Translation guide
Describes a person, behavior, or atmosphere that is not warm, kind, or welcoming. Japanese has several words that capture different shades of unfriendliness, from cold and distant to openly hostile.
Describing a person or attitude that is not warm, approachable, or kind.
Literally 'cold,' but commonly used for a person who is emotionally cold, indifferent, or unkind. Very natural for describing unfriendly behavior.
He is a cold/unfriendly person.
I was treated coldly (with an unfriendly attitude).
Describes someone who is unsociable, blunt, or curt, often not smiling or making small talk. Implies a lack of friendliness rather than active hostility.
That clerk is unfriendly/unsociable.
Means cold, curt, or brusque. Often used when someone gives a short, dismissive response or seems uninterested.
To act cold/unfriendly.
She said 'no' curtly/unfriendly.
Describes behavior that is distant, standoffish, or keeping someone at arm's length. Often used when someone who was previously friendly becomes cold.
Lately, he's been distant/unfriendly.
Describing a person, action, or environment that is actively unfriendly, aggressive, or unwelcoming.
Means 'hostile' or 'having ill will.' Stronger than just unfriendly; implies active antagonism.
He showed a hostile/unfriendly attitude.
Describes an atmosphere or relationship that is strained, tense, or hostile. Often used for unfriendly moods between people.
The meeting had an unfriendly/hostile atmosphere.
Describes someone who is prickly, snappy, or sharp-tongued. More colloquial and often used for a person's unfriendly demeanor.
She spoke in an unfriendly/snappy way.
Describing a place, atmosphere, or group that feels unfriendly or inhospitable.
Means 'uncomfortable' or 'unwelcoming.' Used for a place or situation where you don't feel at ease because of unfriendly people or atmosphere.
That shop feels unwelcoming/unfriendly.
Literally 'cold to outsiders.' Describes a community or group that is unfriendly to newcomers or strangers.
This town is unfriendly to outsiders.
Describing service that is rude, unhelpful, or lacking warmth.
冷たい (tsumetai) is the most general and can describe a person's character. 無愛想 (buaisou) focuses on lack of sociability or smiles, often in service. そっけない (sokkenai) emphasizes curt, dismissive replies or behavior.
不親切 (fushinsetsu) means 'unhelpful' or 'not kind' in the sense of not going out of one's way to assist. It does not mean 'unfriendly' in the social sense. Use 冷たい or 無愛想 instead.
I got a curt/unfriendly reply.
The service was unfriendly/curt.