間(ま)の抜(ぬ)けた

まのぬけた
expression
foolish; dim-witted; dopey
personality
1. foolish; dim-witted; dopey; silly-looking
Describes someone or something that appears foolish, absent-minded, or lacking sharpness. The expression literally means 'with the timing removed,' suggesting a lack of proper sense or awareness.
間(ま)の抜(ぬ)けた顔(かお)をしている。
He has a dopey look on his face.
間(ま)の抜(ぬ)けた質問(しつもん)をして、みんなに笑(わら)われた。
I asked a foolish question and everyone laughed.
緊張感(きんちょうかん)のある会議(かいぎ)で、彼(かれ)だけが間(ま)の抜(ぬ)けた発言(はつげん)をして場(ば)の空気(くうき)を和(やわ)らげた。
In the tense meeting, he alone made a silly remark and lightened the atmosphere.

Literally "with the 間(ま) (timing, sense) removed." In Japanese, 間(ま) refers to timing, spacing, and a sense of appropriateness. When the 間(ま) is "removed" (抜(ぬ)ける), the result is something that feels off, silly, or lacking sharpness.

This expression is mildly critical and often affectionate or humorous rather than harshly insulting. It can describe facial expressions, remarks, behavior, or even sounds and appearances.

The base form 間(ま)が抜(ぬ)ける (to be off, to be dopey) is also common, and the noun form 間抜(まぬ)け (fool, dunce) derives from the same root.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 間抜(まぬ)け: fool, dunce — the noun form; a person who is dim-witted
  • 鈍(にぶ)い: dull, slow — lacks sharpness in perception or reaction
  • とぼけた: feigning ignorance, absent-minded-looking — can imply deliberate obliviousness

Related Words

Compare: 間抜(まぬ)け (fool, dunce)
Compare: 鈍(にぶ)い (dull, slow)
general
Added 2026.4.23 21:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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