Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'vulgar language' in Japanese, covering profanity, crude expressions, and offensive speech.
Referring to specific offensive words or curses.
A general term for vulgar or obscene words. Often used in formal contexts like dictionaries or academic discussions.
この辞書には卑語が多く収録されている。
This dictionary contains many vulgar words.
Specifically refers to abusive or insulting language, like name-calling.
彼は罵倒語を浴びせた。
He hurled abusive language at me.
Loanword for 'slang', often includes vulgar expressions but is broader.
あのスラングはとても下品だ。
That slang is very vulgar.
Describing language that is obscene, lewd, or sexually explicit.
A common phrase meaning 'vulgar words' or 'crude language'. '下品' means crude or indecent.
そんな下品な言葉を使わないでください。
Please don't use such vulgar language.
Specifically refers to obscene or lewd language, often with sexual connotations.
彼の猥褻な言葉に驚いた。
I was shocked by his obscene language.
Literally 'dirty words', a casual way to refer to foul language.
子供の前で汚い言葉を使わないで。
Don't use dirty words in front of the children.
Language that is impolite, disrespectful, or insulting in tone.
Means 'abusive language' or 'outburst of insults'. Often used for verbal abuse.
彼は怒って暴言を吐いた。
He got angry and spewed abusive language.
General term for speaking ill of someone, including insults and backbiting.
Means 'rude words' or 'impolite language', focusing on lack of respect.
目上の人に無礼な言葉を使うべきではない。
You shouldn't use rude language towards your superiors.
A specific phrase or expression that is considered vulgar.
A formal term for 'obscene expression', often used in media or literature.
その映画には卑猥な表現が含まれている。
That movie contains vulgar expressions.
Casual term for dirty jokes or sexual humor. Very common in everyday speech.
彼はいつも下ネタばかり言っている。
He's always telling dirty jokes.
The English phrase 'vulgar language' covers a wide range of concepts. In Japanese, the appropriate term depends on whether you mean profanity, obscenity, rudeness, or crude jokes. Avoid directly translating 'vulgar' as 下品 in all contexts; it may sound unnatural or overly formal.
彼は下品な言葉を使った。
He used vulgar language. (neutral, but slightly formal)
彼は汚い言葉を使った。
He used dirty language. (more casual)
卑語 (higo) is a technical term for obscene words. 下品な言葉 (gehin na kotoba) is a general descriptor for crude language. 暴言 (bōgen) specifically refers to abusive outbursts. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
人の悪口を言うのはよくない。
It's not good to speak ill of others.