Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 馬鹿 | baka | [ba̠ka̠] (narrow) |
| 間抜け | manuke | [ma̠nɯ̟ke̞] (narrow) |
馬鹿 is used to describe someone or something lacking in intelligence. Depending on the context and the particles used in a sentence, it can function as an adjective meaning stupid or as a noun meaning an idiot.
Which one should you use?
While 馬鹿 is a general term for stupidity, 間抜け specifically implies a lack of common sense or being clueless and clumsy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
馬鹿 is highly informal and can be used as a harsh insult or as a lighthearted tease between close friends. In contrast, 愚か is a formal way to say stupid that conveys a sense of lacking wisdom. For expressing irritation or annoyance in an informal way, you may also use アホ.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 馬鹿 as an adjective to modify a noun directly, it often takes the form 馬鹿な.
How do you pronounce it?
baka
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, 馬鹿 can be used as an intensifier similar to the English 'insanely'. For example, 馬鹿高い means 'insanely expensive'.
- The term 馬鹿 may originate from a Chinese idiom about pointing at a deer and calling it a horse to intentionally misrepresent the truth.
- While 馬鹿 is used nationwide, the word アホ is often perceived as a friendlier or more affectionate term in the Kansai region of Japan compared to the Kanto region.
Examples in context
- 馬鹿みたい！You look stupid.This sentence uses 馬鹿 to show how it can describe an appearance.Tatoeba #5048 by bunbuku, translation #1644 by CK
- お前は馬鹿か。Are you stupid?This sentence uses 馬鹿 to ask a question about someone's intelligence.Tatoeba #2217820 by bunbuku, translation #2711995 by CK
- 私ったら馬鹿ね。I'm stupid.This sentence uses 馬鹿 to show someone expressing self-deprecation.Tatoeba #164957 by small_snow, translation #5828925 by CK
- あの人は少し愚かな行動をとった。That person made a somewhat foolish move.
- バカ！なんでそんなことをするの？Stupid! Why would you do something like that?
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are talking about a mistake Hiroto made.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔は本当に馬鹿ね。Hiroto wa hontou ni baka ne.Hiroto, you are truly stupid.
- 大翔 Hirotoそんなことないよ。Sonna koto nai yo.That's not true.
- 美咲 Misakiあんなミスをするなんて馬鹿だよ。Anna misu o suru nante baka da yo.Making a mistake like that is stupid.
- 大翔 Hirotoごめん、次は気を付ける。Gomen, tsugi wa ki o tsukeru.Sorry, I'll be careful next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries 馬鹿, 間抜け, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 間抜け, 馬鹿, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
