Translation guide
The English word 'foul' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: describing a bad smell or taste, unfair or illegal play in sports, and dirty or disgusting conditions. Other meanings like 'foul language' or 'foul weather' are less common and not included.
Describing something that smells or tastes extremely unpleasant, rotten, or disgusting.
The most common and versatile word for 'smells bad' or 'stinks'. Can be used for a wide range of unpleasant smells.
A more formal or written term for 'foul odor' or 'stench'. Often used in news or complaints.
A foul odor is drifting from the factory.
Primarily means 'tastes bad', but can be used for foul taste. Not for smell.
This medicine tastes foul!
An action in a game that is against the rules, often involving illegal contact or unsportsmanlike behavior.
The direct loanword from English, used in most sports contexts. Universally understood.
He was called for a foul.
That play is a foul.
A more general term for 'foul', 'violation', or 'infringement' in sports or games. Can sound slightly more formal.
Describing a place, object, or substance that is extremely dirty, polluted, or contaminated.
The standard word for 'dirty' or 'filthy'. Covers physical dirtiness and can imply disgust.
The river is foul and smelly.
The toilet is foul.
Means 'unsanitary' or 'unclean'. Often used in medical or formal contexts to describe foul conditions that could cause disease.
Slang for feeling disgusted or sickened, often by something foul. Can be used for sights, smells, or situations.
The phrase 'foul language' is not directly translated using the above words. Instead, use 汚い言葉 (きたないことば) or 下品な言葉 (げひんなことば) for 'dirty words', or 悪口 (わるぐち) for 'abusive language'.
反則を犯した選手は退場になった。
The player who committed the foul was sent off.
Food poisoning occurred in the foul environment.
そのゴミの山を見てむかついた。
I felt sick seeing that foul pile of garbage.