How to say "blunt" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 鈍いにぶいi-adjectiveCovers the physical sense of blunt: an edge or point that is dull rather than sharp. It also means slow or dull generally, so context makes clear a knife or blade is meant.
- 鈍らすにぶらすgodan verb, transitive verbThe transitive verb sense of blunt: to make something dull or less sharp, or to weaken it, as in blunting someone's enthusiasm or an edge. Choose this when 'blunt' is a verb.
- na-adjective, nounDescribes a blunt, curt manner of speaking or behaving — abrupt and unrefined without necessarily being hostile. Usually written in kana alone. A typical context is someone who answers questions tersely.
- 無愛想ぶあいそうna-adjective, nounBlunt in the sense of unfriendly or surly: an unsociable, cold demeanor that puts people off. Stronger in its lack of warmth than mere curtness, as with a shopkeeper who barely acknowledges customers.
- i-adjectiveBlunt as in cold, short, or curt replies and reactions that convey indifference. It emphasizes the flat, unenthusiastic feel of a response rather than an overall personality, unlike 無愛想.
Use 「鈍い」 for physically dull edges, 「鈍らす」 for the verb 'to blunt or weaken', and 「ぶっきらぼう」, 無愛想, or 「そっけない」 for blunt speech or manner, differing in degree of coldness.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
