Translation guide
Expresses strong shock, horror, or dismay at something extremely bad or unpleasant. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you are describing a situation, behavior, quality, or personal feeling.
Describing something that is so bad it causes shock or horror, like news, conditions, or an event.
Common, versatile word for 'terrible' or 'awful'. Can be used for many situations, from bad weather to cruel behavior.
そのニュースは本当にひどい。
That news is really appalling.
ひどい事故だった。
It was an appalling accident.
Expresses a shudder of horror or disgust. Often used for something frightening or morally repulsive.
その話を聞いてぞっとした。
I was appalled to hear that story.
Means 'dreadful' or 'horrifying'. Stronger than ひどい, emphasizes fear or awe.
恐ろしい事件が起きた。
An appalling incident occurred.
To be disgusted or appalled at someone's behavior, often implying disbelief. Used as あきれる or あきれた.
彼の態度にはあきれた。
I was appalled by his attitude.
Expressing strong disapproval of something morally wrong, like cruelty, injustice, or a heinous act.
Means 'unforgivable' or 'inexcusable'. Used for actions that are morally appalling.
それは許しがたい行為だ。
That is an appalling act.
Same as ひどい but often written with kanji to emphasize cruelty or injustice. Can mean 'cruel' or 'heartless'.
Criticizing something as extremely bad in quality, like a terrible movie, meal, or service.
Again, the most common word. Works for anything of very poor quality.
この料理はひどい味だ。
This food tastes appalling.
Means 'the worst' or 'rock bottom'. Very common in casual speech to express strong disappointment.
Means 'shabby' or 'poor'. Often used sarcastically or to criticize something that falls far below expectations.
Expressing your own feeling of being shocked, horrified, or disgusted.
Literally 'so appalled I can't speak'. A common phrase for being utterly disgusted or shocked into silence.
彼の無責任さにはあきれてものが言えない。
I'm appalled by his irresponsibility.
Means 'to be stunned' or 'dumbfounded'. Expresses shock at something unbelievable or outrageous.
そのニュースに開いた口がふさがらなかった。
I was appalled by the news.
To be stunned or dumbfounded, often with a nuance of being at a loss. More literary.
その光景に呆然とした。
I was appalled at the sight.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'appalling'. Avoid trying to translate it directly. Instead, choose a word based on the specific nuance: ひどい for general terribleness, ぞっとする for horror, 許しがたい for moral outrage, etc.
ひどい is the most common and versatile word for 'terrible/awful'. 恐ろしい is stronger and implies fear or dread. Use 恐ろしい when the situation is genuinely frightening, not just bad.
I received appalling treatment.
Formal, strong expression meaning 'outrageous' or 'absolutely inexcusable'. Used in serious contexts.
その発言は言語道断だ。
That remark is appalling.
あの映画は最低だった。
That movie was appalling.
お粗末なサービスだった。
The service was appalling.