Translation guide
The English word 'ugly' can describe physical unattractiveness, unpleasant sounds, situations, or behavior. Japanese has different words for each nuance, and direct translations can sound harsh. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
That building is ugly.
Direct but strong; みにくい is the most common word for physical ugliness.
He has an ugly personality.
Use 性格が悪い for an ugly personality, not みにくい.
Describing someone or something as visually unpleasant or unattractive.
The standard word for 'ugly' in terms of physical appearance. Can be used for people, objects, or scenes. It is direct and can be harsh, so use with care.
That painting is ugly.
Colloquial and somewhat blunt, often used for people's faces or appearances. Can be insulting, so use cautiously.
Means 'unsightly' or 'ugly to look at', often used for scenes, behavior, or appearances that are unpleasant to witness. More formal/literary.
Describing a sound, voice, or noise that is harsh, grating, or unpleasant to hear.
Describing a situation, atmosphere, or someone's actions as nasty, unpleasant, or morally ugly.
Describing someone's personality as mean, nasty, or morally repulsive.
The most natural way to say someone has an ugly personality. Literally 'bad personality'.
Calling someone 醜い (みにくい) directly to their face is extremely rude and confrontational. Japanese culture tends to avoid such direct negative comments about appearance. Use euphemisms or indirect expressions unless you intend to be harsh.
That person is a bit... (trailing off to imply unattractiveness)
醜い (みにくい) is the standard word for 'ugly' and can be used for objects, situations, and abstract concepts. 不細工 (ぶさいく) is more colloquial and specifically refers to facial unattractiveness or clumsiness. can sound more insulting in some contexts.
That's an ugly dress.
Using 変 (strange) is softer than calling it ugly.
She thinks she is ugly.
That dog is ugly but cute.
Means 'uncool' or 'unstylish' in appearance. Less about inherent ugliness and more about looking bad in terms of fashion or style.
Those clothes are ugly (uncool).
His attitude is ugly (unsightly).
Literally 'ear-hurting', used for sounds that are grating or unpleasant. Common and natural.
That music is ugly (grating).
Can also describe an ugly sound or voice, but less common than 耳障り for sounds.
I heard an ugly scream.
Used metaphorically for ugly emotions, conflicts, or behavior. Common in phrases like 醜い争い (ugly dispute).
Let's stop this ugly fight.
Often used for behavior or scenes that are disgraceful or shameful to witness.
He got drunk and showed an ugly (disgraceful) side.
Means 'unpleasant' or 'nasty'. A softer, more common way to describe an ugly mood or feeling without the strong connotation of 醜い.
The mood turned ugly.
He has an ugly personality.
Means 'mean-spirited' or 'malicious'. Describes someone who is deliberately nasty.
She said something ugly (mean).
Can be used for an ugly heart or mind, but it's strong and literary. 醜い心 (ugly heart).
He has an ugly heart.
To soften 'ugly', you can use あまり～ない (not very ~) or ちょっと (a bit). For example, あまりかっこよくない (not very good-looking) or ちょっと見た目が… (the appearance is a bit...).
The sky looks ugly today.
どんより means 'dull/gloomy', more natural for weather than 醜い.
He made an ugly face.
変な顔 (strange face) is the common expression, not 醜い顔.