Translation guide
Describes something that is morally repulsive, disgusting, or detestable. Japanese expresses this through adjectives and verbs that convey strong aversion, often with nuances of moral outrage or physical revulsion.
Expressing that an action, idea, or behavior is morally abhorrent and inspires hatred or strong disapproval.
Literally 'should be hated', this is a common and strong way to say something is abhorrent in a moral sense. It emphasizes that the thing deserves hatred.
His actions are abhorrent.
Means 'unforgivable' or 'hard to forgive'. Often used for morally abhorrent acts that cannot be tolerated.
That crime is abhorrent.
Conveys a sense of something being abominable, detestable, and bringing bad feelings. Often used for acts or events that are morally repugnant.
An abhorrent incident occurred.
Literally 'should be spat out in disgust'. A very strong, literary expression for something utterly contemptible and abhorrent.
His discriminatory remarks are abhorrent.
Describing something that causes physical revulsion or disgust, such as a smell, sight, or substance.
Means 'disgusting' or 'revolting' in a physical sense, often implying something that makes you shudder. Can also be used for morally repulsive things.
There was an abhorrent smell.
A casual verb meaning 'to feel sick' or 'to be disgusted'. Often used for things that are physically nauseating or irritating.
Expressing that something is so contrary to one's values or sensibilities that it is abhorrent.
憎むべき focuses on the emotion of hatred towards the act, while 許しがたい emphasizes that the act cannot be forgiven or overlooked. Both are strong, but 許しがたい is often used in contexts of betrayal or serious moral violations.
His betrayal is abhorrent (unforgivable).
That cruel act is abhorrent (hateful).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'abhorrent'. Using a direct dictionary equivalent like 憎悪すべき may sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Choose the expression based on whether you mean morally repulsive, physically disgusting, or personally intolerable.
その光景を見てむかついた。
I felt abhorrent at the sight.
That bug is abhorrent.
Means 'incompatible' or 'cannot coexist'. Used when an idea or principle is fundamentally abhorrent to another.
His ideas are abhorrent to my beliefs.