Translation guide
A person who behaves or thinks in a way that is considered strange or unconventional. Japanese has many nuanced terms ranging from mild to harsh, and the best choice depends on context and relationship.
To describe someone who is a bit odd or quirky, often in a harmless or even endearing way.
A common, relatively neutral term for an eccentric or odd person. Can be used for someone with unusual habits or interests.
彼はちょっと変わり者だけど、面白い人だよ。
He's a bit of a weirdo, but he's an interesting guy.
Literally 'strange person.' Slightly more direct than 変わり者, but still commonly used. Can be lighthearted or mildly critical depending on tone.
あの人は変人だと思われている。
That person is thought of as a weirdo.
A simple, everyday phrase meaning 'strange person.' Very common in casual speech. Can be used for anyone acting oddly.
さっき変な人が話しかけてきた。
A weirdo just came up and talked to me.
An eccentric or 'oddball,' often with a nuance of being uniquely strange in a way that stands out. More literary or formal.
彼は奇人として知られている。
He is known as an eccentric.
To describe someone whose behavior is unsettling, inappropriate, or makes others uncomfortable.
Slang for a creepy or gross person. キモい comes from 気持ち悪い (disgusting). Very casual and often used among younger people.
あのキモいやつ、また来たよ。
That weirdo is here again.
Describes someone eerie or uncanny. Less slangy than キモい, but still negative.
隣の部屋に不気味な人が住んでいる。
A weirdo lives in the next room.
Literally 'pervert.' Stronger and more specific than 'weirdo.' Use with caution as it implies sexual deviance.
This word specifically means 'pervert' and is much harsher than English 'weirdo.' Only use when that meaning is intended.
To describe someone who doesn't fit in with a group or society, often due to unconventional behavior or appearance.
Literally 'heretic child.' Refers to a maverick or nonconformist, often in a field like art or business. Can be positive or negative.
彼は業界の異端児だ。
He's the weirdo of the industry.
Someone who sticks out or doesn't belong; a misfit or outcast. Often used for people who don't follow social norms.
彼はいつもはみ出し者扱いされる。
He's always treated like a weirdo.
Literally 'a different kind.' Can refer to an unusual person, often with a nuance of being a curiosity or oddity.
Calling someone a 'weirdo' directly in Japanese can be very rude. In formal or polite situations, it's better to describe the behavior rather than label the person. For example, say 'ちょっと変わっている' (he's a bit strange) instead of using a noun like 変人.
彼はちょっと変わっているね。
He's a bit weird, isn't he?
変わり者 is the safest and most neutral for 'eccentric person.' 変人 is slightly more direct and can sound critical. キモいやつ is slang and very negative, implying creepiness or disgust. Choose based on how harsh you want to be.
電車で変態にあった。
I encountered a weirdo on the train.
彼は職場の変わり種だ。
He's the office weirdo.