野暮(やぼ)

やぼ
na-adjective
unsophisticated, uncouth
evaluationculture
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)はやめよう。
Let's not wear unfashionable clothes.
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.
あのデザインは少(すこ)し野暮(やぼ)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(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.
野暮(やぼ)を承知(しょうち)で聞(き)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(やぼ) (used as noun meaning 'boor' or 'philistine')
  • Set phrase: 野暮(やぼ)なこと (tactless thing)

Common patterns

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)
Antonym: 洗練(せんれん) (refinement)
Related: 無粋(ぶすい) (boorish, uncouth, insensitive)
Related: 野暮(やぼ)ったい (unfashionable, tacky, unsophisticated)
general
Added 2026.1.17 11:07 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
06000/06072_yabo