Translation and Meaning of: 馬鹿らしい - bakarashii
The word "馬鹿らしい" (bakarashii) is a Japanese expression used to describe something as ridiculous, silly, or absurd. The word itself is composed of three kanji: 「馬」 (uma) meaning "horse", 「鹿」 (shika) meaning "deer", and the adjectival suffix 「しい」 (shii) which adds the idea of "like" or "similar". When combined, the term refers to something that embodies both the creativity and the naivety of a "horse and a deer", thus forming an expression that suggests a lack of sense or reason.
The origin of the word "馬鹿" (baka), which is the root of "bakarashii", has multiple theories. One of the most well-known is that it originated in China, in an ancient story where a political leader tested the loyalty of his subordinates by intentionally calling a horse a deer, and those who contested him were punished. This incident became known as a demonstration of madness or lack of intelligence, and the expression was incorporated into the Japanese language with a similar connotation.
In the Japanese linguistic scenario, the term "bakarashii" is widely used in everyday life to express disbelief or skepticism regarding a situation or idea. It is common to hear this term in informal conversations, where someone might be commenting on something they consider completely illogical or unlikely. There are other forms of the root "baka" being used, such as "馬鹿にする" (baka ni suru) which means "to make a fool of" or "to mock someone."
Cultural Considerations
The use of "bakarashii" in Japan can also reflect cultural nuances, where the value placed on harmony and rationality makes anything absurd or illogical a point of discussion or criticism. Expressions like these help to understand what is considered acceptable or not in of rational behavior, showing how language and culture are intrinsically linked.
- Negative connotations: generally used in informal contexts.
- Cultural history: reference to ancient stories and fables.
- Derived uses: "baka" is the root with multiple variations.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- ばかげた (bakageta) - Absurdly silly or ridiculous.
- くだらない (kudaranai) - Worthless, trivial, or insignificant.
- 無意味な (muimina) - Without meaning or purpose, irrelevant.
- ばかばかしい (bakabakashii) - Extremely foolish or contemptible, often used in a lighter manner than ばかげた.
Related words
Romaji: bakarashii
Kana: ばからしい
Type: Adjective
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1
Translation / Meaning: absurd
Meaning in English: absurd
Definition: Stupid: A foolish and silly appearance. This is ridiculous.
Quick Access
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- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (馬鹿らしい) bakarashii
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (馬鹿らしい) bakarashii:
Example Sentences - (馬鹿らしい) bakarashii
See below some example sentences:
Bakarashii koto wo iwanaide kudasai
Please don't say foolish things.
Don't say something stupid.
- 馬鹿らしい - means "ridiculous" or "absurd".
- こと - means "thing" or "subject".
- を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
- 言わないで - negative form of the verb "to say" in the imperative, meaning "don't say".
- ください - polite form of the verb "to give", which indicates a request or demand.
Other Words of this Type: Adjective
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Adjective
