Translation guide
Expressing disgust in Japanese involves a range of words and phrases that convey repulsion, aversion, or strong dislike. The most common and versatile term is 嫌悪 (ken'o), but everyday speech often uses 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui) or むかつく (mukatsuku). The choice depends on formality, intensity, and whether the disgust is physical or moral.
Expressing a feeling of strong dislike or repulsion toward something unpleasant, offensive, or morally repugnant.
The standard noun for 'disgust' or 'aversion'. Used in formal and written contexts. Can be combined with する to mean 'to feel disgusted'.
彼の行動に嫌悪を感じた。
I felt disgust at his behavior.
彼女は嫌悪の表情を浮かべた。
She had a look of disgust on her face.
Literally 'feels bad', this is the most common everyday expression for disgust, often used for physical revulsion or creepy things. Can also mean 'gross' or 'creepy'.
この食べ物、気持ち悪い。
This food is disgusting.
あの虫、気持ち悪い！
That bug is gross!
A slangy verb meaning 'to be disgusted' or 'to be pissed off'. Often used for irritation mixed with disgust, like when someone annoys you.
あいつの態度にむかつく。
His attitude disgusts me.
A noun meaning 'disgust' or 'weariness', often used when one is fed up with something. Commonly appears as 嫌気がさす (to be disgusted/sick of).
毎日同じ仕事で嫌気がさした。
I got sick of doing the same work every day.
Literally 'nausea', but can be used metaphorically for disgust that makes one feel sick. Stronger physical connotation.
その光景に吐き気を催した。
The sight made me feel sick with disgust.
Reacting to something physically repulsive, like rotten food, slime, or unclean things.
The go-to phrase for physical disgust. Can be shortened to キモい in very casual speech.
この牛乳、気持ち悪いにおいがする。
This milk smells disgusting.
From 'grotesque', used for gory or visually disgusting things. Common in casual conversation.
その映画、グロいシーンが多い。
That movie has a lot of gross scenes.
Means 'unclean' or 'filthy', often used for hygiene-related disgust. More formal than 気持ち悪い.
Feeling disgust toward someone's immoral actions, hypocrisy, or cruelty.
Means 'contempt' or 'scorn'. Stronger than simple disgust; implies looking down on someone.
彼の嘘に軽蔑を感じた。
I felt contempt for his lies.
Literally 'unforgivable', often used to express moral outrage and disgust.
あんな行為は許せない。
Such an act is disgusting (unforgivable).
A compound meaning 'feeling of disgust', often used in psychological or formal contexts for moral revulsion.
Expressing that you are tired of something and find it disgusting or unbearable.
Means 'to be fed up' or 'to be sick and tired'. Often used for repetitive annoyances.
毎日の満員電車にうんざりしている。
I'm disgusted (fed up) with the crowded train every day.
Literally 'to become disagreeable', used when you get sick of something and feel disgusted by it.
こんな生活、嫌になる。
I'm disgusted with this kind of life.
気持ち悪い is primarily for physical disgust or creepiness, while むかつく is more about irritation and anger mixed with disgust. むかつく is often used when someone's behavior disgusts you, whereas 気持ち悪い can be used for objects, situations, or people.
ゴキブリを見て気持ち悪くなった。
I felt disgusted seeing a cockroach.
彼の自慢話にむかついた。
I was disgusted by his bragging.
Directly translating 'disgusting' as 嫌悪する may sound overly formal or unnatural in casual speech. Use 気持ち悪い or むかつく for everyday situations.
That restaurant was disgusting (filthy).
彼の差別発言に嫌悪感を覚えた。
I felt a sense of disgust at his discriminatory remarks.