やつ
yatsu[ja̠t͡sɨ]
In Japanese, the phrase "guy" can be translated using several different words depending on the context. The default form is やつ (yatsu). Wiktionary also lists 野郎 ref. こいつ (yarō) and そいつ (soitsu).
Meaning: male, man (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| やつ | yatsu | [ja̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 野郎 ref. こいつ | yarō | |
| そいつ | soitsu | [so̞it͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The term やつ is a casual way to refer to a person. While it is frequently used to mean "guy" or "dude," it is important to note that using やつ to refer to someone can sound blunt or even dehumanizing if you use it toward a person you do not know well or someone you should show respect to.
Which one should you use?
While やつ can be used to refer to both males and females in a casual context, 野郎 is strictly used for males.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
やつ is an informal term used frequently in casual conversation. In contrast, 野郎 is a much rougher and more derogatory way to say guy, often implying contempt or used in aggressive speech.
How do you pronounce it?
yatsu
Did you know?
- While やつ now refers to a 'guy', it originally meant 'thing' or 'object' in classical Japanese. This explains why the word can sound dehumanizing to some listeners today.
- The term 野郎 (yarou) was historically a respectful way to refer to a man, but its meaning shifted over centuries to become a common insult.
- While やつ is often used for 'guy', it is also the standard word used to refer to inanimate objects or animals in a casual way, similar to 'thing' or 'gadget'.
Examples in context
- そいつってどいつ？Who's that guy?This sentence is useful for asking about a specific person using そいつ.Tatoeba #10914886 by small_snow, translation #2254911 by CK
- 彼はいいやつだと思う。I believe he is a nice guy.This sentence is useful for describing someone's character using やつ.Tatoeba #114727 by bunbuku, translation #288944 by CK
- トムは憎めないやつだ。Tom is the kind of guy you just can't hate.This sentence is useful for describing someone's personality using やつ.Tatoeba #2694273 by tommy_san, translation #2698657 by WestofEden
- 彼はとても親切な男性です。He is a very kind guy.
- あの人は面白い男の人だよ。That guy is an interesting person.
- あのヤツはいつも遅刻するんだ。That guy is always late.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new coworker.
- 健太 Kenta新しいやつ、来たよ。Atarashii yatsu, kita yo.The new guy arrived.
- 美咲 Misakiどんなやつなの？Donna yatsu na no?What kind of guy is he?
- 健太 Kentaすごく真面目なやつだよ。Sugoku majime na yatsu da yo.He is a very serious guy.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは安心だね。Sore wa anshin da ne.That's a relief.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guy” translations and entries やつ, そいつ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
