Translation guide
The English word "creepy" describes a feeling of unease, fear, or disgust caused by something or someone that seems strange, unsettling, or threatening. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on what makes it creepy—appearance, behavior, atmosphere, or a gut feeling.
Describing a person, place, or thing that gives an overall feeling of unease or spookiness.
The most direct equivalent for 'creepy' in the sense of eerie, ominous, or uncanny. Used for places, atmospheres, sounds, and sometimes people.
That abandoned building is creepy.
I heard a creepy laugh.
Literally 'feels bad', a very common phrase for something that gives you the creeps. Slightly more colloquial than 不気味.
This doll is creepy, isn't it?
A stronger, more emphatic version of 気味が悪い, implying a vague but persistent creepiness.
It was a shop with a creepy atmosphere.
Describing a person whose behavior or appearance makes you feel uncomfortable, often with a nuance of potential danger or weirdness.
Often shortened to キモい in casual speech. Means 'gross' or 'creepy' when referring to a person's vibe or actions. Very common among younger speakers.
That person keeps staring at me; it's creepy.
Can also describe a person, but more in the sense of eerie or uncanny rather than just socially awkward.
Describing the disgust or fear caused by insects, spiders, or other small creatures.
Describing a tale, movie, or personal experience that is scary in a subtle, psychological way.
The general word for 'scary', but often used for creepy stories. To emphasize the creepiness, combine with 不気味な or ゾッとする.
I heard a creepy story yesterday.
An onomatopoeic phrase meaning 'to shudder' or 'to get the creeps'. Perfect for a sudden creepy feeling.
I got the creeps hearing that story.
The loanword クリーピー exists but is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Stick to the native expressions above.
不気味 is more about an eerie, uncanny atmosphere (like a haunted house), while 気持ち悪い is more about a visceral feeling of disgust or personal discomfort (like a creepy person or bug).
A creepy guy hit on me.
His expressionless face is creepy.
Means 'suspicious' or 'shady', often used for people who seem untrustworthy or have a creepy ulterior motive.
That salesman is creepy/suspicious.
That bug is creepy/grotesque.