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.
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.
その絵は醜い。
That painting is ugly.
彼女は自分を醜いと思っている。
She thinks she is ugly.
Colloquial and somewhat blunt, often used for people's faces or appearances. Can be insulting, so use cautiously.
あの犬は不細工だけどかわいい。
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.
その服、格好悪いよ。
Those clothes are ugly (uncool).
Means 'unsightly' or 'ugly to look at', often used for scenes, behavior, or appearances that are unpleasant to witness. More formal/literary.
彼の態度は見苦しい。
His attitude is ugly (unsightly).
Describing a sound, voice, or noise that is harsh, grating, or unpleasant to hear.
Literally 'ear-hurting', used for sounds that are grating or unpleasant. Common and natural.
あの音楽は耳障りだ。
That music is ugly (grating).
Can also describe an ugly sound or voice, but less common than 耳障り for sounds.
Describing a situation, atmosphere, or someone's actions as nasty, unpleasant, or morally ugly.
Used metaphorically for ugly emotions, conflicts, or behavior. Common in phrases like 醜い争い (ugly dispute).
醜い争いはやめよう。
Let's stop this ugly fight.
Often used for behavior or scenes that are disgraceful or shameful to witness.
Means 'unpleasant' or 'nasty'. A softer, more common way to describe an ugly mood or feeling without the strong connotation of 醜い.
嫌な雰囲気になった。
The mood turned 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'.
彼は性格が悪い。
He has an ugly personality.
Means 'mean-spirited' or 'malicious'. Describes someone who is deliberately nasty.
彼女は意地悪なことを言った。
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).
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.
あの人、ちょっと…
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. 不細工 can sound more insulting in some contexts.
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...).
醜い叫び声が聞こえた。
I heard an ugly scream.
酔っ払って見苦しい姿をさらした。
He got drunk and showed an ugly (disgraceful) side.
醜い心の持ち主だ。
He has an ugly heart.