Translation guide
Describes a person or behavior that is rude, impolite, or lacking good manners. Japanese has several words that capture different nuances, from general rudeness to specific breaches of etiquette.
To describe a person or their behavior as generally rude, impolite, or lacking in social graces.
The most common and versatile word for 'rude' or 'impolite'. Can describe a person, action, or remark. Also used as a set phrase for apologizing or excusing oneself.
彼は失礼な人だ。
He is a rude person.
失礼なことを言ってしまった。
I said something rude.
More formal and stronger than 失礼, implying a deliberate lack of respect or courtesy. Often used in written or formal contexts.
無礼な態度を取る。
To take a rude attitude.
Refers to bad manners or a breach of etiquette, often in social situations. Implies a lack of proper upbringing or knowledge of social norms.
不作法な振る舞い。
Ill-mannered behavior.
Same reading and similar meaning to 不作法, but with a nuance of being crude or lacking refinement. Less common.
無作法な物言い。
A crude way of speaking.
To imply that someone's rudeness stems from a lack of good upbringing or education.
Literally 'bad discipline/upbringing'. Used to describe children or adults who behave poorly because they weren't raised properly.
あの子は躾が悪い。
That child is ill-mannered (poorly brought up).
Literally 'bad upbringing'. Similar to 躾が悪い but can also imply a rough or uncultured background.
育ちが悪いと見られる。
To be seen as ill-mannered (due to upbringing).
To describe someone as coarse, vulgar, or lacking refinement in a way that offends social sensibilities.
Means 'vulgar', 'crude', or 'low-class'. Often used for speech, jokes, or behavior that is tasteless or offensive.
下品な冗談はやめてください。
Please stop the crude jokes.
Describes someone or something as uncouth, boorish, or tactless. Often used for people who lack social grace or say inappropriate things.
野暮なことを聞くな。
Don't ask such a tactless thing.
Means 'rough', 'crude', or 'boorish'. Often used to describe a person's manner or speech as unrefined and aggressive.
粗野な振る舞い。
Boorish behavior.
To describe an action or remark that is impolite or shows a lack of consideration in a particular context.
失礼 is the most common and general term for rudeness. 無礼 is stronger and more formal, implying intentional disrespect. 不作法 focuses on breaches of social etiquette and often suggests a lack of proper upbringing.
The English phrase 'ill-mannered' can sound old-fashioned or overly formal. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on the context. Using 不作法 or 無作法 in casual conversation may sound stiff.
An impertinent question.