悪口
warukuchi[β̞a̠ɾɯ̟kɯ̟̊t͡ɕi]
The Japanese phrase for "a cuss word" is 悪口 (warukuchi).
悪口 is used to refer to words or phrases used to speak ill of someone or to insult them. To describe the action of badmouthing someone or cussing someone out, you use the noun with the verb 言う (iu, to say) to form the phrase 悪口を言う. In casual conversation, you may encounter specific informal cuss words such as ばか (meaning "fool" or "idiot") or くそ, which is used to express frustration or disappointment.
Which one should you use?
While 悪口 refers to general badmouthing or speaking ill of someone, the term 罵詈雑言 is a more intense and formal way to describe a torrent of abusive language or verbal abuse.
How do you pronounce it?
warukuchi
Did you know?
- While 悪口 refers to badmouthing, some 'insults' are delivered through extremely polite language to create a biting, sarcastic distance.
- The term 悪口 has its origins in Buddhist teachings regarding the 'ten evils', where one of the transgressions is speaking ill of others.
- In Japanese culture, the act of 悪口を言う (badmouthing) is often viewed as a way to build social bonds between the speakers through shared dislike of a third party.
Examples in context
- この状況はクソだな (kono jōkyō wa kuso da na)This situation is sh*tty.
- 彼は本当に馬鹿だ (kare wa hontō ni baka da)He is really foolish.
- 今日はくそ暑い (kyō wa kuso atsui)Today is damn hot.
- お前は本当にばかだな (omae wa hontō ni baka da na)You are really an idiot.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking about a classmate.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、あの子の悪口を言うのはやめよう。Misaki, ano ko no waruguchi o iu no wa yameyou.Misaki, let's stop saying mean things about that person.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね。ごめんね、陽太。Sou da ne. Gomen ne, Youta.You're right. I'm sorry, Youta.
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。次は褒めてあげよう。Ii yo. Tsugi wa homete ageyou.It's okay. Let's praise them next time.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、そうしよう！Un, sou shiyou!Yeah, let's do that!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 悪口, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 悪口, CC BY-SA 4.0.
