Japanese meaning of 馬の骨
Reading:
うまのほね (uma no hone)
English Translation:
An unknown nobody
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A person of unknown or dubious background; a nobody.
素性の知れない者・取るに足らない者を指す蔑称。
Cultural Context:
Reflects feudal emphasis on lineage/status; appears in politics and entertainment gossip; considered rude/derogatory today.
家柄・身分を重視した封建的価値観を反映。政治・芸能の文脈で見られるが、現代では差別的になり得る。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 馬 (uma) = “horse” (noun)
• の (no) = possessive/attributive particle
• 骨 (hone) = “bone” (noun)
Noun phrase linked by の, often used metaphorically for an unknown or suspicious person.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it’s a metaphor for someone of unknown or dubious origin.
Example
Basic Example
彼はどこの誰とも知れぬ馬の骨だ。
He is an unknown nobody—just a horse’s bone.
Applied Example
あいつ、本当にただの村人？完全に馬の骨じゃないか。
Is he really just a villager? He’s a total unknown nobody.