TomoshiTomoshi

How to say "stupid" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 間抜けまぬけCommon
    na-adjective, nounCovers 'stupid' as comically silly: it labels a person whose look or behavior is laughably dim or inane. Typical context: teasing a friend over some ridiculous blunder.
  • 愚かおろかJLPT N1approx.Common
    na-adjectiveCovers 'stupid' as serious foolishness: it judges conduct, choices, or ways of thinking as foolish, with a weightier tone than mere teasing. Typical context: lamenting someone's foolish decision.
    そんな愚おろかなことを言ゆうな。↗
    Do not say such foolish things.
  • のろいJLPT N2approx.Common
    i-adjectiveCovers 'stupid' as slow-witted: a thickheaded, obtuse person who is slow to understand rather than comically silly. Typical context: complaining that someone is slow to catch on. Usually written in kana alone.
  • 鈍どんCommon
    na-adjective, nounCovers 'stupid' in the sense of dull and slow: it describes dullness or slowness of mind, and its 'stupid' sense amounts to 'dull-brained'. Typical context: calling a person dull or slow-witted.
  • 馬鹿らしいばからしいJLPT N2approx.Common
    i-adjectiveCovers 'stupid' as absurd: it describes an action or undertaking as so silly or pointless that it is not worth doing, rather than calling a person stupid. Typical context: dismissing some effort as ridiculous.
    彼女かのじょは馬鹿ばからしい質問しつもんをされていらいらした。↗
    She got rattled by the stupid question.

Choose 「間抜け」 for comically silly people, 「愚か」 for seriously foolish conduct or judgment, 「のろい」 for people who are thickheaded and slow to understand, 鈍 for dull, slow minds, and 「馬鹿らしい」 for absurd, pointless undertakings.

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

Japanese equivalents
See also
foolishslowabsurdsillydullridiculous

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android