noun
baka
BAH-kah
Baka (noun) means a Japanese word for a fool or idiot, widely known to English speakers through anime, manga and games. Example: “She called him a baka and stormed off.”
noun
1
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."
"Every other line in that episode is just the heroine shouting baka."
adjective
1
informal Foolish or stupid.
"Don't be baka about it, just ask for help."
How to use baka
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishJapanese for idiot, often said teasingly.
When to use it
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.
Memory tip
Tone carries almost all the weight. Said lightly to a friend it is teasing; said flatly to a stranger it is rude.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
baka!
you baka
such a baka
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She called him a _____ and stormed off.
Etymology
From Japanese baka, meaning fool or foolishness.
Related words
Rhymes for baka
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of baka?
"baka" (noun) means a Japanese word for a fool or idiot, widely known to English speakers through anime, manga and games.
What is another word for baka?
Other words for "baka" include idiot, fool, dummy, stupid, silly, foolish.
