When learning a new language, it’s essential to expand your vocabulary beyond just the positive and neutral words. In this guide, we’ll explore how to express the concept of “disgusting” in Japanese. Whether you want to describe an unpleasant taste, an unappealing sight, or a repulsive situation, we’ve got you covered. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “disgusting” and provide various examples to help you understand the nuances. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Disgusting” in Japanese
In formal situations, such as when speaking to your superiors or strangers, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are a few phrases you can use to express disgust politely:
Aa, Iyada desu (ああ、いやだです)
This phrase translates to “Oh, I dislike it” in English. It conveys a sense of strong distaste without being overly rude. You can use it when you want to express your disgust about something without being too explicit.
Mottainai (もったいない)
While “mottainai” typically means “what a waste” or “don’t be wasteful,” it can also be used to denote something as unpleasant or repulsive. For example, if you find spoiled food or something rotten, you can use this word to express your disgust discreetly.
Yuugata ga warui (夕方が悪い)
Another way to indirectly express disgust without using an explicit term is by saying “yuugata ga warui,” meaning “the evening is bad.” This phrase implies that something is unpleasant or disgusting, without directly stating it.
Informal Ways to Say “Disgusting” in Japanese
When you’re with your friends or in casual situations, you can use more informal language to express stronger emotions. Here are some ways to say “disgusting” informally:
Iya! (いや！)
“Iya!” is a versatile interjection in Japanese that can mean various things depending on the context. In this case, it conveys a feeling of disgust or repulsion. You can exclaim “Iya!” to express your intense dislike for something or someone.
Kusai (臭い)
“Kusai” literally translates to “stinky” in English, but it can also be used more broadly to say that something is unpleasant or disgusting. It’s commonly used to describe foul odors, but it can be extended to refer to something unappetizing or revolting in a broader sense.
Sonnan ja nai! (そんなんじゃない！)
“Sonnan ja nai!” is an expression that means “That’s not it!” or “That’s not true!” However, when said with a disgusted tone, it can convey a sense of repulsion and disagreement. It’s a casual way to show your strong dislike for something.
Additional Tips and Examples
To further enhance your understanding of expressing “disgusting” in Japanese, here are a few additional tips and examples:
1. Regional Variations
Japanese is a language with various regional dialects, and sometimes the way people express disgust can differ based on where they’re from. However, the phrases mentioned above can be understood and used universally in Japan, making them suitable for any situation.
2. Tone of Voice
When it comes to expressing disgust, your tone of voice plays a crucial role in conveying your emotions effectively. Practice saying these phrases with different tones until you find the one that matches the intensity of your feelings.
3. Context Matters
Remember that context matters when using these phrases. Be mindful of the situation and the people you are speaking to. What may be acceptable among friends may not be appropriate in a formal setting.
Example 1:
A: “Have you tried the new exotic dish at the restaurant?”
B: “Aa, Iyada desu! It has a very strong and unpleasant taste.”
Example 2:
A: “Look at this picture of the expired food I found in my fridge.”
B: “Mottainai! You should have thrown it away earlier.”
Example 3:
A: “I accidentally stepped on something squishy on the road.”
B: “Yuugata ga warui. I hope it wasn’t something disgusting.”
Learning how to express “disgusting” in Japanese opens up a whole new range of vocabulary for you. Remember to use these phrases appropriately based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. With practice, you’ll become more confident in expressing your emotions in Japanese conversation. Enjoy expanding your language skills and discovering new ways to communicate your thoughts!
