Translation guide
Describes someone or something lacking refinement, manners, or polish. The Japanese options range from mild 'rough' to strong 'vulgar' or 'boorish', depending on the nuance.
Describing a person who is rude, crude, or ill-mannered in behavior or speech.
Literally 'lacking manners', this is a common and relatively neutral way to say someone is uncouth or ill-mannered. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
He behaved in an uncouth manner.
Means 'vulgar' or 'coarse'. Stronger than 無作法, often implying crudeness in speech or taste. Commonly used.
His jokes are uncouth.
Means 'boorish', 'uncouth', or 'unrefined'. Often implies a lack of sophistication or worldliness. Slightly old-fashioned but still used.
He wears uncouth clothes.
Means 'rough' or 'boorish'. Emphasizes a lack of polish and sometimes aggressiveness. Often used for men.
His attitude was uncouth.
Means 'rustic' or 'uncouth' in a rough, unpolished way. Can sometimes have a positive nuance of being straightforward and unpretentious.
He is an uncouth but honest man.
Referring to speech that is offensive, coarse, or lacking refinement.
Describing something like clothing, decor, or a place that is crude or unrefined.
無作法 (busahō) focuses on lack of manners or etiquette. 下品 (gehin) emphasizes vulgarity or coarseness, often in speech. 野暮 (yabo) implies a lack of sophistication or worldliness, sometimes with a slightly old-fashioned feel.
Direct translations like 'uncouth' as a single word are not common in Japanese. It's better to use descriptive phrases or specific adjectives depending on the context.
彼の卑猥な発言は不快だった。
His uncouth remarks were offensive.