Translation guide
Describes something or someone that is intensely disliked, hateful, or abhorrent. In Japanese, the expression varies depending on whether you are describing a person, an action, a situation, or a trait, and the level of formality.
To say that someone is detestable, loathsome, or despicable.
An adjective meaning 'hateful' or 'detestable'. Often used when someone has done something to provoke strong dislike or resentment.
His attitude is detestable.
A common and versatile adjective meaning 'disagreeable', 'unpleasant', or 'detestable'. Used for people, things, or situations.
He's a really detestable guy.
An emphatic adjective meaning 'odious' or 'detestable', often with a nuance of being irritating or provoking anger.
I can't forget that detestable smile.
A strong, formal term meaning 'deserving to be spat on', i.e., utterly detestable or contemptible. Used in serious criticism.
His actions are detestable.
To say that an action is detestable, despicable, or morally repugnant.
Literally 'unforgivable', this is the most common way to express that an action is detestable or beyond the pale.
What he did is absolutely detestable.
Means 'mean', 'cowardly', or 'despicable'. Often used for underhanded or sneaky actions.
That's a detestable act.
To say that a situation, experience, or thing is detestable, awful, or loathsome.
The most common and versatile adjective for unpleasant or detestable things and situations.
This is the most detestable weather I've ever experienced.
Means 'abominable', 'detestable', or 'cursed'. Often used for memories, events, or things associated with bad luck or horror.
A very casual and visceral expression meaning 'disgusting' or 'detestable', literally 'chest-crap bad'. Used for things that make you feel sick with disgust.
That story is detestable.
憎い (nikui) is a strong, emotional adjective for something that inspires hatred, often due to a personal grudge. 嫌い (kirai) is a na-adjective meaning 'dislike' and is less intense. 嫌な (iya na) is the most common and versatile for 'unpleasant' or 'detestable' in everyday situations.
English 'detestable' is a strong, somewhat formal word. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends heavily on context. Using a word like 憎い (nikui) for a minor annoyance would sound overly dramatic. For everyday unpleasantness, 嫌な (iya na) is safer.
A strong, formal idiom meaning 'outrageous' or 'absolutely detestable', used for actions that are beyond words.
His irresponsible attitude is detestable.
Detestable memories come back to me.