Translation guide
The English word 'nonsense' can be used to dismiss an idea as absurd, to describe meaningless talk, or to refer to foolish behavior. In Japanese, the best choice depends on the nuance: strong contradiction, silly chatter, or irrational actions.
To strongly reject a statement, claim, or suggestion as ridiculous, illogical, or completely false.
A common, natural way to say 'That's nonsense!' or 'Don't be ridiculous!' It expresses disbelief or rejection of an idea.
「彼が犯人だって？」「そんなばかな。」
"He's the culprit?" "That's nonsense."
Means 'nonsense' in the sense of something completely unfounded, random, or made up. Often used for statements or information that is clearly false.
彼の言っていることはでたらめだ。
What he's saying is nonsense.
An adjective phrase meaning 'it's absurd' or 'it's foolish.' Used to dismiss an idea as stupid or nonsensical.
そんな計画はばかげている。
That plan is nonsense.
A loanword from English, used similarly but can sound more literary or emphatic. Often used in phrases like 'ナンセンスだ'.
その議論は全くのナンセンスだ。
That argument is complete nonsense.
To describe speech or writing that lacks sense, is foolish, or is just empty chatter.
Literally 'nonsense' or 'rubbish,' used for silly, meaningless talk. Can be dismissive.
そんなたわごとに耳を貸すな。
Don't listen to such nonsense.
Means 'trivial stuff' or 'nonsense,' often used for silly or worthless talk.
彼はいつもくだらないことばかり言っている。
He's always talking nonsense.
Literally 'foolish talk,' used for silly stories or nonsense chatter.
To describe actions that are senseless, stupid, or without reason.
Means 'foolish act' or 'nonsense behavior.' Often used in warnings or scolding.
ばかなまねはよせ。
Stop this nonsense.
Literally 'meaningless action,' a more formal way to describe nonsense behavior.
彼の無意味な行動には驚かされる。
I'm amazed at his nonsense behavior.
While ナンセンス exists, it is not as commonly used in everyday speech as English 'nonsense.' In many cases, Japanese uses phrases like そんなばかな or でたらめ to express the same idea more naturally.
昨夜は友達とばか話で盛り上がった。
Last night we had fun talking nonsense with friends.