Translation guide
Describes a relationship where people are not getting along, often after a disagreement. Japanese uses various expressions depending on the nuance—from a simple 'not close' to a serious falling-out.
To say that two people are not getting along, are not close, or have a strained relationship.
The most common and neutral way to say people are on bad terms. Literally 'relationship is bad'.
あの二人は仲が悪い。
Those two are on bad terms.
Lately, I've been on bad terms with him.
Implies a lack of harmony or inability to get along, often due to differing personalities or opinions. Slightly more formal than 仲が悪い.
彼とは折り合いが悪くて、一緒に仕事をするのが大変だ。
I'm on bad terms with him, so working together is tough.
Literally 'the planes don't match,' meaning personalities clash. Used for fundamental incompatibility rather than a specific fight.
あの人とはどうもそりが合わない。
I just don't get along with that person.
Idiom meaning 'like cats and dogs,' for a famously hostile relationship. Stronger and more colorful than 仲が悪い.
あの兄弟は犬猿の仲だ。
Those brothers are on terrible terms.
To emphasize that a relationship has soured because of a specific incident or argument.
Describes the awkwardness after a fight. '気まずい' means 'awkward/uncomfortable.'
喧嘩して気まずいから、まだ話していない。
We're on bad terms after the fight, so we haven't spoken yet.
Means 'parted on bad terms' or 'had a falling-out.' Often used for friendships or relationships that ended badly.
彼とは喧嘩別れしたままだ。
I'm still on bad terms with him after our falling-out.
Literally 'state of broken relations.' Stronger, implying a deliberate cutting off of contact.
あの二人は絶交状態らしい。
Apparently those two are on bad terms (have cut ties).
To describe a situation where people are actively avoiding communication due to bad feelings.
Literally 'not using one's mouth,' meaning not speaking to someone. Common for temporary silent treatment.
彼女と喧嘩して、今は口をきいていない。
I had a fight with my girlfriend and now we're not speaking.
Means 'ignoring' someone deliberately. Stronger than just not speaking; implies active disregard.
彼は私を完全に無視している。
He's completely ignoring me (we're on bad terms).
仲が悪い is the most general 'on bad terms.' 折り合いが悪い suggests difficulty cooperating due to differing stances. そりが合わない is about inherent personality clash, not necessarily a specific conflict.
あの二人は仲が悪い。
Those two are on bad terms.
上司と折り合いが悪くて辞めた。
I quit because I couldn't get along with my boss.
どうもあの人とはそりが合わない。
I just don't click with that person.
Do not translate 'on bad terms' word-for-word as '悪い条件で' or similar. It will not be understood. Use the phrases above to describe the state of the relationship.
あの口論以来、彼らは仲が悪い。
They've been on bad terms ever since the argument.
騒音のことで隣人と折り合いが悪い。
I'm on bad terms with my neighbor because of the noise.
Do not translate 'on bad terms' word-for-word as '悪い条件で' or similar. It will not be understood. Use the phrases above to describe the state of the relationship.