×/バツ

ばつ
noun
X mark; cross; wrong
slangevaluationcommunication
1. X mark; cross mark; wrong answer mark
A cross-shaped symbol (×) used to indicate something is wrong, incorrect, or not permitted. Opposite of ○ (maru, circle mark for correct).
Wrong answers get an X mark.
Photography is prohibited here. Do you see the X mark?
I got three answers wrong on the test.
I can see the no-parking X mark.
Please mark correct ones with a circle and wrong ones with an X.
It's marked as unavailable today.
2. divorced status (slang)
Colloquially used to indicate that someone has been divorced. バツイチ means divorced once.
He's divorced once and has one child.
[Note: バツイチ = divorced once, バツニ = divorced twice]
She's been divorced twice and is currently single.
Do you mind marrying someone who's been divorced?
These days, many people don't mind at all if someone is divorced.

Writing: Written as × (the symbol), バツ, or ばつ.

Usage

  • × indicates wrong/incorrect (on tests, forms)
  • × indicates prohibited/not allowed (signs)
  • × indicates unavailable/closed (schedules)

Slang

(The 'X' represents a mark crossing out one's family register)

Similar words

  • ○ (まる) - correct, good, available
  • × (ばつ) - wrong, prohibited, unavailable
  • △ (さんかく) - so-so, partially correct

Cultural note

  • In Japan, ○ means 'correct' and × means 'wrong', which is opposite to the Western ✓ (check) and ✗ (X) convention.

Related Words