Translation guide
A person or thing that is intensely disliked, detested, or considered completely unacceptable. In English, it is often used in the pattern 'X is anathema to Y'. Japanese expresses this through strong aversion, taboo, or fundamental opposition.
Expressing that a person, idea, or thing is utterly repulsive, hated, or contrary to one's values.
The most common and natural way to express strong personal dislike. Literally 'hate', but can be used for things that are anathema to someone.
彼は嘘をつくのが大嫌いだ。
Lying is anathema to him.
Means 'unforgivable' or 'cannot tolerate'. Conveys that something is morally or personally unacceptable.
不正は絶対に許せない。
Injustice is anathema to me.
A strong, somewhat formal expression meaning 'outrageous', 'unthinkable', or 'absolutely unacceptable'. Often used to reject an idea or proposal.
賄賂を受け取るなんてもってのほかだ。
Accepting bribes is anathema.
Literally 'to abhor' or 'to detest'. Stronger and more literary than 大嫌い. Implies deep-seated aversion.
彼は不正を忌み嫌っている。
He finds dishonesty anathema.
A very strong, literary term meaning 'deserving of contempt' or 'abominable'. Rare in everyday speech.
その行為は唾棄すべきものだ。
That act is anathema.
Describing something that goes against one's core beliefs or nature, often used in the pattern 'X is anathema to Y'.
Means 'incompatible with' or 'cannot coexist with'. Perfect for expressing that something is fundamentally opposed to one's values.
彼の考えは私の信念とは相容れない。
His ideas are anathema to my beliefs.
Means 'to go against' or 'to be contrary to'. Used for principles, rules, or expectations.
それは私の主義に反する。
That is anathema to my principles.
Means 'to be in direct opposition'. Emphasizes a head-on clash of ideas or values.
その提案は我々の価値観と真っ向から対立する。
The proposal is anathema to our values.
Referring to an individual who is considered an outcast or universally disliked.
A person who is disliked by others. Can be used for someone who is anathema to a group.
彼は会社で嫌われ者だ。
He is anathema at the office.
A person who is shunned or treated as a nuisance. Literally 'someone you hold your nose around'.
彼は地域の鼻つまみ者になっている。
He has become anathema in the community.
An outcast or someone excluded from a group. Less intense than anathema but conveys social rejection.
There is no direct Japanese equivalent for 'anathema' as a noun. Do not try to translate it word-for-word. Instead, use phrases that express strong aversion or incompatibility.
大嫌い expresses personal dislike, while 許せない implies a moral judgment. Use 許せない when the thing is not just disliked but considered wrong or unforgivable.
彼はグループでのけ者にされている。
He is treated as anathema by the group.