Translation guide
The English word 'blunt' has several distinct meanings: not sharp (literal and figurative), direct in speech, and a type of cigar. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
Describing an object that is not sharp, such as a knife, pencil, or tool.
Most common adjective for 'blunt' or 'dull' (edge/point). Can also mean slow or obtuse figuratively.
このナイフは刃が鈍い。
This knife has a blunt blade.
Phrase meaning 'cutting ability is poor', a natural way to say a blade is blunt.
この包丁は切れ味が悪い。
This kitchen knife is blunt.
Literally 'the tip is round', used for pencils, sticks, etc. that are not pointed.
鉛筆の先が丸くなった。
The pencil tip has become blunt.
Colloquial/slang term for a blunt sword or blade; can also mean cowardly or incompetent.
そんななまくらな刀では切れない。
You can't cut with such a blunt sword.
Describing a person or statement that is honest and direct, often without concern for others' feelings.
Means 'frank' or 'candid'. Often positive, but can imply bluntness depending on context.
率直な意見を言ってもいいですか。
May I give you my blunt opinion?
Describes a blunt, curt, or brusque manner of speaking. Often negative nuance.
彼はぶっきらぼうな言い方をする。
He has a blunt way of speaking.
Literally 'single sword straight in'; means getting straight to the point without preamble. Often used positively.
単刀直入に言うと、その計画は失敗だ。
To be blunt, that plan is a failure.
Adverb meaning 'bluntly' or 'without reserve', often with a negative connotation of being tactless.
彼女は人の欠点をずけずけと言う。
She bluntly points out people's faults.
Means 'blatant' or 'undisguised'; can be used for blunt statements that are shockingly direct.
あからさまな批判に彼は傷ついた。
He was hurt by the blunt criticism.
Describing an object used as a weapon that is not sharp, e.g., a blunt instrument.
Noun meaning 'blunt weapon' or 'blunt instrument', used in forensic or crime contexts.
被害者は鈍器で殴られた。
The victim was struck with a blunt object.
A cigar hollowed out and filled with marijuana.
Loanword from English 'blunt', used in Japanese subculture contexts.
彼らはブラントを回していた。
They were passing around a blunt.
Describing a dulled sense, slow understanding, or lack of sharpness in non-physical contexts.
Same word as for physical bluntness; can mean slow-witted, insensitive, or dulled senses.
彼は勘が鈍い。
He is slow on the uptake. (lit. his intuition is blunt)
寒さで指の感覚が鈍くなった。
The cold made my fingers feel blunt (numb).
Adjectival noun meaning 'insensitive', 'thick-skinned', or 'obtuse'. Often used for emotional insensitivity.
彼は人の気持ちに鈍感だ。
He is blunt to others' feelings.
率直 (frank) is often positive or neutral, implying honesty. ぶっきらぼう (brusque) is negative, suggesting rudeness. ずけずけ (tactlessly blunt) is strongly negative, implying lack of consideration.
Saying 彼は鈍い (kare wa nibui) to mean 'he is blunt' in speech will be misunderstood as 'he is slow/dull'. Use the specific terms for directness instead.