Skip to content
NihongoVS

Delinquent Speech (不良/ヤンキー)

How They Talk in Anime

The Delinquent character type is known for being tough and aggressive, often from the wrong side of town. They speak in a very casual, rough manner, using slang and colloquialisms to assert their dominance. Their speech patterns reflect their rebellious and often confrontational attitude.

Speech Patterns

First Person おれ (ore)
Sentence Endings よ (yo), ぜ (ze), だぜ (daze), んだよ (ndayo)
Signature Phrases ぶっ殺す (bukkorosu) - I'll kill you, しねよ (shine yo) - Shut up, あなたのせいだ (anata no sei da) - It's your fault
Characteristics
  • frequent use of slang and colloquialisms
  • aggressive tone and language
  • tendency to use rough, masculine language
  • often uses imperative forms to give orders
Formality
very casual

Example Dialogues

A Delinquent character is threatening someone who owes them money

おれに用があるなら、ちゃんとお金を払えよ

ore ni you ga aru nara, chanto okane o harae yo

If you've got business with me, pay up already

A Delinquent character is responding to someone who is teasing them

あなたのせいだ、ぶっ殺すぞ

anata no sei da, bukkorosu zo

It's your fault, I'll kill you

A Delinquent character is giving orders to someone they consider inferior

しねよ、ここを片付けるんだよ

shine yo, koko o katadzukeru ndayo

Shut up, clean up this place

In Real Life

⚠️ Using this speech style in real life can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating, and may lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. It's essential to be mindful of your audience and context when communicating, and to adjust your language accordingly.

Master Anime Japanese

Get all character archetypes and speech patterns in one guide.

Get Anime Japanese Decoded (PDF)