Translation guide
Describing a woman as physically unattractive. Japanese has several words, but many are blunt or insulting. The safest, most neutral term is 不美人, though it is still direct. More common in casual speech are ブス (very rude) and 醜女 (literary/insulting). Often, Japanese speakers avoid direct negative comments about appearance, using euphemisms or indirect phrases.
To describe a woman whose appearance is not beautiful, in a neutral or mildly negative way.
Literally 'not a beautiful woman'. This is the most neutral and direct term, but still somewhat blunt. Used in writing or formal descriptions.
She is not beautiful, but her personality is very good.
Literary or formal term for an ugly woman. Can be very insulting if used directly. Rare in conversation.
An ugly woman appears in the story.
Another literary term for an ugly woman, even rarer than 醜女. Not used in modern conversation.
An ugly woman is depicted in that painting.
To call a woman ugly in a very informal, often insulting way. Use with extreme caution.
Very common slang for an ugly woman. Extremely rude and insulting. Used among close friends jokingly, but can be deeply offensive.
Never use this to describe someone unless you are very close and it's clearly a joke. It is a strong insult.
That girl is ugly, isn't she?
Means 'ugly' or 'unattractive', can be used for both men and women. Less harsh than ブス but still very casual and potentially offensive.
To imply a woman is not attractive without using direct words for 'ugly', which is often preferred in polite Japanese.
Literally 'is not a beautiful woman'. A softer, indirect way to say someone is not attractive.
She is not a beauty, but she is charming.
Means 'not good-looking'. 器量 refers to facial features. This is a relatively mild, old-fashioned way to say someone is plain.
Literally 'appearance is bad'. A very direct but still somewhat indirect way to say someone looks bad. Can be used for both men and women.
Japanese culture strongly discourages direct negative comments about someone's appearance. Words like ブス or 醜女 can be extremely offensive. Even 不美人 can sound harsh. It's often better to use indirect phrases or simply not comment on appearance.
That person is a bit...
ブス is specifically for women and is very harsh. ブサイク can be used for anyone and is slightly milder, but still slangy and rude. Neither should be used in polite company.
彼女はブサイクだけど、面白い。
She's ugly but funny.
That lady is not good-looking, but she has a good disposition.
She looks bad, but she's smart.