from your previous job. Here are some phrases that help you emphasize that:

Example 1:
現在の・・・の経験を活かし、さらに規模の大きいプロジェクトを担当したいと考えたためです。
Genzai no… no keiken o ikashi, sara ni kibo no okii purojekuto o tantou shitai to kanaeta tamedesu.
I would like to make the most of my experience in…, and take charge of larger-scale projects.”

Or an opening sentence describing what you currently do:

Example 2:
“現在私は・・・で・・・の担当として勤務しております。
Genzai watashi wa …de …no tantoutoshite kinmu shite orimasu.
Currently, I am working for… and my responsibilities include…

4. Qualifications & Reason for Wanting to Join

This is the meat of your cover letter, where you describe your background, why you think you are a fit, and why you would like to join the company. For writing this part, you should thoroughly read the job description and research the company so you can tailor your related work experience and skill sets to the qualifications of the job and the culture of the company.

Here are some common Japanese phrases you can use to highlight your skills:

Example 1:
・・・として・・・年働いてきた経験があります。
…toshite…nen hataraite kita keiken ga arimasu.
I have …years of experience working as…

Example 2:
・・・を使いこなすことができます。
…o tsuka konasukoto ga dekimasu.
I am an experienced user of…

You should also discuss your career objectives, how the position aligns with your goals, and how you can contribute to the company. Here is a phrase you can use:

Example 3:
貴社の・・・の実績を拝見し、・・・の分野において、今までの・・・のスキルを活かした仕事が可能だと考えました。また、・・・という社風にも大変魅力を感じております。
kisha no…no jisseki o haiken shi, …no bunya ni oite, ima made no… no sukiru o ikashita shigoto ga kanouda to kangaemashita. mata, …toiu shafunimo taihen miryoku o kanjite orimasu.
Having seen the achievements of your company, I thought that I could leverage my skills in… for the position in the field of…

Top Tip:
Increase your chances of being interviewed by matching your skill sets to the requirements listed on the job post.

Vocabulary

To help you, here are some skill-related vocabulary words that you can incorporate into your cover letter!

5. Closing

In the closing section, briefly reiterate your interest, leave a strong closing statement that shows your motivation to work for the company, and politely ask for a response to your application. To start your closing paragraph, you can use some of these common phrases to express your motivation to work for the company:

Example 1:
貴社の一員となり、思う存分自分の力を発揮したいと考えております。
Kisha no icchin to nari, omou zonbun jibun o hakki shitai to kangaete orimasu.
I am highly motivated and look forward to the varied work that a position in your company would offer me.

Then, near the end of your closing section, here are some expressions to show gratitude and how they can contact you to move forward in the process.

Example 2:
お時間を割いていただいてありがとうございました。お目にかかれる日を楽しみにしております。私には・・・を通してご連絡ください。
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited to this position. Please contact me via…

Example 3:
お忙しいなか恐縮ですが、どうぞ宜しくお願いいたします。
Oisogashii naka kyoushuku desuga, douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Sorry to bother you when you are busy, and thank you for your consideration.

These expressions are great for ending your cover letter since they show appreciation for the reviewer’s time and consideration and encourage them to contact you again. These are a few of the many expressions you can use to close your cover letter. You always want to close strong by expressing appreciation and how you are looking forward to continuing the process with them.

6. Signing-Off

At the very end of the cover letter, you should sign off like you would an email. But depending on how you started your cover letter, you would have to pair your opening with the closing. One of the most common openings used in both cover letters and formal letters in general is as follows:

拝啓 (haikei) meaning “Dear Sir/Madam,” which can only be paired with 敬具 (keigu), meaning “Sincerely,” or “Regards.”

Sometimes it is common to sign off with a signature, but in most cases, you can just type your name, especially since you will mostly send cover letters online.

Quick Tip: After sending your resume, wait about 2-3 weeks and send a follow-up by letter, email, or phone. Contrary to what people might believe, this proactive approach is often seen as a good characteristic by the hiring company and shows your enthusiasm and willingness to work for the company.

