Translation guide
The English word "weird" covers a range of meanings from strange and unusual to eerie and supernatural. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you mean something is odd, suspicious, creepy, or just not normal. This guide helps you choose the right word for the situation.
To describe something that is not normal, unexpected, or out of the ordinary, without necessarily implying a negative or scary feeling.
The most common and versatile word for 'weird' or 'strange'. It can be used for people, situations, or things. Often carries a slightly negative nuance, but can be used lightly among friends.
あの人、ちょっと変だね。
That person is a bit weird, isn't he?
変な音がする。
There's a weird noise.
Means 'strange', 'funny', or 'odd'. Often used when something seems off or not right, and can imply suspicion or that something is wrong. Also means 'funny' as in humorous.
今日は様子がおかしい。
You seem weird today.
おかしな話だ。
That's a weird story.
A more formal or literary word for 'strange', 'queer', or 'peculiar'. Often used in writing or to describe something genuinely bizarre.
奇妙な出来事だった。
It was a weird incident.
Means 'mysterious', 'wonderous', or 'strange' in a fascinating way. Often used for things that are inexplicable but not necessarily negative.
不思議な夢を見た。
I had a weird dream.
To describe something that gives an uncomfortable, scary, or supernatural feeling.
Literally 'bad feeling', this is the go-to word for 'creepy' or 'eerie'. Used for things that give you the creeps.
あの家、気味悪いね。
That house is weird/creepy, isn't it?
Similar to 気味悪い but slightly more formal or literary. Means 'eerie', 'uncanny', or 'ominous'.
To express that something seems dishonest, questionable, or not as it should be.
Means 'suspicious', 'dubious', or 'shady'. Often used for people, situations, or things that seem untrustworthy or not quite right.
あの男、怪しいと思わない？
Don't you think that guy is weird/suspicious?
怪しい話だね。
That sounds fishy/weird.
To describe behavior, speech, or atmosphere that feels artificial or uncomfortable.
Means 'unnatural' or 'artificial'. Used when something doesn't feel genuine or is forced.
彼の笑顔は不自然だった。
His smile was weird/unnatural.
To refer to things related to ghosts, spirits, or unexplainable phenomena.
変 (hen) is the most common and general word for 'weird'. おかしい (okashii) often implies something is wrong or suspicious, and can also mean 'funny'. 奇妙 (kimyō) is more formal and describes something truly bizarre or peculiar.
Calling someone 変 (hen) directly can be rude. It's often softened with ちょっと (a bit) or used in a joking manner among friends. For strangers or superiors, it's safer to describe the behavior rather than the person.
There was a weird/eerie silence.
A stronger, more emphatic version of 気味悪い, meaning 'really creepy' or 'spine-chilling'.
薄気味悪い笑い声が聞こえた。
I heard a really weird/creepy laugh.
Very colloquial and strong word for 'suspicious' or 'shady'. Implies something stinks or is clearly a scam.
あのセールスマン、胡散臭いな。
That salesman seems really weird/shady.
Means 'contrived' or 'forced'. Describes actions that are obviously intentional and not natural.
わざとらしい演技だった。
The acting was weird/forced.
オカルト映画が好きだ。
I like weird/occult movies.