ちくしょう
chikushō
The English word "heck" can be expressed in Japanese as ちくしょう (chikushō).
ちくしょう is a strong expletive used to express frustration or anger.
Meaning: euphemism of hell (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While it functions as a euphemism for a stronger curse in some contexts, it is still considered rough, informal and potentially rude language.
How do you pronounce it?
chikushō
Did you know?
- The word ちくしょう literally means 'beast' or 'animal'. By calling a situation or person a 'beast', the speaker is essentially cursing them to be a non-human creature.
- The word belongs to a category of Japanese swear words that focus on 'lowly' status, contrasting with English curses that often focus on religious or bodily taboos.
- While it functions as an exclamation, using ちくしょう can actually make the speaker sound like a character from a rough action film rather than a person expressing natural annoyance.
Examples in context
- ちくしょう、また忘れてしまった。chikushou, mata wasurete shimatta.Heck, I forgot it again.
- ちくしょう、雨が降ってきた！chikushou, ame ga futte kita!Heck, it started raining!
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hiroto are playing a video game.
- 大翔 Hirotoやった！やっとクリアしたぞ。yatta! yatto kuria shita zo.I did it! I finally cleared it.
- 陽葵 Himariちくしょう、私の負けね。chikushō, watashi no make ne.Heck, I guess I lost.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、次はもっと頑張って。Hiyori, tsugi wa motto ganbatte.Hiyori, try harder next time.
- 陽葵 Himariもう一回リベンジさせて！mō ikkai ribenji sasete!Let me try one more time!
