Translation guide
The English word "coarse" covers several distinct meanings: rough texture, large particles, vulgar language, and crude behavior. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing something that feels rough or not smooth to the touch, like sandpaper or unpolished wood.
The most common word for rough texture. Used for surfaces, skin, fabric, etc.
This paper has a coarse surface.
His hands were coarse and hard.
An onomatopoeic adjective describing a gritty, rough texture, like sandpaper or unshaven skin.
Use the coarse side of the sandpaper.
Literally "the grain/texture is coarse." Used for materials like wood, stone, or skin.
This wood has a coarse grain, so it's hard to paint.
Describing substances like sand, salt, or powder where the individual grains are large.
Describing words or speech that are rude, obscene, or not polite.
The standard word for vulgar, crude, or indecent language or behavior.
He always tells coarse jokes.
Please don't use such coarse language.
Specifically means lewd or obscene. Stronger than 下品な, often sexual.
Everyone was put off by his coarse remarks.
Means rough, boorish, or uncouth. Used for both language and behavior.
I don't like his coarse attitude.
Describing a person or their actions as lacking sophistication, manners, or delicacy.
Describes someone who is rough, uncultured, or boorish in behavior.
He's coarse but kind-hearted.
Means crude, coarse, or insensitive. Often used for a person's personality or actions.
I dislike his coarse way of speaking.
Also used for behavior that is vulgar or lacking refinement.
Don't make coarse noises while eating.
Both describe roughness, but 粗い (あらい) is a general adjective for coarse texture, while ざらざら is an onomatopoeic word that specifically evokes a gritty, granular sensation. Use ざらざら for sandpaper, stubble, or grainy surfaces.
Although 粗い can mean coarse in texture, it is not used for coarse language or behavior. For that, use 下品な, 卑猥な, or 粗野な.
I made cookies using coarse sugar.