気持ち悪い
kimochi warui[kʲimo̞t͡ɕi β̞a̠ɾɯ̟i]
The phrase "you disgust me" in Japanese is expressed as 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui).
気持ち悪い is a versatile expression used to describe something that is disgusting, gross or nauseating. While it can be used to express repulsion toward someone's behavior or to call someone "creepy," it is also very commonly used to describe physical sensations, such as feeling nauseous or to react to something that is visually revolting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In its dictionary form, 気持ち悪い is used informally to express disgust or to call someone 'creepy'.
How do you pronounce it?
kimochi warui
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the term きもかわ (kimokawa) blends 気持ち悪い (gross) and 可愛い (cute). It describes something that is so weird or repulsive that it becomes endearing.
- Using 気持ち悪い to describe a person is often seen as more psychologically cutting than using a standard swear word, as it targets the person's very nature rather than a specific action.
- The phrase can be shortened to just キモい (kimoi) in very casual or youthful slang. This clipped version is almost exclusively used to describe people or things that are 'creepy' or socially repulsive.
Examples in context
- その言い方、気持ち悪い。Sono iikata, kimochi warui.That way of talking is disgusting.
- あいつの行動は気持ち悪い。Aitsu no koudou wa kimochi warui.His behavior is disgusting.
Example conversation
Hiyori is reacting to Kenta's strange behavior.
- 陽葵 Himari何してるの？気持ち悪い。nani shiteru no? kimochi warui.What are you doing? You disgust me.
- 健太 Kentaただの冗談だよ。tada no joudan dayo.It was just a joke.
- 陽葵 Himari全然面白くないからやめて。zenzen omoshirokunai kara yamete.Stop it, because it's not funny at all.
- 健太 Kentaごめん、もうしないよ。gomen, mou shinai yo.Sorry, I won't do it again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 気持ち悪い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
