Refers to foolishness or a foolish act. Often used in formal or written contexts, and in compounds like 愚行 (foolish act) or 愚問 (foolish question).
Archaic humble first-person pronoun used by men, especially in historical or literary contexts. Not used in modern everyday speech.
I'm speechless at his foolishness.
I didn't think you would commit such folly.
I humbly say. (archaic)
馬鹿 is the common, casual word for 'fool' or 'foolishness' in everyday speech, while 愚 is a formal term mainly found in written Japanese and set expressions.
愚劣 emphasizes contemptible, base foolishness, whereas 愚 is a neutral, formal term simply meaning foolishness or a foolish act.
愚鈍 describes someone who is slow-witted and dull, while 愚 refers more generally to foolishness or a foolish act without implying slowness.
complaint; grumble; griping · moha; ignorance; folly
grumble; complain; gripe
fool; nitwit · The Fool (Tarot card)
foolish act; folly
ignorant masses; uneducated populace
slowpoke; dawdler; indecisive person
mockery; ridicule; derision
simple honesty; tactless frankness
my older sister
Standard kanji spelling for the noun/adjectival noun sense. High-frequency in news contexts.
The kanji 愚 has been used historically to express foolishness or humility. The archaic pronoun usage derives from self-deprecating humble language.
stupid; dim-witted; dull
my humble opinion
foolishness; stupidity; silliness
foolish question; stupid question · my question; one's question
gang of young delinquents; hoodlums
stupid plan; foolish idea · my plan; our project
foolish; imbecilic; feebleminded
the vulgar masses; the ignorant multitude
my son; one's son
great fool; very stupid person · oneself (humble)
common person; foolish commoner; mediocrity
great folly; great fool
mediocrity; imbecility; foolishness
fool; idiot
poor piece of work; rubbish · my humble work
foolish customs
foolish monk; unworthy monk · I (used by monks)
my older brother · foolish older brother