Translation guide
Describes something overly sentimental, trite, or clichéd in a way that feels embarrassing or insincere. Japanese has no single direct equivalent, so the best expression depends on the nuance: cheesy, old-fashioned, or cringey.
For jokes, lines, or gestures that are too sweet or romantic and feel embarrassing.
Literally 'smelly', but used colloquially to mean 'cheesy' or 'corny', especially for overly dramatic or sentimental lines.
そのセリフ、ちょっとくさいね。
That line is a bit corny, isn't it?
Means 'contrived' or 'forced', often used when something feels unnatural or overly theatrical.
彼の演技はわざとらしくて、見ていられない。
His acting is so corny I can't watch.
Literally 'cold', but slang for a joke or line that falls flat and makes you cringe.
そのダジャレ、寒すぎるよ。
That pun is so corny.
For things that feel outdated, like old jokes, styles, or expressions.
Means 'old-fashioned' or 'stale', often used for corny jokes or styles that feel dated.
そのギャグ、古くさいよ。
That gag is corny.
A more formal word for 'trite' or 'hackneyed', suitable for writing.
Slang for 'uncool' or 'lame', can apply to corny fashion or behavior.
When something makes you feel second-hand embarrassment.
Slang meaning 'cringey' or 'painful to watch', used for corny attempts at being cool.
あの人のダンス、痛いよね。
His dancing is so corny.
Short for 気持ち悪い, meaning 'gross' or 'creepy', but can be used for overly sentimental things that feel uncomfortable.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'corny'. Choose based on the specific nuance: cheesy (くさい), old-fashioned (古くさい), or cringey (痛い).
くさい is for overly sentimental or dramatic lines, while 寒い is for jokes that fall flat. Both can be 'corny' but the focus differs.
くさいってわかってるけど、ラブコメが好きなんだ。
I know it's corny, but I love romantic comedies.
Using くさい for self-aware cheesiness
That expression is corny.
That T-shirt is corny.
That love letter is corny.