まずい
mazui
The phrase "tastes bad" in Japanese is translated as まずい (mazui).
While まずい is used to describe food or drink with an unpleasant flavor, it is also frequently used in a non-food context to describe a situation that is problematic, awkward or bad.
Which one should you use?
まずい is a very blunt way to say something tastes bad.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective まずい is in the dictionary form and can be used directly in casual conversation. To express that food does not taste bad, use the negative form まずくない.
How do you pronounce it?
mazui
Did you know?
- The word まずい can be used as a sudden exclamation, much like an English speaker saying 'Oh no!' or 'I am in trouble!' when they realize they have forgotten something important.
- The word まずい shares a historical root with the word for 'poor' or 'impoverished', stemming from the concept of something being 'deficient' or 'lacking'.
- In Japanese, the phrase 口に合わない is a polite way to say food is bad, literally translating to 'it does not fit my mouth'.
Examples in context
- このお料理はおいしくないです。This dish is not delicious.
- この飲み物はまずいです。This drink tastes bad.
- このラーメン、まずい。This ramen tastes bad.
- このピザ、おいしくない。This pizza is not delicious.
- このお酒、ダメ。This alcohol is no good.
- このスープ、すごくまずい。Kono sūpu, sugoku mazui.This soup tastes really bad.
- 見た目はいいけど、まずいね。Mitame wa ii kedo, mazui ne.It looks good, but it tastes bad.
- まずい料理は食べたくない。Mazui ryōri wa tabetaku nai.I don't want to eat bad-tasting food.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are trying a new snack.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、これ食べてみて。Himari, kore tabete mite.Himari, try eating this.
- 陽葵 Himariうげっ、まずい！Uge, mazui!Yuck, it tastes bad!
- 健太 Kentaえっ、本当に？E, hontō ni?What, really?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、全然おいしくないよ。Un, zenzen oishikunai yo.Yeah, it's not tasty at all.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries まずい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
