Translation guide
A nightmare is a frightening or very unpleasant dream. In Japanese, the most common word is 悪夢 (あくむ), but there are other expressions for bad dreams, night terrors, and figurative 'nightmarish' situations.
To refer to a bad dream that causes fear, anxiety, or distress during sleep.
The standard word for 'nightmare' in Japanese. It can be used for both literal bad dreams and metaphorical nightmarish experiences.
I had a nightmare last night.
That accident was like a nightmare.
Literally 'scary dream'. A more casual, descriptive way to say nightmare, often used in everyday conversation.
A slightly stronger version of 怖い夢, meaning 'terrifying dream'. More literary or emphatic.
He woke up from a terrifying dream.
Refers to a nightmare or sleep paralysis where one feels oppressed or cries out. Often used in the phrase 魘される (to have a nightmare).
I had a nightmare in the middle of the night and screamed.
To refer to a sleep disorder involving intense fear, screaming, and thrashing while still asleep, distinct from a typical nightmare.
To describe a situation or experience that is extremely difficult, distressing, or seemingly endless.
Also used metaphorically, just like in English. Common in phrases like 悪夢のような (nightmarish).
The war was a nightmare for the citizens.
It was a nightmarish week.
Literally 'hell'. Used hyperbolically to describe an unbearable situation, similar to 'nightmare' in English.
Means 'the worst situation'. A straightforward way to express that something is a nightmare without using figurative language.
悪夢 is the direct equivalent of 'nightmare' and can be used in both literal and figurative senses. 怖い夢 is more colloquial and specifically refers to a scary dream, not a metaphorical nightmare. Use 怖い夢 when talking casually about a bad dream you had, and 悪夢 for more serious or literary contexts.
While 悪夢 can be used figuratively, it carries a strong sense of horror or lasting trauma. For everyday annoyances (like a bad day at work), 最悪 or 大変 might be more appropriate than 悪夢.
The traffic was a nightmare.
Uses 最悪 instead of 悪夢 for a more natural, everyday complaint.
She woke up screaming from a nightmare.
When I was a child, I often had scary dreams and cried.
Sleep terror disorder is often seen in children.
満員電車は毎朝地獄だ。
The packed train is a nightmare every morning.
The project delay is a nightmare.