Translation guide
The English word 'disgusting' expresses strong dislike, revulsion, or moral outrage. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you are reacting to something physically gross, morally repulsive, or just expressing strong personal distaste. This guide covers the most natural and common ways to express these nuances.
Expressing that something is physically disgusting, such as bad food, dirt, insects, or bodily functions.
The most common and versatile word for 'disgusting' in the sense of feeling physically sickened or creeped out. Used for anything from spoiled food to bugs to unpleasant sensations.
この牛乳、気持ち悪い匂いがする。
This milk smells disgusting.
ゴキブリを見ると気持ち悪くなる。
I feel disgusted when I see a cockroach.
Slang abbreviation of 気持ち悪い. Very common among younger people in casual speech. Can sound strong or rude, so avoid in polite situations.
Literally 'to feel nauseous'. Used when something is so disgusting it makes you want to vomit. Stronger and more specific than 気持ち悪い.
その臭いで吐き気がした。
That smell was so disgusting it made me nauseous.
Expressing that a person's behavior, an event, or an idea is morally disgusting or abhorrent.
Means 'unforgivable'. Often used when someone's actions are so bad they are morally disgusting. Conveys strong condemnation.
彼の差別的な発言は許せない。
His discriminatory remarks are disgusting (unforgivable).
A strong, visceral expression meaning 'gut-wrenchingly disgusting'. Used for moral revulsion or extreme distaste. Very colloquial and somewhat vulgar.
あの事件の詳細を聞いて胸くそ悪くなった。
I felt disgusted hearing the details of that incident.
A formal expression meaning 'to feel a sense of disgust/revulsion'. Used in writing or serious speech about moral or ethical disgust.
その行為には強い嫌悪感を覚える。
I feel a strong sense of disgust at that act.
Expressing that you personally find something very unpleasant or off-putting, such as a food you hate, a style, or a situation.
The basic word for 'dislike' or 'hate'. When said with emphasis, it can convey 'disgusting' in the sense of strong personal aversion. Often used with 大っ嫌い (だいっきらい) for extra force.
納豆が大っ嫌い。あの匂いがもう無理。
I hate natto. That smell is just disgusting.
Literally 'already impossible'. Used colloquially to mean 'I can't stand it' or 'it's too disgusting'. Often follows a statement of dislike.
この味、もう無理。
This taste is disgusting, I can't take it.
Means 'my body/mind rejects it'. Used when you find something so disgusting you can't even tolerate it. Often for food or smells.
パクチーはどうしても受け付けない。
I just find cilantro disgusting; my body rejects it.
Describing a person, place, or situation that feels disgusting in a creepy, unsettling way.
Means 'creepy' or 'eerie', but often overlaps with 'disgusting' when something gives you a bad feeling. Used for people, places, or things that are unsettling.
あの男の人、ずっとこっちを見ていて気味が悪い。
That man keeps staring at us; it's disgusting/creepy.
Similar to 気味が悪い but slightly more formal/literary. Means 'uncanny' or 'spine-chilling'. Can be used for disgusting atmospheres or appearances.
キモい is very casual and can sound childish or rude. Use 気持ち悪い in polite or neutral situations. Avoid キモい with superiors or strangers.
すみません、これ、ちょっと気持ち悪いんですけど…
Excuse me, this is a bit disgusting...
気持ち悪い focuses on a physical sensation of disgust or sickness. 気味が悪い focuses on a creepy, eerie feeling. Sometimes they overlap, but 気味が悪い is rarely used for spoiled food or bad smells.
このスープ、気持ち悪い味がする。
This soup tastes disgusting.
タバコの匂いが気持ち悪い。
I find the smell of cigarettes disgusting.
あのホラー映画は気持ち悪くて見ていられなかった。
That horror movie was so disgusting I couldn't watch it.
That bug is disgusting!
That doll is disgusting/creepy; looking at it makes me feel sick.