Translation guide
The English word "bullshit" is a strong, informal term for nonsense, lies, or something of poor quality. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent, but various expressions convey similar meanings depending on context. This guide covers ways to express disbelief, call out lies, describe nonsense talk, and refer to low-quality things or tasks.
Expressing that something said is foolish, untrue, or meaningless.
A common word for nonsense, random talk, or something said without basis. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼の言っていることはでたらめだ。
What he's saying is bullshit.
Literally 'lie', but often used colloquially to mean 'no way' or 'bullshit' when reacting to something unbelievable.
うそ！本当に？
Bullshit! Really?
An adjective meaning 'absurd' or 'ridiculous', often used to dismiss an idea as nonsense.
そんな話はばかばかしい。
That story is bullshit.
Means 'trivial', 'worthless', or 'silly'. Often used for talk or ideas that are a waste of time.
くだらないことを言うな。
Don't talk bullshit.
Accusing someone of lying or making false claims.
Direct command: 'Don't lie.' Equivalent to 'Stop bullshitting me.'
うそをつくな。本当のことを言え。
Don't bullshit me. Tell the truth.
Means 'bluff' or 'bluster'. Used when someone is exaggerating or making empty threats.
彼のはったりに騙されるな。
Don't fall for his bullshit.
Exaggeration. Can be used to call out overblown claims.
Describing something as shoddy, useless, or of very low quality.
Literally 'inferior goods'. A formal term for shoddy products, but can be used informally.
この商品は粗悪品だ。
This product is bullshit.
Junk, rubbish. Used for worthless objects.
Literally 'shit'. Very vulgar. Can be used as a prefix or standalone to mean something is terrible.
このクソみたいな仕事。
This bullshit job.
The act of speaking nonsense or lying casually.
Verb phrase: 'to talk nonsense'.
彼はいつもでたらめを言っている。
He's always bullshitting.
Literally 'to tell a lie', but can be used for casual bullshitting.
うそを言うなよ。
Don't bullshit me.
Idiom: 'to blow a conch shell', meaning to boast or talk big. Similar to 'bullshitting' in the sense of exaggerating.
彼はまたほらを吹いている。
He's bullshitting again.
There is no direct Japanese equivalent that carries the same vulgarity and versatility. Using クソ (kuso) is very strong and may be offensive. Most situations call for milder terms like でたらめ or うそ.
でたらめ emphasizes randomness or lack of basis, while うそ focuses on falsehood. Use でたらめ for 'nonsense' and うそ for 'lies'.
それ、大げさだよ。
That's bullshit, you're exaggerating.
Did you buy this bullshit?