ghastliness; dreadfulness; weirdness
Describes an eerie, unsettling, or uncanny quality that inspires fear or revulsion. Often used for atmosphere, appearance, or a person's aura.
The ruins had an indescribable ghastliness.
Refers to an intimidating or threatening quality, often from a person's demeanor, words, or presence. Common in phrases like 凄みを利かせる (to put on a menacing air).
His low voice had a menacing quality.
The boss intimidated his subordinates into silence.
Standard kanji spelling.
Ateji spelling using 味; less common but encountered.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing.
Derived from the adjective 凄い (すごい) with the nominalizing suffix み, indicating a quality or degree. The kanji 凄 carries connotations of uncanniness or dread.