Translation guide
The English word "horrid" expresses strong dislike, disgust, or unpleasantness. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on what is being described: a person's behavior, an experience, a physical sensation, or a general situation. This guide covers the most natural ways to express these nuances.
To describe something as very unpleasant, nasty, or disagreeable in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'horrid' in the sense of terrible, awful, or harsh. Can describe situations, treatment, weather, etc.
The weather is horrid today, isn't it?
He said horrid things to me.
Means 'unpleasant' or 'disagreeable', often used for feelings or experiences. More subjective than ひどい.
There's a horrid smell.
That's a horrid memory.
Formal word for 'unpleasant' or 'discomforting'. Often used in written or polite contexts.
A horrid odor filled the room.
To express that something is shockingly bad, horrifying, or dreadful, often with a sense of fear or revulsion.
Means 'terrible', 'dreadful', or 'frightening'. Conveys a sense of fear or horror.
It was a horrid accident.
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 strong, literary word meaning 'detestable', 'abominable', or 'loathsome'. Used for morally repulsive or gruesome things.
To describe a person or their behavior as mean, nasty, or despicable.
To describe something that causes physical disgust, like a smell, taste, or sight.
ひどい is for objective awfulness (weather, treatment). 嫌な is for subjective unpleasantness (feelings, memories). 気持ち悪い is for physical disgust (smells, sights). Choose based on what aspect of 'horrid' you want to emphasize.
The service was horrid (objectively bad).
I felt horrid (subjectively unpleasant).
The food was horrid (physically disgusting).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'horrid'. Avoid trying to directly translate it; instead, choose the word that matches the specific nuance.
His expression was horrid.
A horrid crime occurred.
There's a horrid bug.
その臭い、むかつく。
That smell is horrid.