Translation guide
Describes someone who is extremely unwilling to spend money, often to the point of being stingy or cheap. Japanese has several words for this, ranging from formal to casual, and some are more common than others.
The most common way to describe a person who hates spending money, in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile word for 'stingy' or 'cheap'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Often used in casual speech.
彼は本当にけちだ。
He's really stingy.
Don't be so cheap.
Slangy, casual word for 'stingy' or 'petty'. Often used among younger people. Can also mean 'lame' or 'small-minded'.
Splitting the bill? That's so cheap.
Formal or literary term for 'miserly'. Not used in everyday conversation. Often appears in writing.
He is known as a miser.
A noun for a person who hoards money and hates spending it.
Literally 'money-guarding slave'. A strong, somewhat old-fashioned word for a miser. Often used in literature or to emphasize extreme stinginess.
That old man is a miser.
A cute or childish way to call someone a cheapskate. Often used playfully.
Describes someone who is excessively careful with money, often in a negative way.
けち is the standard word for stingy and can be used in most situations. せこい is more slangy and can also mean 'petty' or 'lame' beyond just money. Avoid せこい in formal settings.
That restaurant is stingy with portions.
If you want to say someone is thrifty in a positive way, use 節約家 (せつやくか) or 倹約家 (けんやくか). けち and similar words are negative.
She is frugal and doesn't waste money.
お父さんはけちん坊だから、お小遣いをくれない。
Dad is a cheapskate, so he won't give me an allowance.
He always grudgingly parts with his money.