Translation guide
The English word 'nuts' can refer to edible nuts, mechanical nuts, or be used as slang for 'crazy'. This guide focuses on the most common meanings for learners.
Referring to nuts as food, such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.
A small metal block with a threaded hole used with a bolt.
Standard term for a mechanical nut. Loanword from English.
Slang for 'crazy', 'insane', or 'enthusiastic'.
Literally 'head is strange', a common way to say someone is crazy or nuts. Can be offensive if used directly.
Direct translations like ナッツ for 'crazy' do not work in Japanese. Use the provided expressions for 'crazy' instead.
He is nuts. (incorrect, means 'He is a nut (food)')
These nuts are very delicious.
Literally 'tree fruit/seeds', refers to nuts and berries from trees. More natural in traditional or descriptive contexts, but less common for packaged snacks.
In autumn, we go to gather nuts.
Botanical term for true nuts (hard-shelled fruit). Rare in everyday conversation; used in scientific or technical contexts.
Acorns are a type of nut.
I'm looking for a nut that fits this bolt.
Technical term for an internal thread or nut. Used in engineering contexts.
The nut (internal thread) broke.
Is he nuts?
Literally 'mind is insane', stronger and more direct. Often used for serious mental instability.
Doing something like that, he must be nuts.
Slangy contraction of イカれている, meaning 'crazy' or 'messed up'. Very casual.
That guy is totally nuts.
Means 'crazy about' or 'obsessed with' something. Used for enthusiasm, not mental illness.
He's nuts about video games.