しまった (shimatta)
What does しまった (shimatta) mean? しまった (shimatta) is a Japanese mild that translates to “damn / oh no / oops / darn it” in English.
Literal Translation
done/finished (regretful)
Meaning & Usage
"damn / oh no / oops / darn it"
Expression of regret when making mistake.
Examples in the Wild
しまった！鍵を忘れた！(Shimatta! Kagi wo wasureta! - Damn! I forgot my keys!)
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- As a spontaneous exclamation
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
NOT truly profanity. Mild as 'oops' or 'darn.' Acceptable for children. Comes from verb 'shimau' (to finish). 'Shimatta' implies 'I've done it now' or 'I messed up.' Kansai variant: 'shimota.'
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Crude slang for female genitalia.
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“lech / pervert / horny bastard”
Person with excessive sexual interest, lecherous person.
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“trash / scum / piece of shit”
Denotes moral worthlessness. 'Kuzu otoko' (scum man) describes cheating, lying men.
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“dick / cock”
Childish to vulgar slang for penis. 'Chinchin' is childish; 'chinpo' is vulgar.
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“liar”
Person who tells lies.
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“old hag / old fart / geezer”
Derogatory terms for elderly women (babaa) and men (jijii).
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“shut up / shut the fuck up”
Imperative form of 'damaru' (to be silent). Direct command to stop talking.
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“idiot / stupid / fool”
The most famous Japanese insult. Derived from Chinese legend where calling a deer a horse tested loyalty; those who spoke truth were 'fools.'