Translation guide
The English word "folly" refers to foolishness, lack of good sense, or a foolish act. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on whether you mean a general lack of wisdom, a specific foolish action, or something absurd. The most common and versatile word is 愚かさ (orokasa), but other expressions carry nuances of stupidity, absurdity, or recklessness.
Describing a general state of being unwise, lacking good judgment, or acting without sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'folly' as a noun meaning foolishness. It is neutral in register and can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼の愚かさには驚かされる。
I am amazed at his folly.
It was the folly of youth.
Literally 'foolish act', this word emphasizes a specific foolish action or deed. It is somewhat formal and often used in writing or serious speech.
その戦争は国家の愚行だった。
That war was an act of national folly.
A more colloquial way to say 'foolish thing' or 'nonsense'. It conveys a sense of absurdity or ridiculousness.
そんな馬鹿げたことを信じるなんて。
Believing such folly is ridiculous.
A less common variant of 愚かさ, with a slightly more literary or archaic feel. It is rarely used in modern conversation.
人間の愚かしさを描いた小説。
A novel depicting the folly of mankind.
Referring to a specific instance of foolish behavior, a mistake, or an unwise choice.
The standard term for a foolish act. It is formal but widely understood.
彼の愚行は会社に大きな損害を与えた。
His folly caused great damage to the company.
A casual way to say 'a stupid thing'. It is common in everyday speech.
また馬鹿なことをしたのか？
Did you do something foolish again?
Means 'mistake' or 'error', often with a nuance of moral failing or regret. It can be used for a foolish act that one later regrets.
A blunder or tactical error, often used in business or politics. It implies a failure in judgment.
Emphasizing the senseless or laughable nature of something, often with a tone of disbelief.
The noun form of 'absurd' or 'ridiculous'. It conveys that something is so foolish it's not worth taking seriously.
その計画の馬鹿らしさに気づいた。
I realized the folly of that plan.
Means 'stupidity' or 'ineptitude', often with a harsh or critical tone. It is stronger than 愚かさ.
彼の行動の愚劣さには言葉もない。
I am speechless at the folly of his actions.
In English, 'folly' can also refer to a decorative building with no practical purpose. This meaning is not covered by the above Japanese words. If you need to refer to an architectural folly, use the loanword フォリー (forii) or describe it as 装飾的な建築物 (そうしょくてきなけんちくぶつ).
愚かさ (orokasa) is a general term for foolishness or lack of wisdom, while 馬鹿らしさ (bakarashisa) emphasizes absurdity and often carries a subjective judgment that something is not worth taking seriously. Use 愚かさ for objective descriptions of folly, and 馬鹿らしさ when you want to express that something is ridiculously foolish.
若い日の過ちを悔やむ。
I regret the follies of my youth.
その政策は大きな失策だった。
That policy was a great folly.
A formal, literary phrase meaning 'utterly ridiculous' or 'laughable'. It is used to dismiss something as complete folly.
その提案は笑止千万だ。
That proposal is sheer folly.