Translation guide
Describes something that causes intense disgust, hatred, or revulsion. In Japanese, the most common and natural equivalent is 嫌悪感を抱かせる, but depending on context, other words like 忌まわしい or 胸が悪くなるような may be more appropriate. Direct translations can sound overly dramatic or literary, so choose based on the intensity and register.
To describe a person, action, or thing that is deeply disgusting and hateful.
A neutral and widely used phrase meaning 'to cause a feeling of disgust/loathing'. It can describe people, behaviors, or situations.
彼の行動は嫌悪感を抱かせるものだった。
His behavior was loathsome.
その映画の暴力描写は嫌悪感を抱かせる。
The violent scenes in that movie are loathsome.
A very common colloquial expression meaning 'disgusting' or 'makes me sick'. Stronger and more visceral than 嫌悪感を抱かせる. Often used in casual speech.
あいつの嘘は胸くそ悪い。
His lies are loathsome.
A more literary or formal word meaning 'abominable', 'detestable', or 'loathsome'. Often used for memories, events, or acts that are cursed or bring misfortune.
忌まわしい事件が再び起こった。
A loathsome incident occurred again.
Literally 'something that makes one's chest feel bad', used to describe something physically or emotionally sickening. Less direct than 胸くそ悪い but still strong.
胸が悪くなるような光景だった。
It was a loathsome sight.
To describe a person or entity that is morally repugnant and worthy of hatred.
Means 'hateful' or 'detestable'. It directly conveys that someone or something deserves hatred. Commonly used in formal or written contexts.
彼は憎むべき犯罪者だ。
He is a loathsome criminal.
A very strong and formal word meaning 'deserving to be spat upon', i.e., utterly contemptible. Rarely used in daily conversation.
そのような行為は唾棄すべきだ。
Such an act is loathsome.
To describe something that causes a physical reaction of disgust, like a foul smell or sight.
Means 'hideous', 'repulsive', or 'loathsome' in a physical sense. Often used for sights, smells, or creatures that are viscerally disgusting.
おぞましい臭いが部屋に充満していた。
A loathsome smell filled the room.
その虫はおぞましい姿をしていた。
The insect had a loathsome appearance.
The most common casual word for 'gross' or 'disgusting'. It can cover both physical and moral disgust, but is less intense than 'loathsome'. Often used in everyday speech.
Direct translations like 嫌な or 大嫌い are too weak for 'loathsome'. Use stronger expressions like 嫌悪感を抱かせる or 胸くそ悪い to convey the intensity. Also, be aware that some words like 忌まわしい carry a literary or archaic tone and may sound out of place in casual conversation.
胸くそ悪い is stronger and more visceral, often implying moral revulsion, while 気持ち悪い is a general term for 'gross' or 'creepy'. Use 胸くそ悪い when you want to emphasize loathing, and 気持ち悪い for everyday disgust.
その料理は見た目が気持ち悪い。
That dish looks loathsome.