Translation guide
The English word "vulgar" covers a range of meanings from crude language and behavior to something lacking refinement or taste. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific nuance.
Describing words, jokes, or actions that are sexually explicit, rude, or socially unacceptable in a crude way.
The most common and general word for 'vulgar' in the sense of crude, coarse, or indecent. Can describe language, behavior, or taste.
His jokes are too vulgar.
Specifically refers to obscenity or lewdness, often with a sexual connotation. Stronger than 下品.
Please don't use vulgar language.
Means vulgar in a lowbrow, cheap, or tasteless way. Often used for media or entertainment.
That show is so vulgar I can't watch it.
Similar to 低俗, but more literary. Implies vulgarity and poor taste, often in cultural products.
To indulge in vulgar entertainment.
Describing something showy, tasteless, or lacking class, such as decor, clothing, or behavior.
Literally 'bad taste'. Used for things that are tacky, gaudy, or in poor taste.
That gold-plated decoration is vulgar.
Means uncouth, boorish, or unsophisticated. Often used for people or their actions that lack urbanity.
An adjective meaning 'vulgar' in the sense of worldly, common, or lacking refinement. Often used for design or ideas.
Referring to the language or culture of ordinary people, as opposed to the elite or classical. Often neutral or academic.
Means 'vulgar language' in the linguistic sense: colloquialism, slang, or vernacular. Not necessarily negative.
This word is classified as vulgar.
Refers to the secular or worldly, as opposed to religious or refined. Can mean 'vulgar' in the sense of common customs.
Means 'vulgar' in the sense of commonplace, familiar, or lowly. Often used in literary or academic contexts.
While 下品 is the most direct equivalent, it primarily means 'crude' or 'indecent'. For 'vulgar' meaning 'tasteless' or 'tacky', 悪趣味 is often better. For linguistic 'vulgar' (vernacular), use 俗語.
下品 is a general term for coarseness. 卑猥 specifically implies sexual obscenity. 低俗 suggests lowbrow, cheap content. Choose based on the nuance you need.
Everyone was put off by his vulgar behavior.
That design is vulgar; I don't like it.
To be influenced by vulgar ways of thinking.
Explain using a vulgar example.