🧭 What kind of “weird” does kettai describe?
The word “kettai” is commonly used in Kansai to describe something or someone that seems strange, odd, or hard to make sense of.
It’s not exactly rude, but it’s not very polite either — it carries a bit of a teasing or sarcastic tone.
You might use it when someone is wearing a bizarre outfit or acting in an eccentric way.
It can describe both people and things, but you typically wouldn’t say it directly to someone’s face.
Though the word is recognized outside of Kansai today, it still reflects the region’s unique sense of humor and candid communication style.
🔍 How does jibun differ between Standard Japanese and Kansai dialect?
🗾 Standard Japanese
🔸 Example
あの人、変な格好してるね。(Ano hito, hen na kakkō shiteru ne.)
➡ That person is wearing something weird.
✅ Explanation
“Hen na” is the common word in standard Japanese for “strange” or “weird.” It’s widely used across Japan.
🎯 Kansai Dialect
🔸 Example
あの人、けったいな格好してるわ〜(Ano hito, kettai na kakkō shiteru wa~)
➡ That person looks really weird.
✅ Explanation
“Kettai” adds a Kansai-style twist of humor or sassiness to the idea of “weird.”
It’s often used in casual speech and is great for lighthearted teasing.
💡 Want to poke fun at something strange without being harsh? “Kettai na hito ya na〜” does the trick, Kansai-style!
💬 Sample Phrases Using "kettai" in Kansai Dialect
Ano hito, kettai na hito ya naa
2️⃣ けったいなモン買うてきたな〜
Kettai na mon kaute kita naa~
3️⃣ あの話、けったいすぎひん？
Ano hanashi, kettai sugihin?
1️⃣ That guy seems really odd, doesn’t he?
2️⃣ You bought something super weird, huh?
3️⃣ Isn’t that story just way too bizarre?
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