Translation guide
The English word 'sissy' is a derogatory term for a boy or man perceived as weak, effeminate, or cowardly. Japanese has various expressions that overlap with these meanings, but direct translation is often unnatural. The best choice depends on whether you are emphasizing weakness, effeminacy, or cowardice, and the social context.
To call someone a coward or weakling, often in a teasing or derogatory way.
Literally 'weak bug/insect'. A common, slightly childish insult for a coward or weakling. Used by children and adults in casual settings.
弱虫！泣くんじゃないよ。
You sissy! Don't cry.
彼は注射を怖がる弱虫だ。
He's a sissy who's afraid of shots.
A more formal term for a coward or timid person. Can be used in serious contexts, not just teasing.
彼は臆病者だから、文句を言えない。
He's such a sissy he can't complain.
Literally 'lacking a spine/backbone'. A strong, derogatory term for a coward. More aggressive than 弱虫.
あんな腰抜けにリーダーは務まらない。
A sissy like that can't be a leader.
Borrowed from English 'chicken', meaning coward. Used in casual, often playful contexts, especially among young people.
お前、チキンだな。
You're such a chicken (sissy).
To describe a male who acts in a stereotypically feminine way, often with negative connotations.
An adjective meaning 'effeminate' or 'unmanly'. Used to criticize a man for being weak or feminine. Can be offensive.
そんな女々しいことでどうするんだ。
What are you doing being such a sissy?
彼は声が高くて女々しいと言われる。
He's called a sissy because of his high voice.
A slang term for a gay man or a man who acts effeminately. Often derogatory, but sometimes reclaimed. Use with caution.
Can be highly offensive; avoid unless you understand the context and relationship.
An onomatopoeic adverb describing weak, effeminate behavior or appearance. Often used with する or as なよなよした.
Literally 'soft and weak'. Can describe a physically or mentally weak person, sometimes implying effeminacy. More formal.
To describe someone who is easily upset, hurt, or unable to handle rough situations.
Means 'too sensitive/delicate'. A more neutral way to describe someone who is easily affected, without the strong insult of 'sissy'.
彼は繊細すぎて、ちょっとしたことで落ち込む。
He's such a sissy; he gets depressed over little things.
Literally 'weak to being hit'. Means unable to take criticism or hardship; thin-skinned. Common in everyday speech.
あいつは打たれ弱いから、冗談も言えない。
He's such a sissy you can't even joke with him.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'sissy'. Using a direct translation like 弱虫 or 女々しい can sound childish or offensive. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose accordingly.
彼はちょっと気が弱いだけだよ。
He's just a bit timid, that's all.
弱虫 is the most common and least harsh, often used by children. 臆病者 is more formal and describes a general cowardice. 腰抜け is a strong insult implying a complete lack of courage or backbone.
弱虫は子供のけんかでよく聞く。
弱虫 is often heard in children's fights.
臆病者は戦場では役に立たない。
A coward (臆病者) is useless on the battlefield.
腰抜け！出てこい！
You spineless coward! Come out!
あのオカマっぽいやつ、誰？
Who's that sissy-looking guy?
なよなよした男は嫌いだ。
I don't like sissy men.
彼は軟弱な男だ。
He's a sissy (weakling).