motsai

There is a Kyoto dialect expression, “motsai.”
In standard Japanese, it would mean “tacky,” “boorish,” or “unrefined.”

《Kyoto dialect》
You’ll be ashamed of yourself if you wear such a tacky outfit.

《Standard language》
You, you should be ashamed of yourself if you wear such a boorish outfit.

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I like this expression “motsai” and use it rather often.

《Kyoto dialect》
He drives such a tacky car.

《Standard language》
He drives such a tacky car.

The word “tacky” sounds unhelpful, but “motsai” gives the impression of being a bit old-fashioned and clunky.

In addition, I asked Bard, Google’s AI.

It said: “Kyoto has long flourished as a capital city and has nurtured a culture of high quality and sophistication. It is thought that in this context, the word “motsai” came to be used to describe unrefined and unstylish.”

I think Bard may know more about Kyoto than I do (sweat).

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Author

くらま天狗(Kurama Tengu)
Born and raised in Kyoto.
I like B-class gourmet food, and my favorite is Tenkaippin Ramen. (^o^)
I am good at making homepages and many other things.