Durn Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A mild, old-fashioned way to say 'damn', used to express frustration, surprise, or emphasis in a gentle and informal way.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and somewhat dated, mostly heard in rural or Southern US English. Softer than 'damn'; not offensive. Common in expressions like 'durn it' or 'durn fool'. Rare in modern speech, often used for humorous or folksy effect.

• Spanish: maldito - condenado (expresión suave, informal)
• Portuguese (BR): maldito - danado (expressão suave, informal)
• Portuguese (PT): maldito - danado (expressão suave, informal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 该死的（委婉，口语）
• Chinese (Traditional): 該死的（委婉，口語）
• Hindi: कमबख्त - धत् (हल्का, अनौपचारिक)
• Arabic: لعين - تافه (تعبير مخفف، عامي)
• Bengali: ধুর - ঝামেলা (সামান্য বিরক্তি প্রকাশে)
• Russian: чёртов - проклятый (в мягкой форме)
• Japanese: ちぇっ - まったく（やや古風で柔らかい表現）
• Vietnamese: trời ơi - chết tiệt (nhẹ nhàng, thân mật)
• Korean: 젠장 - 에이 (부드럽고 옛스러운 표현)
• Turkish: kahrolası - lanet olası (hafif ve eski moda bir ifade)
• Urdu: کمبخت - بے وقوف (ہلکا سا اظہارِ جھنجھلاہٹ)
• Indonesian: sialan - aduh (dengan nada ringan, kuno)

Example Sentences

He always acts like a durn fool when he's tired.

natural

That durn cat knocked over my glass!

basic

I can't find my durn keys anywhere.

basic

Who left the durn door open all night?

natural

It's so durn hot today.

basic

My truck won't start—that's just durn great.

natural