baka

6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for baka, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A Japanese word for a fool or idiot, widely known to English speakers through anime, manga and games.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

idiot fool stupid silly

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

dummy foolish

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun informal

A Japanese word for a fool or idiot, widely known to English speakers through anime, manga and games.

“She called him a baka and stormed off.”

idiot fool dummy

2. adjective informal

Foolish or stupid.

“Don't be baka about it, just ask for help.”

stupid silly foolish

Opposites

clever wise

How to use baka

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

baka! you baka such a baka

In Japanese the force varies by region and tone: it can be a genuine insult or an affectionate tease between friends. Among English-speaking anime fans it is almost always playful.

Etymology

From Japanese baka, meaning fool or foolishness.

Full origin of baka →

Frequently asked questions

What does baka mean in Japanese?

It means fool, idiot or foolishness, and it works as both a noun and an adjective. It is one of the most common mild insults in Japanese and is written with the characters for horse and deer.

Is calling someone baka rude?

It depends entirely on the relationship and delivery. Between friends or in a flirtatious exchange it reads as teasing, but directed at a stranger, a colleague or someone senior to you it is genuinely insulting.

People also searched

stupid wise silly idiot fool clever foolish dummy

Nearby words

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