How to say "guys" in Japanese

• 連中れんちゅうJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe everyday word for a bunch or group of people — 'those guys', 'the lot of them'. Neutral enough for most talk about a group, your own crowd or someone else's.
  あの連中れんちゅうには近ちかづいてはいけないよ。↗

  You must steer clear of that gang.
• 奴輩どはい
  nounA derogatory word for a group looked down on — 'those fellows' said with contempt. Given its insulting tone and rarity, this is seldom the word you want for plain 'guys'; use it only to belittle.
• 野郎どもやろうども
  nounRough, familiar language for a bunch of men — 'you bastards' when angry, 'lads' with rough affection. Less common and derogatory; it is for scolding or rough camaraderie, not neutral reference.

For 'guys' as an ordinary group of people, use 連中; 奴輩 and 「野郎ども」 are both less common and derogatory, so reach for them only when you want contempt or rough, familiar speech.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 連中れんちゅうcompany
• 奴輩どはいguys
• 野郎どもやろうどもbastards