狂っている
kurutte iru
The English phrase "you're crazy" is translated into Japanese as 狂っている (kurutte iru).
狂っている is used to describe someone who is mentally ill or behaving in a completely irrational way. While it can refer to mental illness, it is frequently used colloquially to describe someone's actions or ideas as completely irrational or absurd.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual speech, the i in the continuous form 狂っている is often dropped to become 狂ってる.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 狂っている describes a continuous state of being crazy, rather than a sudden action of going mad.
How do you pronounce it?
kurutte iru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 狂う (kurau) can also be used to describe a mechanical device or a schedule that has gone wrong. You might use it to say that a clock is 'crazy' or that a plan has been 'thrown off' its track.
- While English speakers might say someone is 'crazy' to mean they are being silly, using 狂っている in Japanese carries a much heavier, more literal weight of actual insanity. Using it as a joke can often feel unintentionally dark or insensitive to Japanese listeners.
- In certain artistic or literary contexts, the word 狂い (kurui) can refer to a state of 'artistic madness' or 'frenzy'. This transforms the negative connotation of being 'crazy' into a description of intense, obsessive passion.
Examples in context
- お前は狂っている。You're crazy.Tatoeba #1484554 by marshmallowcat, translation #2047350 by AlanF_US
- そんな考え方は狂っている。Sonna kangaekata wa kurutte iru.That way of thinking is crazy.
Example conversation
Kenta suggests a very risky and irrational idea to Himari.
- 健太 Kenta明日、いきなり世界一周旅行に行こうぜ。Ashita, ikinari sekai isshū ryokō ni ikō ze.Let's just go on a trip around the world tomorrow.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、あなたは本当に狂っているわ。Kenta, anata wa hontō ni kurutte iru wa.Kenta, you are truly crazy.
- 健太 Kenta人生に刺激が必要だと思わないか？Jinsei ni shigeki ga hitsuyō da to omowanai ka?Don't you think life needs some excitement?
- 陽葵 Himari刺激のレベルが間違っているわよ。Shigeki no reberu ga machigatte iru wa yo.The level of excitement is all wrong.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
