Translation guide
How to express that someone or something gives a bad impression in Japanese. Covers negative feelings, poor evaluations, and awkward first encounters.
To say that someone or something seems bad, unpleasant, or leaves a negative impression.
The most direct and common way to say 'give a bad impression'. Used for people, actions, or things.
彼の態度は悪い印象を与えた。
His attitude gave a bad impression.
その服装は面接で悪い印象を与えるかもしれない。
That outfit might give a bad impression at the interview.
Describes the state of having a bad impression. Often used to comment on someone or something after the fact.
初対面の印象が悪かった。
My first impression of him was bad.
あの店は接客の印象が悪い。
That store gives a bad impression with its customer service.
More casual and subjective than 印象が悪い. Means 'gives a bad feeling' or 'seems unpleasant'. Often used for people or atmospheres.
あの人、なんか感じが悪いね。
That person gives off a bad vibe, doesn't he?
この部屋、感じが悪いから出よう。
This room feels unpleasant, let's leave.
Refers to a bad public image or reputation. Often used for companies, brands, or public figures.
あの会社は不祥事でイメージが悪くなった。
That company's image got worse because of the scandal.
Specifically about the initial encounter with someone leaving a negative mark.
Directly means 'first impression is bad'. Commonly used in personal and professional contexts.
遅刻すると第一印象が悪くなる。
Being late makes a bad first impression.
Similar to above, but explicitly mentions 'first meeting' (初対面). Slightly more formal.
初対面の印象が悪いと、その後が大変だ。
If the first impression is bad, it's tough after that.
When someone's actions or qualities lead to a negative judgment from others.
Means 'has a bad reputation'. Used for people, products, services, etc.
あのレストランはサービスが悪くて評判が悪い。
That restaurant has a bad reputation because of poor service.
Literally 'evaluation is low'. More objective, often used in reviews or ratings.
この映画は批評家の評価が低い。
This movie gets low ratings from critics.
When an experience leaves you with a persistently unpleasant feeling.
Literally 'aftertaste is bad'. Used figuratively for any experience that leaves a bad feeling.
あの議論は後味が悪かった。
That argument left a bad taste in my mouth.
Means 'an unpleasant feeling remains'. More direct and less idiomatic than 後味が悪い.
彼の言い方に嫌な感じが残った。
The way he said it left a bad impression.
印象 (inshō) is the most formal and objective term for 'impression'. 感じ (kanji) is more subjective and casual, often about atmosphere or vibe. イメージ (imēji) is used for public image or mental picture, often influenced by media or reputation.
Do not directly translate 'bad impression' as 悪い印象 (warui inshō) in all contexts. While it is understandable, natural Japanese usually uses the full phrase 悪い印象を与える or 印象が悪い. Using 悪い印象 alone can sound incomplete.