Translation guide
The word 'arse' is a British English informal term for buttocks. It is also used in various slang expressions. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the buttocks in a casual or vulgar way, similar to 'arse' or 'ass'.
The standard informal word for buttocks. Not vulgar, but casual. Suitable for most situations where you'd say 'butt' or 'arse' without extreme rudeness.
転んでお尻を打った。
I fell and hit my arse.
あの子はお尻が大きいね。
That kid has a big arse, huh.
Vulgar and rough, equivalent to 'arse' or 'ass'. Used among close friends or in aggressive speech. Avoid in polite settings.
Literary or anatomical term for buttocks. Can be used in compounds. Not common in everyday speech.
尻の筋肉を鍛える。
Train the muscles of the arse.
Calling someone an 'arse' meaning a stupid or annoying person.
The most common insult for 'idiot' or 'fool'. Not as strong as 'arsehole', but captures the general sense.
あのバカがまたやった。
That arse did it again.
Similar to バカ, used more in Kansai region but understood nationwide. Slightly softer.
お前、アホやな。
You're an arse, aren't you.
Stronger insult, closer to 'arsehole' or 'bastard'. Use with caution.
あのクソ野郎、許せない。
I can't forgive that arse.
Translating common British slang phrases that use 'arse'.
For 'pain in the arse' meaning annoying. うざったい is an adjective meaning annoying/irritating.
この作業は本当にうざったい。
This task is a real pain in the arse.
Literally 'slap someone's arse', meaning to motivate or push someone. Similar to 'kick up the arse'.
彼に尻を叩いてもらった。
He gave me a kick up the arse.
Japanese has different levels of vulgarity. お尻 is safe and common, while ケツ is rough and should be avoided in polite conversation. There is no exact equivalent to the versatility of 'arse' in British slang; choose based on context.
お尻 is the default informal word for buttocks, used by all ages and genders. ケツ is a vulgar word used mainly by men in rough speech. Using ケツ in a formal setting or with strangers can be offensive.
For 'can't be arsed' meaning can't be bothered. めんどくさい expresses that something is too much trouble.
めんどくさいからやらない。
I can't be arsed to do it.