カス
kasu
The Japanese term カス (kasu) is used to describe a person who is considered worthless or scum.
When applied to people, カス is a highly insulting slang term meaning scum, trash or a worthless person. It is often used as a noun to label someone, but it can also function as an intensifier in certain slang contexts to denote something of extremely low quality.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, カス refers to dregs, sediment or lees, such as the particles left at the bottom of a liquid like tea or sake.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is an informal and highly insulting slang term.
How do you pronounce it?
kasu
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese sake brewing, the 'lees' or sediment left over is called kasu, which is actually a prized ingredient used to make high-quality sweets and skincare products.
- While kasu describes a person as scum, the term gomi means 'trash'. Using kasu is often seen as more insulting because it implies the person is a useless residue rather than just waste.
- The word kasu is written in katakana カス when used as an insult. This stylistic choice emphasizes the slangy, harsh nature of the word compared to the standard kanji used for sediment.
Examples in context
- あんなカスのような人間とは関わりたくない。Anna kasu no yōna ningen to wa kawaritakunai.I don't want to be involved with a scum-like person like that.
- 彼は本当に最低なカスだ。Kare wa hontō ni saitei na kasu da.He is truly the lowest scum.
- あいつはただのカスだよ。Aitsu wa tada no kasu da yo.That guy is just scum.
Example conversation
Two friends are venting about a dishonest man they know.
- 陽葵 Himariあの人の嘘、本当に最低だよね。Ano hito no uso, hontō ni saitei da yo ne.That man's lies are truly the worst, aren't they?
- 大翔 Hirotoああ、あいつは本当にカスだよ。Ā, aitsu wa hontō ni kasu da yo.Yeah, he is truly scum.
- 陽葵 Himariもう、二度と顔も見たくない。Mō, nido to kao mo mitakunai.I never want to see his face again.
- 大翔 Hiroto僕も同感だよ、陽葵。Boku mo dōkan da yo, Himari.I feel the same way, Himari.
