ガキ
gaki
The English phrase "little brat" can be translated into Japanese as ガキ (gaki).
ガキ is used to refer to a rude, annoying or contemptible child. It is a colloquial term that carries a negative or condescending connotation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ガキ literally means "brat" or "kid."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ガキ is an informal and often derogatory term. Although the source provides it in katakana, it is also frequently written in hiragana as がき or in kanji as 餓鬼.
How do you pronounce it?
gaki
Did you know?
- The kanji version of ガキ, written as 餓鬼, refers to the 'hungry ghosts' of Buddhist mythology. These are spirits depicted as having enormous bellies and tiny, thin necks, eternally suffering from hunger.
- If you use ガキ toward someone older than you, it is not just considered rude, it is an active provocation that almost guarantees a confrontation.
- While it is a common insult, you may hear a parent refer to their own child as a ガキ in a self-deprecating or affectionate way during a heated or casual conversation.
Examples in context
- あいつは本当に生意気なガキだ。Aitsu wa hontou ni namaiki na gaki da.He is such a cheeky little brat.
- ガキの言うことなんて気にしないで。Gaki no iu koto nante ki ni shinaide.Don't mind what that little brat says.
- あんなガキに騙されるなんて。Anna gaki ni damasareru nante.I can't believe I was tricked by such a brat.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are watching a child misbehave in a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaあのガキ、ずっと騒いでるね。Ano gaki, zutto sawaideru ne.That little brat has been making a noise constantly.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に迷惑だよね。Hontou ni meiwaku da yo ne.It really is a nuisance.
- 健太 Kenta親も注意しないのかな。Oya mo chuui shinai no kana.I wonder if the parents aren't going to say anything.
- 美咲 Misaki健太君の言う通り、困っちゃうね。Kenta-kun no iu toori, komacchau ne.You're right, Kenta, it's quite problematic.
