Translation guide
The English word "curse" covers supernatural curses, swear words, and expressions of anger. Japanese uses different words for each meaning, and the concept of a magical curse is culturally distinct.
A magical or supernatural affliction, often from a deity, spirit, or ritual.
The most common word for a supernatural curse. Can refer to the curse itself or the act of cursing.
He was put under a curse.
The curse has lasted for hundreds of years.
A curse or divine punishment, often from a vengeful spirit or god. Implies retribution for a wrongdoing.
He fell ill due to the curse from destroying the shrine.
A magical binding curse, often used in fantasy or occult contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
I'm looking for a way to break the binding curse.
An offensive or taboo word used to express anger or insult.
General term for bad-mouthing or insulting words. Not as strong as English 'curse word', but covers the idea of verbal abuse.
He's always saying nasty things.
Abusive language or swear words. More formal/literary term.
Stop using abusive language.
Literally 'dirty words'. A common way to refer to swear words or foul language.
Japanese has few generic swear words like English. Instead, use specific insults like 馬鹿 (idiot), くそ (shit), or 死ね (die). These are very strong and context-dependent.
These words are highly offensive and can escalate conflict. Use with extreme caution.
The act of saying a swear word or cursing someone.
To bad-mouth or say insulting things. The most common way to express 'to curse' in the sense of swearing.
He cursed at the driver.
To abuse verbally, to curse at someone. Stronger and more formal than 悪口を言う.
To cast a curse (supernatural). Not used for swearing.
The witch cursed him.
An exclamation of frustration or anger, like 'Damn!' or 'Curse it!'.
Equivalent to 'shit' or 'damn'. Very common exclamation of frustration.
Damn! I lost again.
Literally 'beast' but used as 'Damn it!' or 'Hell!'. Stronger than くそ.
Expression of regret or frustration, like 'Oh no!' or 'Crap!'. Milder than くそ.
Do not use 呪い (noroi) to mean a swear word. 呪い refers only to supernatural curses. For swearing, use 悪口 (waruguchi) or specific insults.
He said a curse. (unnatural if meaning swear word)
呪い (noroi) is a general curse, often intentionally cast by someone. 祟り (tatari) is a curse or punishment from a god or spirit, often as retribution. 祟り implies a moral or religious dimension.
Japanese has fewer all-purpose swear words than English. Instead of translating 'curse' directly, learn common exclamations (くそ, ちくしょう) and insults (馬鹿, アホ). Politeness level and context are crucial; using these in formal settings is highly inappropriate.
He cursed under his breath.
The pharaoh's tomb is said to carry a curse.
She let out a curse when she stubbed her toe.
Don't use dirty words in front of the children.
Shit! / Damn!
彼は大声で罵り始めた。
He started cursing loudly.
ちくしょう！何てことだ。
Damn it! What the hell.
Crap! I forgot my wallet.