Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 野郎 | yarō | [ja̠ɾo̞ː] (narrow) |
| やつ | yatsu | [ja̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The term 野郎 is used to refer to a contemptible person. In many contexts, such as in anime or rough street speech, it is used as a direct address to someone the speaker is angry with, much like saying 'you bastard'. Additionally, クソ野郎 is a highly derogatory slang term meaning 'shitty guy' or 'bastard'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 野郎 is composed of 野, meaning wild or field and 郎, meaning man or son, literally translating to 'wild/uncivilized guy'.
Which one should you use?
While 野郎 is often used as a derogatory term like 'bastard', やつ is a more neutral, though still informal, way to say 'that guy' or 'the fellow'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
野郎 is highly informal and is typically used by males in aggressive or rough speech. For more formal ways to describe a child born outside of marriage or societal norms, you may use 私生児 (illegitimate child) or the formal term 非嫡出子 (child born out of wedlock). The term 混血児 specifically refers to a mixed-race child.
How does it change in a sentence?
野郎 is a noun and can be preceded by demonstratives like この (this) or あの (that) to specify which bastard is being referred to.
How do you pronounce it?
yarō
Did you know?
- The word やつ is actually a shortened version of 奴, a term used for servants or slaves in ancient Japan.
- While 野郎 can be an insult, it is sometimes used in extremely close male friendships as a rough, affectionate way to say 'dude' or 'guy'.
- Depending on the intonation, 野郎 can express admiration for someone's audacity or skill, similar to saying 'that crazy bastard' in English.
Examples in context
- この野郎、ぶっ殺すぞ！You bastard, I'll kill you!This example shows how to use 野郎 as a direct address in an angry confrontation.Tatoeba #2409479 by tommy_san, translation #2592809 by WestofEden
- あの野郎、ぶっ殺してやる！That bastard, I want them dead!This example demonstrates using 野郎 to refer to a specific person in the third person during an aggressive statement.Tatoeba #2905095 by tommy_san, translation #10005014 by tsp_2
- なんだこの野郎！What a bastard!This example shows how to use 野郎 to express shock or indignation at someone's character.Tatoeba #11509247 by megamanenm, translation #11509238 by megamanenm
- 彼は非嫡出子ですHe is a child born out of wedlock.
- そのクソガキはうるさいThat little bastard is annoying.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking about a rude man at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiあんな野郎、本当に最低ね。Anna yarou, hontou ni saitei ne.That bastard is truly the worst.
- 蓮 Renああ、困った野郎だよな。Aa, komatta yarou da yo na.Yeah, he's a troublesome bastard.
- 結衣 Yui二度と会いたくないわ。Nido to aitakunai wa.I never want to see him again.
- 蓮 Renそうだね、無視しよう。Sou dane, mushi shiyou.You're right, let's just ignore him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bastard” translations and entries 野郎, やつ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
