Translation guide
Describes something or someone that is not fashionable, impressive, or socially acceptable. In Japanese, this is often expressed through words like ダサい (dasai) for strong casual disapproval, かっこ悪い (kakko warui) for lacking coolness, or 野暮 (yabo) for being unrefined. The choice depends on context and intensity.
To say something or someone is uncool in a casual, often blunt way, like 'lame' or 'tacky'.
The most common and direct casual word for 'uncool,' covering unfashionable, lame, or tacky. Often used among friends. Can be insulting if used directly about a person.
その服、ダサいよ。
Those clothes are uncool.
あの髪型、ちょっとダサくない？
Isn't that hairstyle a bit lame?
Literally 'bad style/appearance,' meaning uncool or unattractive. Less harsh than ダサい and can be used more broadly for actions or situations.
転んじゃって、かっこ悪かった。
I tripped and it was so uncool.
あの車、デザインがかっこ悪いね。
That car's design is uncool, isn't it?
An emphatic, reduplicated form of ダサい, meaning extremely uncool or tacky. Very casual and slangy.
そのTシャツ、ダサダサじゃん。
That T-shirt is super uncool.
To describe someone or something as lacking refinement, taste, or social grace, like 'uncool' in a more adult or formal sense.
Means boorish, unrefined, or tactless. Often used for behavior or remarks that are socially awkward or unsophisticated. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
そんなこと聞くのは野暮だよ。
It's uncool to ask something like that.
彼の冗談はいつも野暮だ。
His jokes are always uncool (tactless).
The negative of 粋 (iki), which means chic, stylish, or tasteful. Saying something is 粋じゃない implies it lacks sophistication or coolness in a refined sense.
あの店の内装はちょっと粋じゃないね。
The interior of that shop is a bit uncool (not tasteful).
Literally 'lacking 粋 (iki),' meaning inelegant, crude, or tactless. More formal/literary than 野暮.
To say something is not currently fashionable or is outdated.
Means 'behind the trends' or 'out of fashion.' Neutral and descriptive, can be used for clothes, ideas, etc.
そのスカート、ちょっと流行遅れじゃない？
Isn't that skirt a bit uncool (out of style)?
Means 'musty' or 'old-fashioned' in a negative sense, often for style or ideas. Casual.
To describe something as uncool because it causes secondhand embarrassment or is socially awkward.
Slang meaning 'cringey' or 'painful to watch.' Used for someone trying too hard to be cool and failing. Often as 痛い人 (itai hito).
あの人のダンス、痛いよね。
That person's dancing is so uncool (cringey).
痛い発言だった。
That was an uncool (cringey) remark.
Slang for a joke or remark that falls flat, causing an awkward atmosphere. Like 'lame' or 'corny.'
Short for 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui), meaning gross or creepy. Can be used for uncool behavior that is off-putting. Very casual and strong.
Can be very insulting; use with care.
ダサい is stronger and more directly about fashion or style, often used for things. かっこ悪い is broader, covering actions, situations, and appearance, and is less harsh. ダサい can sound more insulting if directed at a person.
その帽子、ダサい。
That hat is uncool (tacky).
失敗してかっこ悪い。
I messed up and feel uncool.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'uncool.' Avoid literal translations like 非クール (hi-kūru). Choose the word that fits the specific nuance: unfashionable (ダサい), unrefined (野暮), outdated (流行遅れ), or cringey (痛い).
I apologize for the uncool (tactless) question.
Means 'outdated' or 'behind the times.' Stronger than 流行遅れ, implying something is old-fashioned or obsolete.
その考え方は時代遅れだよ。
That way of thinking is uncool (outdated).
そのジャケット、なんか古くさいね。
That jacket is kind of uncool (old-fashioned).
That joke is uncool (lame).
あのナンパ、キモかった。
That pickup attempt was uncool (creepy).