How to Say ‘You idiot!’ in Japanese
ばかやろう！
baka yarou
[bah-KAH yah-ROH]
💬 Usage Tip: In fast angry speech やろう often shrinks, so you'll hear (bakayarō) slurred to (bakayaro) or even (bakkyaro). The やろう part originally meant "guy" and turns many insults rougher: この野郎 (kono yarō) "you bastard".
Phrase Breakdown
ばか
baka
[bah-KAH]
idiot; stupid
The most common Japanese insult for a foolish person or act.
ばかなことをした。
I did something stupid.
やろう
yarou
[yah-ROH]
guy; jerk (rude)
Rude word for a man (野郎); after an insult it intensifies it, like 'you bastard'.
この野郎！
You bastard!
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