無骨

• Reading: ぶこつ
• Romaji: bukotsu
• Kanji breakdown: 無 (bu) — without; 骨 (kotsu) — bone; refinement
• Pronunciation: /bɯkotsɯ/

Meaning

Crude; rough; rustic; lacking refinement or polish, but not necessarily in a negative way.

A na-adjective describing a rugged, unpolished quality — in appearance, manner, or speech. It often implies honest straightforwardness without social grace. Unlike 粗野 (coarse, boorish), 無骨 can carry a positive nuance: the 無骨な職人 (rough-hewn craftsman) is admired for authenticity. Common in descriptions of craftspeople, warriors, and rural characters.

Examples

1. 無骨な外見とは裏腹に、彼は繊細な詩を書くことで知られている。 Contrary to his rough exterior, he is known for writing delicate poetry.
2. 職人の無骨な手が丁寧に木材を削り出していく様子は美しかった。 Watching the craftsman's rugged hands carefully carve the wood was a beautiful sight.
3. 無骨な言葉遣いだが、その人柄の良さは誰もが認めるところだ。 His speech is crude, but everyone acknowledges his good character.

Usage Guide

Context: personality, craftsmanship, literature, rural life

Tone: earthy

Origin & History

Compound of 無 (without, lacking) and 骨 (bone; here in the extended sense of refinement, elegance). 骨 in this context refers to graceful structure or deportment. 無骨 literally means without that graceful framework — unpolished in bearing.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Working class, craftspeople