Do’s & Don’ts for Writing Cover Letters

Here are some things to be mindful of when you write your cover letter!
Things to do:

• Write clearly and accurately
• Use full sentences
• Use correct grammar
• Be confident
• Keep the length of the cover letter to 1 page or less (it is a summary of your resume)
• Let a native Japanese or a Japanese of yours read your letter and give you feedback on how to improve
• Use correct industry jargon, but do not overuse it
• Show that you have done research about the job for which you are applying
• Use positive, future-forward language expressing how you’re excited to continue working with the company.

Things not to do:

• Avoid using overly haughty words; confidence is good, but you don’t want to come across as arrogant or prideful.
• Try not to start all your sentences with “I”. Makes you look like a one-man show
• Avoid too many contractions such as I’m, don’t, He’s or she’s.
• While humor can help you stand out, try to ensure your tone is formal and do not rely too heavily on humor.
• Do not use exclamation marks.
• Do not say anything negative about your previous employer. This will not give you the best impression on the hiring team.
• Do not use short forms or text speak.

Read More: Guide to Japanese Keigo

Conclusion: Cover Letters Can Help You Stand Out in the Japanese Job Market

While cover letters were not the most common in the Japanese job market, they are slowly becoming common, especially as companies are starting to post more roles on job boards. So, try using some of the expressions on this blog on your next cover letter. These expressions will help your cover letter sound professional and clear while also expressing your interest in joining the company.

Start taking Japanese lessons and succeed in job hunting in Japan!

If you want to start learning Japanese, take classes at a top language school like Coto Academy. At Coto, you’ll gradually ease into both the Japanese language and culture, learning real Japanese as it’s spoken in everyday life.

We offer both part-time and intensive courses across four campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama. Soon we will be opening a campus in Shinjuku! We also have interactive online lessons so you can learn Japanese wherever you are.

At Coto Academy, classes are small, with only 8 students per classroom, so you get plenty of speaking practice and individual attention, and the curriculum is personalized based on different goals, whether you want to improve your business Japanese or practice more conversations.

Interested in studying with us? Fill out the form below for a free level check! You can also schedule a free consultation or chat with our team to find the best learning path for you.

FAQ:

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.

ちくしょう、パンクだ！
Chikushou, panku da!
Damn it! I’ve got a flat (tire)!

5. 黙れ (Damare): Shut up!

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.

22. クズ男 (Kuzu Otoko): Scumbag

Kuzu otoko (クズ男) translates to “scumbag man” in Japanese. The word kuzu literally means “trash” or “worthless,” and typically this label is reserved for guys who treated girls poorly in the dating scene.

For example, a kuzu otoko could be the guy you go on a date with who “accidentally” forgets his wallet. He absolutely loves women — a little too much. He has a tendency to cheat. Another common trait is that he spends money recklessly. He often gets himself into financial trouble, such as gambling. It’s one thing if he gambles with his own money, but he might end up in debt. He may also borrow money from friends and never pay it back.

23. クソジジイ (Kuso Jijii): Shitty Old Man

The word jiji is slang for an older Japanese man. It’s written as “爺” or “ジジイ.” Its original meaning is “elderly man” or “grandfather,” but usually it’s understood more like “old geezer.”

Kuso jijii (クソジジイ) is a much stronger insult. The word kuso means “shit” or “damn,” so the phrase emphasizes disgust or anger. It is commonly used to describe a mean, stubborn, or ill-behaved elderly man.

“Kuso jiji” (shitty old man) is a much stronger insult. Adding kuso (which means “shit” or “damn”) makes it more aggressive. It’s commonly used to describe a mean, stubborn, or badly behaved elderly man.

Weirdly enough, in very specific situations, kuso jiji can be used in a humorous or affectionate way — but only if you’ve known the person for a long time and things are super casual between you. For example, imagine you’ve had the same old neighbor for 20 years. He’s always outside watering his plants and complaining about how “things were better back in the day.” But at the same time, he gives you vegetables from his garden and keeps an eye on your house when you’re away.

One day he starts grumbling because you came home late again and made noise with your car. You laugh and say, “You’re still spying on the whole street, huh, you kuso jiji?” In that kind of long-term, joking relationship where there’s mutual understanding, it can come off as playful teasing. If you said it to a random elderly man, though, it would be seriously rude.

Do you need to learn Japanese curse words?

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!

Being Offensive in Japan Without Even Meaning It

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, we give 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