Translation guide
The English phrase "bad taste" can refer to an unpleasant flavor, a lack of aesthetic judgment, or an offensive remark or action. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
This food tastes bad.
He has bad taste in clothes.
That joke was in bad taste.
Describing food or drink that tastes bad.
The most common and general word for 'bad-tasting'. Can be used for food, drinks, and metaphorically for situations.
This coffee tastes bad.
Literally 'the taste is bad'. A more direct description, slightly more formal than まずい.
This soup has a bad taste.
Kanji form of まずい, often used in writing. Same meaning but less common in casual speech.
It was a bad-tasting dish.
Describing poor taste in fashion, art, decor, etc.
Literally 'sense is bad'. The most natural way to say someone has bad taste in style, design, etc.
He has bad taste in clothes.
Literally 'hobby/taste is bad'. Can refer to poor taste in hobbies, preferences, or aesthetic choices. Slightly stronger negative nuance.
That interior design is in bad taste, isn't it?
A noun meaning 'bad taste' or 'vulgarity'. Often used for something gaudy or in poor aesthetic taste.
Describing a joke, comment, or behavior that is inappropriate or offensive.
Means 'inappropriate'. Used to describe remarks or actions that are in bad taste, especially in formal contexts.
His joke was in bad taste.
Literally 'lacks class/refinement'. Used for vulgar or tasteless behavior or speech.
That kind of remark is in bad taste.
Means 'vulgar' or 'crude'. Stronger than 品がない, often used for lewd or coarse jokes.
Please stop making vulgar jokes.
The literal translation '悪い味' (warui aji) is not natural Japanese for 'bad taste' in the flavor sense. Use まずい or 味が悪い instead.
センスが悪い is more about a lack of stylishness or design sense, while 趣味が悪い implies poor personal preferences or hobbies, often with a judgmental tone.
その金ピカの装飾は悪趣味だ。
That gold-plated decoration is in bad taste.