Japanese Conversation · Level 55
75 words
Japanese word
間抜け
Pronunciation
Romajimanuke
Meaning
- na-adjectivefoolish
Example
それは間抜けな考えです。so re wa ma nu ke na kanga e de su
That is a foolish idea.
More examples
彼は自分の間抜けな発言に気づき、すぐに謝りました。kare wa ji bun no ma nu ke na hatsu gen ni ki zu ki su gu ni ayama ri ma shi ta
He realized that his remark was foolish and apologized right away.
Core concept
Refers to a noticeable failure of common sense that makes a person, thought, or behavior look foolish.
Common phrases
間抜けな考えma nu ke na kanga e
foolish idea
間抜けな質問ma nu ke na shitsu mon
foolish question
Similar words
馬鹿baka: Describes a person, idea, or action that seems foolish in a broad or blunt way.
愚かoroka: Describes a person, thought, or action that lacks good judgment or wisdom.
阿呆ahō: Describes a person or action in a teasing or insulting way as foolish.
とんまtonma: Describes a person who is dull, clumsy, or poor at handling practical matters.
Definition in Japanese
知恵や分別が足りず、愚かなさま。chi e ya bun betsu ga ta ri zu oro ka na sa ma
Word origin
間抜け (manuke) is a Japanese compound of 間 (ma, "timing or interval") and the noun form 抜け (nuke, "a gap or omission"), expressing a missing element in one's sense or timing.
Usage tips
- Because 間抜けな (manuke na) often carries a teasing or insulting tone, speakers use it more freely in casual conversation than in formal descriptions.