ぶっきらぼう

• Reading: ぶっきらぼう
• Romaji: bukkirabō
• Pronunciation: /bɯkkiɾaboː/

Meaning

Curt; blunt; brusque; speaking or acting without warmth or social niceties.

A na-adjective typically written in hiragana describing a communication style that is abrupt and devoid of pleasantries. It does not necessarily imply malice — ぶっきらぼうな人 may simply lack social ease rather than be hostile. In fiction and character descriptions it is often used to indicate a tsundere-type personality: rough on the outside, warm within.

Examples

1. ぶっきらぼうな返事だったが、悪意はないとわかっていたので傷つかなかった。 His reply was curt, but I knew there was no ill intent, so it didn't hurt.
2. 彼はぶっきらぼうに見えて、実は誰よりも思いやりのある人だ。 He may seem brusque, but he's actually more caring than anyone.
3. ぶっきらぼうな話し方が誤解を招くことがあると上司に指摘された。 His boss pointed out that his blunt way of speaking sometimes causes misunderstandings.

Usage Guide

Context: personality, communication, relationships, character description

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Believed to derive from ぶっきり (to cut off sharply) combined with ぼう (a stick or blunt object), suggesting speech that is chopped short like a blunt instrument. The word is entirely phonetic in modern use and always written in hiragana or katakana.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal