Translation guide
The English word 'uncomfortable' covers physical discomfort, social awkwardness, and uneasy feelings. Japanese uses different words for each nuance, and often relies on phrases rather than a single adjective.
この椅子は座り心地が悪い。
This chair is uncomfortable.
この状況は居心地が悪い。
I feel uncomfortable in this situation.
気まずい沈黙だった。
The silence was uncomfortable.
Express that something causes physical discomfort or an unpleasant sensation.
A general word for physical discomfort or unpleasantness, often used for sensations like heat, humidity, or an uncomfortable environment.
この椅子は座り心地が不快だ。
This chair is uncomfortable to sit in.
蒸し暑くて不快な天気だ。
The muggy weather is uncomfortable.
Specifically for clothes that feel uncomfortable against the skin, like scratchy fabric or a tight fit.
このセーターは着心地が悪い。
This sweater is uncomfortable to wear.
For seats or chairs that are uncomfortable to sit on.
このソファは座り心地が悪い。
This sofa is uncomfortable to sit on.
Describes tight, cramped, or restrictive physical discomfort, like tight shoes or a narrow space.
Describe a situation or atmosphere that feels awkward, embarrassing, or makes people uneasy.
The most common word for an awkward atmosphere between people, often after an argument or when there is tension.
気まずい沈黙が続いた。
An uncomfortable silence continued.
彼に会うのは気まずい。
It's awkward/uncomfortable to see him.
Feeling out of place or uncomfortable in a social setting, like being the only stranger at a party.
初めての職場で居心地が悪かった。
I felt uncomfortable at my new workplace.
Means 'embarrassing' or 'shy', but can overlap with 'uncomfortable' when the discomfort comes from embarrassment.
Feeling awkward or embarrassed because of a mistake or a situation where you feel you've done something wrong.
Express a feeling of unease, anxiety, or that something is not right.
A noun/adjective meaning anxiety, uneasiness, or insecurity. Often used for vague worries or lack of confidence.
明日の試験が不安だ。
I'm uncomfortable/anxious about tomorrow's exam.
彼の態度に不安を感じた。
I felt uncomfortable/uneasy about his attitude.
Feeling restless, unable to relax, or ill at ease. Often used when you can't settle down mentally.
何だか落ち着かない気分だ。
I feel somehow uncomfortable/restless.
Literally 'feels bad', used for a creepy or unsettling feeling that makes you uncomfortable, or for physical nausea.
A feeling that something is off or doesn't fit, causing a sense of discomfort or unease.
彼の説明には違和感がある。
His explanation makes me uncomfortable; something feels off.
Describe bodily discomfort from sickness, pain, or a specific physical condition.
General phrase for feeling unwell or under the weather, often implying physical discomfort.
今日は体調が悪くて、ずっと横になっている。
I'm feeling uncomfortable/unwell today and have been lying down all day.
Simply 'painful', used when the discomfort is specifically from pain.
この靴は痛くて履いていられない。
These shoes are so uncomfortable (painful) I can't wear them.
An itchy, ticklish, or crawly sensation that makes you uncomfortable, like restless legs or an itch you can't scratch.
虫に刺されたところがむずむずする。
The bug bite is uncomfortable and itchy.
The English word 'uncomfortable' covers many situations, but Japanese uses different expressions for physical, social, and mental discomfort. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural. For example, 不快 is mainly for physical discomfort, while 気まずい is for awkward social situations.
居心地が悪い (igokochi ga warui) means you feel out of place or unwelcome in a setting. 気まずい (kimazui) means the atmosphere between people is awkward, often due to a specific incident. You can feel 居心地が悪い at a party where you know no one, but 気まずい when you run into an ex.
暑さで不快に感じる。
The heat makes me uncomfortable.
彼に給料を聞かれて、気まずかった。
I felt uncomfortable when he asked about my salary.
このベッドは寝心地が悪い。
This bed is really uncomfortable.
この靴は窮屈だ。
These shoes are tight and uncomfortable.
飛行機の座席は窮屈だった。
The airplane seat was cramped and uncomfortable.
人前で話すのは恥ずかしいし、居心地が悪い。
Speaking in public is embarrassing and uncomfortable.
I felt uncomfortable/awkward because I was late.
あの人はいつもじろじろ見てきて、気持ち悪い。
That person always stares at me; it's uncomfortable/creepy.