馬鹿
baka[ba̠ka̠]
The English phrase "stupid person" is translated into Japanese as 馬鹿 (baka).
馬鹿 is a colloquial term meaning "stupid person" or "idiot". It is frequently used among friends as a lighthearted or teasing way to call someone a fool.
Which one should you use?
In the Kansai dialect, 馬鹿 can often sound more insulting or harsh than the local term 阿呆, which is often used more affectionately.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word as an adjective to modify a noun (for example, "a stupid mistake"), the form changes to 馬鹿な.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is baka.
Did you know?
- The word 馬鹿 might actually be a phonetic transcription of a Sanskrit word used by monks to describe 'folly'.
- Japanese uses the word 馬鹿 to describe something that is 'absurdly' large or extreme, such as 馬鹿高い for 'ridiculously expensive'.
- The term 馬鹿 is often used in popular Japanese culture, such as in song titles or anime, to represent a 'lovable fool' or a character who is hopelessly in love.
Examples in context
- あの人はバカだね。 (Ano hito wa baka da ne.) Person B: うん、本当にバカだよ。(Un, hontōni baka da yo.)Person A: "That person is stupid, right?" Person B: "Yes, they are really stupid."
- あの方、愚か者ですね。(Ano kata, orokamono desu ne.) Person B: はい、本当に愚かな行動です。(Hai, hontōni oroka na kōdō desu.)Person A: "That individual is a foolish person, aren't they?" Person B: "Yes, their actions are truly foolish."
- あいつは本当に馬鹿だ。Aitsu wa hontō ni baka da.That guy is really a stupid person.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are arguing about a silly mistake Ren made.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮は本当に馬鹿ね。Ren wa hontō ni baka ne.Ren, you are such a stupid person.
- 蓮 Renそんなこと言わないでよ。Sonna koto iwanaide yo.Don't say things like that.
- 美咲 Misakiだって、すごく馬鹿なミスをしたじゃない。Datte, sugoku baka na misu o shita janai.But, you made such a stupid mistake.
- 蓮 Ren反省してるよ。Hansei shiteru yo.I am reflecting on it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 馬鹿, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 馬鹿, CC BY-SA 4.0.
