Translation guide
A strong feeling of dislike or reluctance toward something, often with a desire to avoid it.
Expressing a general feeling of not liking something or finding it unpleasant.
Emphasizing the avoidance aspect of aversion, often due to fear, discomfort, or strong dislike.
A pattern meaning 'have a tendency to avoid ~'. Useful for describing habitual aversion.
彼はリスクを避ける傾向がある。
He has an aversion to taking risks.
Aversion rooted in ethics, instincts, or deep-seated feelings of disgust.
嫌い (kirai) expresses a clear dislike, while 苦手 (nigate) implies a lack of skill or discomfort. For example, 私は数学が嫌いだ (I dislike math) vs 私は数学が苦手だ (I'm not good at math / I have an aversion to math). 苦手 is often softer and more socially acceptable.
The English word 'aversion' is often translated as 嫌悪 (ken'o), but this is a strong word akin to 'disgust'. In many everyday situations, 嫌い (kirai) or 苦手 (nigate) are more natural and less intense.
He has a strong aversion to people who lie.
Antipathy or ill feeling, often toward a person or idea. Less intense than 嫌悪.
その提案には強い反感がある。
There is a strong aversion to that proposal.
The most common way to say 'dislike' or 'aversion' in everyday speech. Can be used for people, things, or activities.
私は人混みが嫌いだ。
I have an aversion to crowds.
Indicates something one is not good at or finds difficult to deal with, often implying a mild aversion. Very common in casual conversation.
私は辛い食べ物が苦手です。
I have an aversion to spicy food.
Shows that someone shows reluctance or aversion to doing something. Often used for observable behavior.
子供は病院に行くのを嫌がる。
Children have an aversion to going to the hospital.
To keep away from something out of aversion or caution. Slightly formal.
彼女は政治の話題を敬遠している。
She has an aversion to political topics and avoids them.
A feeling of disgust or revulsion. Often used in psychological or moral contexts.
暴力に対する嫌悪感は本能的なものだ。
An aversion to violence is instinctive.
A sense of avoidance or repulsion, often used in formal or technical contexts.
死に対する忌避感は多くの文化で見られる。
An aversion to death is seen in many cultures.