Translation guide
The feeling of strong dislike or disgust that makes you want to avoid something or someone. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that convey aversion, disgust, or a physical/emotional pushing away.
Expressing a visceral feeling of disgust or strong dislike towards something
A formal noun meaning 'disgust' or 'aversion'. Often used in written or serious contexts.
I felt repulsion at his behavior.
A common noun meaning 'feeling of disgust'. Slightly more everyday than 嫌悪 alone.
I felt a sense of repulsion at the smell.
Means 'antipathy' or 'hostile feeling'. Used when repulsion is directed at a person or idea.
I felt repulsion toward his arrogant attitude.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be disgusted' or 'to make one's skin crawl'. Literally 'bugs' saliva runs', conveying visceral repulsion.
Just seeing that man's face fills me with repulsion.
Means 'disgust' or 'weariness'. Often used in the phrase 嫌気がさす (to be disgusted/turned off).
I was repulsed by his irresponsibility.
Describing a scientific or physical force that drives things apart
Expressing a strong desire to avoid or reject something instinctively
Literally 'rejection reaction', used for both physical (transplant rejection) and emotional repulsion.
I showed repulsion toward his proposal.
Means 'physiologically cannot accept', used when something is instinctively repulsive.
嫌悪 (けんお) is a general disgust or revulsion, often toward things or actions. 反感 (はんかん) is more about antipathy toward a person or their attitude, implying a relational conflict.
I feel repulsion toward violence.
I felt repulsion at his way of speaking.
English 'repulsion' is often used hyperbolically. In Japanese, directly translating as 反発 (repulsion) may sound physical or scientific. Use 嫌悪感 or idiomatic phrases for emotional contexts.
Repulsive forces act between molecules.
I have an instinctive repulsion to that food.