Cussing & 高校生
 

Is cussing for them in Japan as prevalent as much as it is in the United States and Canada?

Cussing isn't really a big topic as I've noticed from my search results on JF. It almost seems as if it's taboo!

There isn't really "cussing" in Japan. There are right and wrong ways to speak to a teacher, but there aren't "swear words" in the same way we have in English.

Oh, I see. I guess it all comes down to the social part of the language--respect? I've watched some Japanese T.V. shows and I see a cuss word slipped into the subtitles every now and then and was wondering about that. Seems like those parts of the subs are more of a localization rather than a true translation.

If there are swear words, but not in the same way in English, could you explain how they're different?

Well, they might translate as "swear" words on a subtitle, but it sort of depends on the context. Like ikkene! might translate as "Oh, shit, I screwed up bad!" But literally means "it's not good!". Or "neboken ja neeyo!" means "you're half asleep!" Could translate to, if said harshly, "Pull your head out of your ass!" I can't think of any Japanese words that translate straight over from English swear words.

Thanks.

The main reason I'm asking this is because I don't want to end up asking a dumb question when I go on exchange next year IF they did really have bad language like we do here.

don't worry about that! I've asked plenty of dumb questions (as if there IS such a thing!) including the one you just asked. I discovered one thing: The Japanese loved to be asked about their language and culture and are, in my experience, always grateful to teach! Never be afraid to ask about language and what the customs are especially!

I agree. Questions like this often lead to entire dinnertable discussions...don't worry!

Aww you're so luck to get to be an exchange student! Yes, I agree with MMM and Danslak. It all depends on the context in which your'e using it for. So yeah, I wouldn't really worry about it. And hey, if you slip up then at least you'll get a good laugh out of it right?

Thanks for the replies.

@danslak
That's definitely true about many Japanese.

@MMM
lol.. I don't know about having cuss words at the dinner table. But, yes, I see what you're saying. I'll probably have the largest conversations over the smallest things while I'm there :o

@SailorBratt18
Laughing at dumb questions is probably universal :)

just dont call girls "busu" :vsign:

yeah you aren't going to have much use for bad language in japan anyway.. i have used it only a few times and heard it only a few times. i wouldn't worry about it too much but it is fun to learn, haha.

i like 糞っ垂れ！ which could be like shithead, bastard. haha. also because of the れ on the end it is fun to pronounce in an angry voice. but i only used this in a joking way, never have i said angrily.

Cussin
 

So since they dont use it there it would be more respectable if you dont use it would it not be for example when you got to someones house or to a job interview?

I find that a little surprising....

so if you translate these two litteraly word per word, what does it mean?

Hhayaku inaku nareyo
Mocca-Mocca Su Su


If they are what i think they are, i understand if you don't tranlsate. But these are like swearing in english right?

ahh the first one is "get lost quick" not exactly swearing but its pretty rude
dunno about the second...

oh i see... the first one, my japanese friend told me is used when you say F-off.. So i guess its similar but like people have said, its not exactly swearing :eek: I'm surprised!

yes you probably shouldnt use it if your trying to be polite ^_^;

"Swearing" in Japanese isn't what is said, but how it is said.

Kind of like "GO AWAY" in English.

Saying it while you're crying means one thing, while saying it with grinding teeth is another.

Non-verbal communication, the language most of us already know.

There does seem to be one that I hear used in animes consistently for one of two words.

The word I hear is "kusou". I don't know what it actually means, but I ALWAYS see it translated as either "damn" or "shit". I think I saw it as the f-bomb once in Death Note.

Sometimes they say it like "kusowa" or "kusoua".

Anyone have better info than me?? ^_^;

it has a few meanings and can be used in different ways.. but here is the definition for Kuso:
糞 【くそ】 (int,n) (1) (col) feces; excrement; shit; bullshit; (adj-pn) (2) damn (adds emphasis and or annoyance to next word, e.g., damn hot, damn kids, etc.); damned

i use this word paired with 下手 (heta) bad/unskilled at something to mean i'm really bad. like if someone say to me you speak japanese really well, i would say まだ下手くそ - (madahetakuso) which means i still really lack skill, im still really bad at.

so it is not always used to translate in an "shit/damn" kind of way.

it is all on how it is used and pronounced as said before.

It is often translated that way, but, like I said, it is more how it is said than the word itself. It could be anything from "Darn it" to the F-Bomb.

hmm, sounds versatile. ^_^

I see/hear it as 'kusaa' quite often. May be an accent.

What does　くたばれ　Mean.

I heard kantou for f*ck you. But Iam unsure.