ひどい
hidoi
The English word "nasty" can be translated to Japanese as ひどい (hidoi).
Depending on the specific context of "nasty," other Japanese words might be more precise: use 不快 for something causing discomfort or displeasure, 厄介 for a troublesome or annoying person or situation, まずい for something that tastes bad or is distasteful or the slang term キモい for something gross or disgusting.
Meaning: dirty, filthy (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something was nasty or terrible in the past, use the past tense form ひどかった.
How do you pronounce it?
hidoi
Did you know?
- ひどい is derived from the words 非 meaning 'non' and 道 meaning 'way' or 'path'. It originally described behavior that was 'inhuman' or deviated from the correct moral path.
- When something is so 'nasty' or 'terrible' that it becomes impressive, Japanese speakers might use ひどい as a form of paradoxical praise. It can describe a level of skill or a prank that is so extreme it is almost admirable.
- While ひどい describes something nasty or terrible, it is also used to express sympathy. When someone tells you a sad story, responding with ひどいですね functions like saying 'how awful' or 'that is terrible'.
Examples in context
- 彼は本当に厄介な人ですHe is a really annoying person.
- ひどい汚れですね。hidoi yogore desu ne.It is a nasty stain.
Example conversation
Himari and Yota are looking at a messy kitchen.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、見て。キッチンがひどいよ。Yōta, mite. kitchin ga hidoi yo.Yota, look. The kitchen is nasty.
- 陽太 Yotaうわあ、本当に汚いね。uwā, hontō ni kitanai ne.Wow, it really is filthy.
- 陽葵 Himari誰がこんなにしたのかな。dare ga konna ni shita no kana.I wonder who made it like this.
- 陽太 Yota一緒に掃除しよう。issho ni sōji shiyō.Let's clean it up together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ひどい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
