Translation guide
Describes someone who lacks courage, bravery, or the nerve to do something. Often used informally or as an insult.
To describe a person who is afraid to take risks or stand up for themselves, often in a derogatory way.
A common, slightly old-fashioned term for a coward or someone with no backbone. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
To say someone doesn't have the guts to take a particular action, often in a challenging or critical way.
The most straightforward and neutral way to say 'don't have the courage to do ~'. Not inherently insulting.
彼は彼女に話しかける勇気がない。
He's too gutless to talk to her.
There is no direct adjective like 'gutless' in Japanese. Use noun phrases like 意気地なし or patterns like 勇気がない. Avoid literal translations like 腸がない (which means 'no intestines' and is not used metaphorically).
勇気 is general courage/bravery. 度胸 is more about nerve/guts in the face of immediate danger or social pressure. 度胸がない is closer to 'gutless' in many contexts.
彼は意気地なしだ。
He's gutless.
そんな意気地なしなことは言うな。
Don't say such gutless things.
Literally 'cowardly person'. More direct and slightly stronger than 意気地なし. Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.
あいつは臆病者だ。
That guy is gutless.
Literally 'having a small liver/guts'. A colloquial way to say someone lacks nerve or courage.
彼は肝っ玉が小さいから、文句を言えない。
He's too gutless to complain.
A strong, insulting term for a coward, literally 'lacking a spine/backbone'. Used in rough or emotional speech.
腰抜け！
You gutless coward!
Similar to 勇気がない, but 度胸 implies 'nerve' or 'guts' in a more visceral sense. Often used for daring acts.
彼は上司に反論する度胸がない。
He doesn't have the guts to talk back to his boss.
Very casual/slangy. ビビる means 'to be scared/chicken out'. Used among friends.
ビビってジャンプできなかった。
I was too gutless to jump.