Translation guide
Describes a person, action, or behavior that shows a lack of courage. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, nouns, and descriptive phrases that convey fearfulness, spinelessness, or a failure to act bravely.
He is cowardly.
That was a cowardly act.
To say someone is a coward or has a cowardly nature.
The most common and neutral adjective/noun for 'cowardly' or 'timid'. Can describe a person's character or an action.
He is a cowardly person.
Stop acting cowardly.
Literally 'weak insect', a common noun meaning 'coward' or 'weakling'. Often used in casual or slightly childish contexts.
A derogatory noun meaning 'coward' or 'chicken', implying spinelessness. Stronger than 弱虫.
Literally 'small-hearted person', meaning a timid or cowardly person. Somewhat literary or old-fashioned.
To characterize a specific act as lacking courage.
Adjective/noun meaning 'cowardly' or 'unfair'. Often used for actions that are sneaky or dishonorable, not just fearful.
Also used for actions, but more about fearfulness than unfairness.
Idiom meaning 'to become cowardly' or 'to get cold feet', literally 'to have a fleeing posture'.
He got cowardly before the match.
To insult or accuse someone of being cowardly.
臆病 (okubyou) focuses on fearfulness and timidity, while 卑怯 (hikyou) implies unfairness or sneakiness in addition to cowardice. Use 臆病 for someone who is afraid, and 卑怯 for actions that are underhanded.
Direct translations like 'カワードリー' do not exist. Use the adjectives or nouns above depending on context. Also, calling someone a coward in Japanese can be very strong, so be mindful of the relationship.
弱虫！泣くんじゃない。
Coward! Don't cry.
そんな腰抜けは嫌いだ。
I hate such a coward.
He is a coward and cannot make decisions.
臆病な逃げ方をする。
He runs away in a cowardly manner.
この腰抜けが！
You spineless coward!
You chicken!