クズ
kuzu
The English phrase "scumbag" can be translated into Japanese as クズ (kuzu).
クズ is used to describe a person as being human refuse or someone who is utterly worthless and despicable, such as a scum or a worthless person.
Meaning: despicable person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word クズ literally means waste, trash or scraps of something, such as paper or metal.
Which one should you use?
While クズ refers to a scumbag or a worthless person, you may also encounter 最低, which means "the worst" or "the lowest" and クソ野郎, a colloquial phrase that translates literally as "shit guy".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
クズ is a highly insulting and informal term used to express contempt for someone's character. Similarly, 最低 is informal and クソ野郎 is colloquial.
How do you pronounce it?
kuzu
Did you know?
- While クズ is a harsh insult for a person, it is also the common name for the Japanese arrowroot plant, which is used to make a traditional starch.
- The word 野郎 in クソ野郎 is so common that it is sometimes used between very close male friends as a rough term of endearment, provided the tone is correct.
- The word クソ used in クソ野郎 can also be used as a prefix to intensify almost any negative adjective, much like the English word 'fucking'.
Examples in context
- あんなクズには関わるな。Anna kuzu ni wa kawaruna.Don't get involved with a scumbag like that.
- 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 a truly hopeless scumbag.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a dishonest man they both know.
- 陽葵 Himariあの人はまた嘘をついたの？Ano hito wa mata uso o tsuita no?Did that man lie again?
- 陽太 Yotaああ、本当に最低のクズだよ。Aa, hontou ni saitei no kuzu da yo.Yeah, he is a truly despicable scumbag.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君も、彼には近づかないでね。Youta-kun mo, kare ni wa chikazukanaide ne.Youta, please don't go near him either.
- 陽太 Yotaわかってるよ、陽葵。Wakatteru yo, Himari.I know, Himari.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry クズ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
