Translation guide
The English word 'duff' has several distinct meanings: a type of pudding, something worthless or of poor quality, and (slang) buttocks. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a boiled or steamed pudding, often containing dried fruit.
Loanword from English, used for the specific British dessert. Most Japanese speakers will understand this in context of British cuisine.
Describing something as useless, broken, or of low quality.
Common word meaning 'no good', 'useless', or 'hopeless'. Covers many uses of 'duff' in this sense.
Informal reference to the buttocks.
Standard polite word for buttocks. Safe to use in most situations.
The meaning of 'duff' changes drastically depending on context. Using ダフ for buttocks or お尻 for pudding will cause confusion. Always consider the situation before choosing a Japanese equivalent.
イギリスの伝統的なダフは、蒸して作るプディングです。
Traditional British duff is a steamed pudding.
Generic term for steamed pudding. Can be used to describe duff when the specific name isn't known.
この蒸しプディングにはドライフルーツが入っています。
This steamed pudding has dried fruit in it.
この時計はだめだ。
This watch is duff.
Means 'defective product' or 'faulty item'. More formal and specific to manufactured goods.
それは不良品だったので、交換してもらった。
It was a duff one, so I got it replaced.
Literally 'useless person/thing'. Stronger and more insulting; use with care.
あの機械はまったくの役立たずだ。
That machine is completely duff.
彼はお尻を蹴られた。
He got kicked in the duff.
Slang/vulgar term for buttocks, similar in tone to 'ass'. Use only in very casual settings.
転んでケツを打った。
I fell and landed on my duff.
Anatomical term for buttocks. Very formal/medical.
臀部の筋肉を鍛える運動。
Exercises to strengthen the duff muscles.