まずい
mazui
The Japanese word for "disgusting" is まずい (mazui).
While まずい is used to mean 'disgusting' in the context of food, its primary and most common meaning is simply "bad tasting." The word まずい can also be used figuratively to mean that a situation is "bad," "problematic," or "unfavorable" rather than referring to taste.
Meaning: repulsive, distasteful (adj)
Which one should you use?
While まずい is used to mean 'disgusting' in the context of food, its primary and most common meaning is simply "bad tasting."
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something tasted disgusting in the past, use the past tense form まずかった.
How do you pronounce it?
mazui
Did you know?
- The word まずい is historically derived from mazushii, which means 'poor'.
- Japanese speakers often avoid saying まずい directly to a host to maintain harmony, instead using vague phrases about the food being 'unique'.
- A person might mutter まずい under their breath when they realize they have forgotten something important, like their wallet or a deadline.
Examples in context
- なんでこんなまずいもの食ってんの？Why are you eating this disgusting stuff?This sentence is useful for questioning why someone is eating something that is まずい.Tatoeba #11049462 by small_snow, translation #8876099 by AlanF_US
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are eating at a new restaurant.
- 健太 Kentaこの肉、まずくない？Kono niku, mazukunai?Isn't this meat disgusting?
- 結衣 Yui本当だ、すごくまずいね。Hontou da, sugoku mazui ne.You're right, it's really disgusting.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、もう食べられないよ。Yui, mou taberarenai yo.Yui, I can't eat any more.
- 結衣 Yui私も、残して帰ろう。Watashi mo, nokoshite kaerou.Me too, let's leave the rest and go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries まずい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
