Translation guide
The English word 'horrible' is used to describe something very bad, unpleasant, or shocking. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being described: a terrible experience, a bad person, awful food, or a shocking event. This guide organizes the most common and natural Japanese expressions by these contexts.
Expressing that something is extremely bad, unpleasant, or of poor quality in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'horrible' in everyday conversation. It can describe situations, weather, treatment, quality, etc.
Yesterday's weather was horrible.
Literally 'the worst'. Very common in casual speech to mean 'horrible' or 'awful'. Often used as an exclamation.
Emphasizes cruelty or brutality. Stronger than ひどい, often used for inhumane acts or severe situations.
Means 'terrible' or 'dreadful' when used as a na-adjective. Often used for difficult or serious situations.
Describing something that is frightening, shocking, or gruesome.
Describing someone's poor ability or the low quality of something.
Means 'unskillful' or 'poor at'. Used for someone's ability in a specific activity.
Expressing that one feels terrible, either sick or emotionally distressed.
Means 'feel sick/unwell' or 'feel bad'. Can be physical or emotional.
Describing a person or action that is morally reprehensible.
Commonly used for mean or cruel behavior.
His driving is horrible.
その映画は最悪だった。
That movie was horrible.
Horrible! I forgot my wallet.
その事件は酷い内容だった。
The incident was horrible in its details.
それは大変な間違いだ。
That's a horrible mistake.
Means 'frightening' or 'dreadful'. Used for things that inspire fear or are shockingly bad.
It was a horrible accident.
He has a horrible look on his face.
A phrase meaning 'to shudder' or 'to be horrified'. Used for something that gives you the creeps.
I was horrified to hear that story.
A formal, written word meaning 'gruesome' or 'ghastly'. Used for horrific scenes like crime scenes.
It was a horrible scene.
He is horrible at singing.
Can also be used for poor quality or performance, similar to 'terrible'.
His painting is horrible.
I feel horrible. I want to lie down.
Literally 'the worst feeling'. Used to emphasize feeling terrible emotionally.
I feel horrible after the breakup.
It's horrible to say such a thing to her.
Means 'the lowest' or 'despicable'. Stronger than ひどい for moral judgment.
He is a horrible person.
The most horrible day.
I had a horrible dream.
Avoid directly translating 'horrible' as ホリブル (horiburu) in Japanese; it is not a natural word. Use the Japanese expressions above instead.