Translation guide
The English word 'casual' covers a wide range of meanings, from informal language and relaxed clothing to non-serious attitudes and unplanned events. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each nuance.
Describing speech, writing, or manner that is relaxed and not formal.
A loanword from English, widely used for casual clothing, atmosphere, or language. Very common and neutral.
今日はカジュアルな服装で大丈夫です。
Casual clothes are fine for today.
このレストランはカジュアルな雰囲気です。
This restaurant has a casual atmosphere.
Means 'broken down' or 'informal'. Used for language or attitude that is relaxed and not stiff. Often used in the phrase くだけた言い方 (informal way of speaking).
友達と話すときは、くだけた言い方を使います。
When talking with friends, I use casual expressions.
Means 'light-hearted' or 'without formality'. Often used for casual get-togethers or a casual attitude.
気軽に参加してください。
Please feel free to join (casually).
Literally 'everyday clothes'. Used specifically for casual clothing as opposed to formal wear.
普段着のままで来てください。
Please come in your casual clothes.
Describing an attitude, relationship, or interest that is relaxed and not intense.
Again, 'light-hearted' or 'without deep commitment'. Works for casual dating, casual interest, etc.
彼とは気軽な関係です。
I have a casual relationship with him.
Means 'light'. Can imply something is not serious, e.g., 軽い気持ち (casual feeling, without much thought).
軽い気持ちで始めた趣味です。
It's a hobby I started casually.
Means 'casual' in the sense of 'unintentional' or 'without much thought'. Often used for remarks or actions.
Describing a meeting, gathering, or event that is not formally arranged.
Means 'unofficial' or 'informal'. Used for meetings or events that are not formal.
非公式な集まりがあります。
There will be a casual gathering.
Again, 'light-hearted' or 'without formality'. Works for casual get-togethers.
気軽な飲み会を開きます。
We're having a casual drinking party.
Adverb meaning 'casually dropping by' or 'without a fixed plan'. Often used with verbs like 訪れる (visit).
ぶらりと立ち寄った店で見つけた。
I found it at a shop I casually dropped into.
Describing irregular, part-time, or non-permanent work.
Formal term for 'non-regular employment', covering part-time, temporary, and casual workers.
非正規雇用が増えている。
Casual employment is increasing.
Means 'temporary' or 'extra'. Used for casual workers hired for a short period.
臨時のスタッフを募集しています。
We are hiring casual staff.
Means 'daily hired'. Refers to day laborers or very short-term casual workers.
日雇いの仕事を探している。
I'm looking for casual day work.
The English word 'casual' is very broad. Directly translating it as カジュアル works for fashion and atmosphere, but for attitudes or relationships, 気軽な or 軽い are often better. For informal language, くだけた is the most natural choice.
カジュアル is a loanword and feels modern, often used for fashion, restaurants, and style. くだけた is a native Japanese word and is the standard way to describe informal language or a relaxed manner of speaking. Use くだけた for language, カジュアル for things like clothing or atmosphere.
彼の何気ない一言に傷ついた。
I was hurt by his casual remark.