うるさい、うざい
urusai, uzai
The English phrase "shut up, you're annoying" is expressed in Japanese as うるさい、うざい (urusai, uzai).
This phrase is used as a rude way to tell someone to stop talking because they are irritating.
What does it mean word for word?
The word うるさい literally means "noisy" or "loud", but when directed at a person, it is used to mean "shut up".
Which one should you use?
While often used together, the two words have different focuses: うるさい focuses on the volume or the act of making noise, whereas うざい focuses on the emotional irritation caused by the person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly informal and can be perceived as aggressive or rude depending on the tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, the subject "you" is often omitted. Therefore, うるさい、うざい can function as both "you are noisy/annoying" and "shut up, it's annoying".
How do you pronounce it?
urusai, uzai
Did you know?
- While うるさい focuses on sound, it can be used to describe a person who is 'fussy' or 'particular' about details, such as a boss who is うるさい about deadlines.
- Using うるさい in a professional setting is not just 'rude', it is often seen as a total breakdown of social hierarchy and character.
- In formal Japanese, the concept of 'annoying' is often expressed through 迷惑な which refers to causing 'trouble' or 'inconvenience' rather than a personal feeling of irritation.
Examples in context
- マジでうるさい、うざいんだけど。Maji de urusai, uzain dakedo.Seriously, shut up, you're so annoying.
- ちょっとうるさい、うざいよ。Chotto urusai, uzai yo.Be quiet, you're being annoying.
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing in their living room.
- 大翔 Hirotoうるさい、うざい！Urusai, uzai!Shut up, you're annoying!
- 結衣 Yuiひどいよ、大翔くん。Hidoi yo, Hiroto-kun.That's mean, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto黙って。本当にうるさい、うざい。Damatte. Hontou ni urusai, uzai.Be quiet. You're really annoying.
- 結衣 Yuiもう知らない！Mou shiranai!Fine, I'm done with you!
