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不気味 (ぶきみ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N2 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
na-adjective
eerie ; creepy ; ominous ; uncanny
Describes something that feels unsettling, strange, or gives a sense of foreboding. Often used for atmospheres, appearances, or situations that provoke unease.
His smile was somehow creepy.
Written forms 不ぶ 気き 味み
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form.
無ぶ 気き 味み
Alternate kanji spelling; less common and may be considered non-standard.
Kanji 無 nothingness, none, ain't Similar words 気き 味み 悪わる い More colloquial and directly expresses a feeling of disgust or creepiness, often toward something physically repulsive. 不気味 is more about an unsettling atmosphere or abstract unease.
薄うす 気き 味み 悪わる い Similar to 気味悪い but with a nuance of vague or faint creepiness. 不気味 is broader and can be used for more abstract or atmospheric eeriness.
Etymology Compound of 不 (negative prefix) and 気味 (feeling, sensation), literally 'not a good feeling'. The spelling 無気味 uses 無 (without) instead, but the meaning is the same.
