1.
unsophisticated, uncouth, boorish
Lacking refinement, elegance, or social grace. Describes someone or something that is awkward or lacking in tact.
野暮な服装はやめよう。
Let's not wear unfashionable clothes.
野暮な服装だと思われたくない。
I don't want to be seen as having unsophisticated fashion.
あのデザインは少し野暮ったい。
That design is a bit frumpy.
野暮ったい = adjective form
2.
tactless, unrefined (of actions or words)
Used to describe actions or questions that are inappropriate, rude, or break social norms.
そんな野暮なことを聞くな。
Don't ask such a tactless question.
Common expression
金額を聞くのは野暮だ。
It's tactless to ask about the price.
野暮を承知で聞きますが、おいくらですか。
I know it's tactless to ask, but how much is it?
FORMS:
- Noun: 野暮 (used as noun meaning 'boor' or 'philistine')
- Set phrase: 野暮なこと (tactless thing)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 野暮なことを言う (say something tactless)
- 野暮を承知で (knowing it's tactless, but...)
- 野暮天 (boor, philistine - noun)
CULTURAL NOTE: Originated in Edo-period culture where it contrasted with 粋 (stylishness, chic). Someone who doesn't understand the unwritten rules of social elegance was called 野暮.
ANTONYM: 粋 (chic, sophisticated).