Translation guide
The English word "rugged" has several distinct meanings, from describing tough, uneven terrain to a person's sturdy, robust appearance. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing land that is rough, uneven, rocky, and difficult to traverse.
Literally 'with intense undulations', this is a common and natural way to describe rugged terrain with many ups and downs.
その山は起伏の激しい地形で知られている。
The mountain is known for its rugged terrain.
Means 'rocky' or 'full of rocks', emphasizing the stony, uneven nature of rugged ground.
岩だらけの海岸線を歩くのは大変だ。
Walking along the rugged coastline is tough.
Means 'wild' or 'rough', often used for natural landscapes that are untamed and harsh.
荒々しい山々が連なっている。
Rugged mountains stretch in a chain.
Means 'steep' or 'precipitous', often implying ruggedness through steep, difficult slopes.
険しい山道を登る。
Climb a rugged mountain path.
Describes a surface that is bumpy, jagged, or rough to the touch, like a rugged rock face.
ごつごつした岩肌が露出している。
The rugged rock surface is exposed.
Describing a person, especially a man, who looks strong, sturdy, and attractively rough-hewn.
A loanword from English 'wild', commonly used in Japanese to describe a rugged, masculine appearance or style.
彼はワイルドな魅力がある。
He has a rugged charm.
Means 'rough-hewn', 'unpolished', or 'rugged' in a positive, masculine sense. Often used for appearance or character.
無骨な顔立ちの男性。
A man with rugged features.
Means 'sturdy', 'brawny', or 'robust', emphasizing physical strength and a tough build.
Describing an object that is strongly built, durable, and able to withstand rough treatment.
The most common word for 'sturdy' or 'rugged' when referring to objects, emphasizing durability and toughness.
このカメラは頑丈な作りだ。
This camera has a rugged build.
Loanword from English 'tough', often used for rugged, durable products like outdoor gear.
タフなスマートフォンケース。
A rugged smartphone case.
A more formal or technical term meaning 'robust' or 'rugged', often used in product descriptions.
堅牢な設計のノートパソコン。
A laptop with a rugged design.
Describing a person's manner as rough, blunt, or unrefined but often with a sense of integrity.
Also used for character, meaning rough and unpolished but not necessarily negative; can imply straightforwardness.
彼は無骨だが誠実な人だ。
He is rugged but sincere.
Means 'rough', 'crude', or 'boorish', often with a negative connotation, but can describe a rugged, unrefined personality.
彼の粗野な態度が誤解されることもある。
His rugged manner can be misunderstood.
Means 'hearty', 'big-hearted', or 'rough-and-ready', often used for a rugged, larger-than-life personality.
彼の豪快な性格がみんなを惹きつける。
His rugged personality attracts everyone.
「ワイルド」 is a modern, slightly stylish term often used in fashion or media to describe a ruggedly handsome man. 「無骨」 is more traditional and can describe both appearance and personality, implying a lack of polish but with a positive, honest connotation.
Directly translating 'rugged' as 「でこぼこした」 or 「ざらざらした」 is usually unnatural unless specifically describing a surface texture. Use the options above based on context.
彼はたくましい体つきをしている。
He has a rugged physique.
Means 'manly' or 'masculine', often overlapping with the concept of rugged handsomeness.
彼の男らしい外見が人気だ。
His rugged looks are popular.