Translation guide
Describes someone or something that lacks fashion sense, elegance, or modern style. Japanese expressions range from direct adjectives to nuanced phrases about being out of date or uncool.
To say someone or their clothing is not stylish, fashionable, or tasteful.
The most common and direct way to say 'unstylish' or 'uncool' in casual speech. Often used for clothes, hairstyles, or overall appearance. Can be playful or insulting depending on tone.
その服、ちょっとダサいよ。
Those clothes are a bit unstylish.
彼の髪型はいつもダサい。
His hairstyle is always unstylish.
Literally 'not fashionable/stylish'. A neutral, straightforward negation of おしゃれ (stylish). Suitable for most situations.
あの人はあまりおしゃれじゃないね。
That person isn't very stylish, is he?
Describes something as unfashionable, dowdy, or frumpy. Often used for clothing that looks old-fashioned or lacks sophistication. More negative than ダサい.
このコートは野暮ったいから着たくない。
This coat is unstylish, so I don't want to wear it.
To describe something that is no longer in fashion, looks dated, or belongs to a past era.
Means 'outdated' or 'behind the times'. Can refer to fashion, technology, or ideas. A standard term.
そのスーツは時代遅れだ。
That suit is outdated.
彼のファッションセンスは時代遅れだ。
His fashion sense is outdated.
Literally 'smells old', meaning old-fashioned, stale, or musty. Often used for styles that feel dated and unappealing.
To describe someone or something that is not elegant, graceful, or tasteful, often in a more formal or aesthetic sense.
Means 'inelegant', 'tasteless', or 'vulgar'. Often used for behavior, decoration, or choices that lack refinement. Opposite of 粋 (いき, chic).
あのインテリアは無粋だ。
That interior design is tasteless.
Similar to 無粋, meaning 'unrefined', 'boorish', or 'uncool'. Often used for people who don't understand subtlety or style. Can be a noun or na-adjective.
彼は野暮なことを言う。
He says unstylish things.
Means 'ungainly', 'clumsy', or 'shapeless'. Used for clothing or appearance that lacks a pleasing shape or form.
To say something is lame, uncool, or not impressive in a very casual, youthful way.
Also covers this meaning. Extremely common among young people for anything uncool.
その言い訳、ダサいよ。
That excuse is lame.
Literally 'bad-looking' or 'uncool'. Used for appearance, actions, or situations that are embarrassing or not cool.
Slang for 'not cool', 'lame', or 'not happening'. Often used for things that are not trendy or impressive.
あのバンド、イケてないよね。
That band is so uncool, right?
ダサい is a strong, subjective judgment and can sound harsh or playful. おしゃれじゃない is a neutral observation. Use ダサい with close friends; avoid in formal settings.
友達に「それダサい」と言われた。
My friend told me 'that's unstylish'.
Direct translations like 'スタイルがない' or 'ファッションがない' are unnatural. Use the adjectives above instead.
このデザインは古くさいね。
This design is old-fashioned, isn't it?
Specifically means 'out of fashion' or 'behind the trend'. More about current trends than general outdatedness.
そのバッグはもう流行遅れだよ。
That bag is already out of fashion.
そのジャケットは不格好だ。
That jacket is unstylish (shapeless).
転んでかっこ悪かった。
I fell and it was so uncool.