野暮(やぼ)

やぼ
na-adjective
unsophisticated, uncouth
1. unsophisticated, uncouth, boorish
Lacking refinement, elegance, or social grace. Describes someone or something that is awkward or lacking in tact.
野暮(やぼ)な服装(ふくそう)だと思(おも)われたくない。
I don't want to be seen as having unsophisticated fashion.
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(やぼ)なことを聞(き)くな。
Don't ask such a tactless question.
Common expression
金額(きんがく)を聞(き)くのは野暮(やぼ)だ。
It's tactless to ask about the price.
Social context

FORMS:

  • Noun: 野暮(やぼ) (used as noun meaning 'boor' or 'philistine')
  • Set phrase: 野暮(やぼ)なこと (tactless thing)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 野暮(やぼ)なことを言(い)う (say something tactless)
  • 野暮(やぼ)を承知(しょうち)で (knowing it's tactless, but...)
  • 野暮(やぼ)天(てん) (boor, philistine - noun)

CULTURAL NOTE: Originated in Edo-period culture where it contrasted with 粋(いき) (stylishness, chic). Someone who doesn't understand the unwritten rules of social elegance was called 野暮(やぼ).

ANTONYM: 粋(いき) (chic, sophisticated).

Related Words

Antonym: 粋(いき)
general
Added 2026.1.17 11:07 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06072_yabo