Translation guide
The English word 'awful' is used to describe something very bad, unpleasant, or terrible. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent that covers all uses. The best choice depends on what is being described and the degree of formality.
Expressing that something is extremely bad, unpleasant, or of poor quality in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'awful' in the sense of terrible, cruel, or severe. Can describe situations, weather, people's actions, etc.
The weather is awful today, isn't it?
Literally 'the worst'. Very common in casual speech to mean 'awful' or 'terrible'. Stronger than ひどい.
Often used as an adverb meaning 'very' or 'awfully', but as a na-adjective it can mean 'terrible' or 'awful' (e.g., a terrible situation). More formal than ひどい.
Describing food, drink, or odors that are extremely unpleasant.
The standard word for 'tastes awful' or 'bad-tasting'. Also used metaphorically for situations that are bad or awkward.
Expressing that one feels very unwell, sick, or emotionally distressed.
Describing someone who is cruel, mean, or behaves terribly.
Again, the most versatile. 'You're awful' or 'That's an awful thing to do'.
Saying someone is very bad at a particular activity or skill.
The standard way to say 'bad at ~'. Insert the activity before が. For 'awful', you can add とても or すごく.
Describing an event, experience, or circumstance that was terrible.
As a na-adjective, it means 'terrible' or 'awful' for situations. Often used in polite or formal contexts.
There is no one-size-fits-all Japanese word for 'awful'. Using ひどい for everything can sound unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific context (taste, feeling, skill, etc.).
ひどい is the most general and can be used in both casual and formal settings. 最悪 is very casual and emphatic ('the worst!'). 大変 is more formal and often used for serious or difficult situations.
Awful rain.
His attitude was awful.
昨日のテスト、最悪だった。
Yesterday's test was awful.
大変なことになった。
Something awful has happened.
This coffee tastes awful.
Means 'smells bad' or 'stinks'. Use for awful smells.
This room smells awful.
Literally 'awful taste'. A more general phrase when まずい doesn't fit perfectly.
This medicine tastes awful.
I feel awful today.
Literally 'the worst feeling'. Emphasizes extreme emotional distress.
I feel awful after the breakup.
Specifically refers to physical condition. 'I'm in awful shape' or 'I feel awful physically'.
I feel awful because of a cold.
That's an awful thing to say.
Means 'the lowest' or 'despicable'. Stronger than ひどい for moral judgment. Often used for awful people.
He's an awful person.
Means 'cruel' or 'brutal'. Used for awful acts of cruelty.
That's an awful act.
I'm awful at cooking.
Means 'weak at' or 'not good at'. Softer than 下手, often used for personal weaknesses.
I'm really awful at math.
It was an awful day.
Means 'miserable' or 'tragic'. Stronger and more emotional than 大変.
The accident scene was awful.
An idiom meaning 'to have an awful experience' or 'go through hell'.
I had an awful experience during the trip.
最悪の雨だ。
The worst rain ever. (casual)
Terrible rain. (polite)