野郎 (yarou)
What does 野郎 (yarou) mean? 野郎 (yarou) is a Japanese strong that translates to “bastard / jerk / guy (derogatory)” in English.
Literal Translation
field-man / fellow
Meaning & Usage
"bastard / jerk / guy (derogatory)"
Originally meant 'fellow' or 'guy,' now derogatory masculine suffix.
Examples in the Wild
この野郎！(Kono yarou! - You bastard!) / 馬鹿野郎 (Bakayarou - stupid bastard)
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Almost always used as 'kono yarou' (this bastard) or combined with insults (bakayarou, kusoyarou). Not used for women. Indicates rough, masculine aggression. Can be affectionate between close male friends ('you rascal'), but generally negative.
More in Japanese 🇯🇵
View all →まんこ (manko)
“cunt / pussy”
Crude slang for female genitalia.
スケベ (sukebe)
“lech / pervert / horny bastard”
Person with excessive sexual interest, lecherous person.
クズ (kuzu)
“trash / scum / piece of shit”
Denotes moral worthlessness. 'Kuzu otoko' (scum man) describes cheating, lying men.
嘘つき (usotsuki)
“liar”
Person who tells lies.
黙れ (damare)
“shut up / shut the fuck up”
Imperative form of 'damaru' (to be silent). Direct command to stop talking.
ばばあ (babaa) / じじい (jijii)
“old hag / old fart / geezer”
Derogatory terms for elderly women (babaa) and men (jijii).
馬鹿 (baka)
“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.'
ハゲ (hage)
“baldy”
Insults male pattern baldness.