Translation guide
The English word 'disagreeable' can describe people, things, or situations that are unpleasant, difficult, or not to one's liking. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese, from describing a disagreeable person to a disagreeable taste or experience.
Describing something that is generally unpleasant, uncomfortable, or not enjoyable.
He always says disagreeable things.
More formal and stronger than 嫌な. Often used for physical discomfort or offensive situations.
不快な臭いがする。
There's a disagreeable smell.
彼の態度は非常に不快だった。
His attitude was extremely disagreeable.
Literally 'does not suit one's taste'. Used when something is not to one's liking, often with a nuance of personal preference.
その色は気に入らない。
That color is disagreeable to me.
Describing someone who is unfriendly, hard to get along with, or unpleasant in character.
Describes a person who gives a bad impression, is unfriendly or disagreeable in manner.
あの店員は感じが悪い。
That shop assistant is disagreeable.
Hard to associate with; difficult to get along with. Emphasizes the difficulty of social interaction.
彼は本当に付き合いにくい人だ。
He's a really disagreeable person to deal with.
Describing food or drink that tastes bad or is unpalatable.
The standard word for 'tastes bad'. Covers disagreeable taste in a broad sense.
このコーヒーはまずい。
This coffee is disagreeable (tastes bad).
Politer way to say something doesn't suit one's palate. Literally 'doesn't match the mouth'.
この料理は私の口に合わない。
This dish is disagreeable to my taste.
Describing an experience that is unpleasant, awkward, or difficult to endure.
A disagreeable experience or feeling. Often used in the phrase 嫌な思いをする (to have a disagreeable experience).
彼に嫌な思いをさせられた。
He made me have a disagreeable experience.
A more formal way to say 'disagreeable experience'.
それは不快な経験だった。
It was a disagreeable experience.
嫌な is the everyday word for 'disagreeable' and can be used in most situations. 不快な is stronger and more formal, often implying something offensive or physically uncomfortable. Use 不快な for serious complaints or written contexts.
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches all uses of 'disagreeable'. Instead, choose the expression that fits the specific context: unpleasantness, personal dislike, bad taste, or difficult personality.
Hard to please, moody, or touchy. Often used for someone who is disagreeable because they are easily offended or particular.
祖父は気難しくなってきた。
My grandfather has become disagreeable (hard to please).