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 Japanese expressions range from direct adjectives to nuanced phrases about being out of date or uncool.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.
Those clothes are a bit unstylish.
Literally 'not fashionable/stylish'. A neutral, straightforward negation of おしゃれ (stylish). Suitable for most situations.
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.
To describe something that is no longer in fashion, looks dated, or belongs to a past era.
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).
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.
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.
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.
His hairstyle is always unstylish.
This coat is unstylish, so I don't want to wear it.
Means 'outdated' or 'behind the times'. Can refer to fashion, technology, or ideas. A standard term.
That suit is outdated.
His fashion sense is outdated.
Literally 'smells old', meaning old-fashioned, stale, or musty. Often used for styles that feel dated and unappealing.
This design is old-fashioned, isn't it?
Specifically means 'out of fashion' or 'behind the trend'. More about current trends than general outdatedness.
That bag is already out of fashion.
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.
He says unstylish things.
Means 'ungainly', 'clumsy', or 'shapeless'. Used for clothing or appearance that lacks a pleasing shape or form.
That jacket is unstylish (shapeless).
That excuse is lame.
Literally 'bad-looking' or 'uncool'. Used for appearance, actions, or situations that are embarrassing or not cool.
I fell and it was so uncool.
Slang for 'not cool', 'lame', or 'not happening'. Often used for things that are not trendy or impressive.
That band is so uncool, right?