野郎(やろう)

やろう
noun
guy; fellow; bastard
informalspokenperson
1. guy; fellow; man
A rough, informal word for a man or boy. Used among men in casual settings, sometimes affectionately.
あの野郎(やろう)、遅刻(ちこく)しやがった。
That guy showed up late, damn it.
男(おとこ)ばかりの野郎(やろう)だらけの飲(の)み会(かい)だった。
It was a drinking party full of nothing but guys.
仲間(なかま)うちで「野郎(やろう)ども、行(い)くぞ！」と声(こえ)をかけた。
He called out to the group, "Let's go, guys!"
2. bastard; jerk; son of a bitch
Used as a term of contempt or anger toward someone, especially a man. Strong and rude.
あの野郎(やろう)、許(ゆる)さない。
I won't forgive that bastard.
ふざけるな、この野郎(やろう)！
Don't mess with me, you bastard!
財布(さいふ)を盗(ぬす)んだ野郎(やろう)を絶対(ぜったい)に捕(つか)まえてやる。
I'll definitely catch the bastard who stole my wallet.

Register

野郎(やろう) is a strongly masculine, rough word. It is used almost exclusively by men. Women rarely use this word except in very casual or deliberately rough speech.

Usage

The tone determines whether it is affectionate (sense 1) or hostile (sense 2). Among close male friends, it can be used playfully. Directed at strangers or enemies, it is an insult.

Common patterns

  • この野郎(やろう)！ (You bastard!)
  • あの野郎(やろう) (That bastard / That guy)
  • 野郎(やろう)ども (you guys — rough, masculine plural)
  • ばか野郎(やろう) (stupid idiot — a very common compound insult)
general
Added 2026.3.1 19:01 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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