クズ
kuzu
The English word 'scum' can be translated into Japanese as クズ (kuzu).
クズ is used to describe a person as 'scum' or 'trash'. In a more formal context, one might use the expression 卑劣な人 to describe a person who is malicious, sneaky or dishonorable.
Meaning: person or persons considered to be reprehensible (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, クズ refers to dregs, waste or the scum found on top of a liquid.
Which one should you use?
While クズ is a general term for a person considered to be trash, adding 野郎 to the end to form クズ野郎 makes the insult more aggressive and specifically targets a male person, translating to 'scumbag' or 'piece of trash (male)'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
クズ is a highly derogatory and informal term. It should not be used in polite or professional conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
kuzu
Did you know?
- The word クズ is a homophone for the 葛 plant, used to make 'kuzu-kiri' noodles, meaning a person could be called 'scum' while discussing a traditional dessert.
- In Japanese, calling someone クズ is viewed as a 'character attack' rather than a 'behavior attack'. This implies the person is fundamentally useless at their very core, rather than just having performed a single bad action.
- In Japanese media, particularly anime, the term is often used to create a 'trashy' trope. This involves characters who are called クズ but are paradoxically written to be charming or beloved by the audience.
Examples in context
- あんなクズ、相手にする必要はないよ。Anna kuzu, aite ni suru hitsuyou wa nai yo.There is no need to even deal with a scum like him.
- 彼は本当に救いようのないクズだ。Kare wa hontou ni sukuiyou no nai kuzu da.He is truly a hopeless piece of scum.
- 嘘をつくようなクズには興味がない。Uso o tsuku you na kuzu ni wa kyoumi ga nai.I have no interest in scum who tell lies.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a dishonest man they used to know.
- 陽太 Yotaあの男、また嘘をついたらしいよ。Ano otoko, mata uso o tsuita rashii yo.I heard that man lied again.
- 結衣 Yui本当に最低なクズだね。Hontou ni saiteina kuzu da ne.He really is a low-life scum.
- 陽太 Yotaもう二度と関わりたくないよ。Mou nidoto kakawaritaku nai yo.I never want to deal with him again.
- 結衣 Yui陽太の言う通りだよ。Youta no iu toori da yo.You are absolutely right, Youta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry クズ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
