B1 Collocation Neutral

汚い言葉

kitanai kotoba

Dirty words

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Refers to offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate language used in conversation.

  • Means: Vulgar, offensive, or socially unacceptable language.
  • Used in: Describing someone's speech, setting boundaries, or discussing social etiquette.
  • Don't confuse: It is not the same as 'slang' (俗語), which can be neutral.
🚫 (No) + 🗣️ (Speech) = 汚い言葉 (Offensive language)

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means 'bad words'. You use it when someone says something rude or mean. It is not a nice way to speak.
In Japanese, 'kitanai' means dirty and 'kotoba' means words. Together, they describe language that is offensive or vulgar. Parents often tell children not to use these words.
The phrase 'kitanai kotoba' is a standard collocation used to describe speech that is socially unacceptable. It covers profanity, insults, and crude remarks. It is important for learners to recognize this term to understand social boundaries and etiquette in Japan, as using such language can negatively impact your reputation.
While 'kitanai kotoba' literally translates to 'dirty words', its usage is deeply tied to the Japanese cultural emphasis on social harmony. It is used to categorize speech that is considered 'polluting' or disruptive to the group dynamic. Unlike some Western contexts where profanity might be used for emphasis, in Japan, it is generally perceived as a sign of emotional immaturity or a lack of proper socialization.
The collocation 'kitanai kotoba' serves as a critical linguistic marker for identifying behavior that deviates from the expected norms of 'keigo' and polite discourse. It functions as a meta-linguistic label, allowing speakers to critique the register of others. The semantic scope of the term is broad, encompassing everything from mild vulgarity to severe verbal abuse, and its usage reflects the speaker's adherence to traditional social hierarchies and the maintenance of 'wa' (harmony).
From a sociolinguistic perspective, 'kitanai kotoba' encapsulates the intersection of morality and lexicon in Japanese society. It is a manifestation of the 'kirei/kitanai' dichotomy that permeates Japanese aesthetics and ethics. The label is not merely descriptive but normative; it enforces social cohesion by stigmatizing linguistic expressions that threaten the collective comfort. Mastery of this term requires an understanding of the subtle nuances between 'rude', 'vulgar', and 'abusive' within the specific context of Japanese interpersonal dynamics.

Bedeutung

Offensive or vulgar language.

🌍

Kultureller Hintergrund

Emphasis on social harmony means even mild swearing is frowned upon. Swearing is often used for emphasis or humor in casual settings. Certain swear words are used as punctuation in some working-class dialects. There is a distinction between 'gros mots' (mild) and 'insultes' (severe).

💡

Context is key

Always consider who you are talking to before using strong language.

Bedeutung

Offensive or vulgar language.

💡

Context is key

Always consider who you are talking to before using strong language.

Teste dich selbst

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

子供の前で＿＿＿を使ってはいけません。

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 汚い言葉

The context implies a prohibition against bad language.

🎉 Ergebnis: /1

Häufig gestellte Fragen

1 Fragen

No, it is a description of swear words.

Verwandte Redewendungen

🔄

悪口

synonym

Insult/bad-mouthing

🔗

暴言

specialized form

Abusive language

Wo du es verwendest

👶

Parent to child

Parent: 汚い言葉を使っちゃだめよ。

informal
💼

Workplace complaint

Employee: 部長、彼が汚い言葉を使っていました。

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'kit' (kitanai) that is full of 'trash' (dirty words).

Visual Association

Imagine a person speaking and dirty, muddy water coming out of their mouth instead of words.

Story

Ken was angry. He started shouting. His mother said, 'Ken, stop using dirty words!' Ken realized his mistake and apologized.

Word Web

悪口暴言下品マナー礼儀不快

Herausforderung

Write 3 sentences about why it is important to avoid using bad language in a professional setting.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Lenguaje soez

Spanish has many regional variations for 'bad words' (groserías) that are more specific than the Japanese term.

French high

Langage grossier

French 'grossier' is often used in formal contexts to describe behavior, similar to Japanese.

German moderate

Fäkalsprache

German is more direct and clinical in its terminology for vulgarity.

Japanese n/a

汚い言葉

Focuses on the 'dirtiness' metaphor.

Arabic high

كلام بذيء

Arabic has a stronger religious connotation regarding 'clean' speech.

Chinese high

脏话

Chinese 'zanghua' is often used as a direct noun for 'profanity' itself.

Korean high

상스러운 말

Korean has a very complex system of honorifics that makes 'bad language' more about hierarchy.

Portuguese moderate

Linguagem chula

Portuguese 'chula' specifically implies a lack of social class, whereas Japanese 'kitanai' is more general.

Easily Confused

汚い言葉 vs. 下品な言葉

Learners think it's the same as 'kitanai kotoba'.

Gehin focuses on lack of class/refinement, while kitanai is more general.

FAQ (1)

No, it is a description of swear words.

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