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.
The most common and general word for edible nuts, often used in snacks and cooking. A loanword from English.
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.
彼は頭がおかしいんじゃない？
Is he nuts?
Literally 'mind is insane', stronger and more direct. Often used for serious mental instability.
Direct translations like ナッツ for 'crazy' do not work in Japanese. Use the provided expressions for 'crazy' instead.
彼はナッツだ。
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.
秋になると、木の実を拾いに行きます。
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.
ドングリは堅果の一種です。
Acorns are a type of nut.
このボルトに合うナットを探しています。
I'm looking for a nut that fits this bolt.
Technical term for an internal thread or nut. Used in engineering contexts.
雌螺子が壊れてしまった。
The nut (internal thread) broke.
あんなことをするなんて、気が狂っている。
Doing something like that, he must be nuts.
Slangy contraction of イカれている, meaning 'crazy' or 'messed up'. Very casual.
あいつ、完全にイカれてるよ。
That guy is totally nuts.
Means 'crazy about' or 'obsessed with' something. Used for enthusiasm, not mental illness.
彼はゲームに夢中だ。
He's nuts about video games.