Translation guide
Expressing disgust in Japanese involves a range of words and phrases that convey revulsion, loathing, or strong dislike. The most common and versatile term is 嫌悪感を抱く (ken'o-kan o idaku), but more colloquial expressions like むかつく (mukatsuku) or 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui) are often used in everyday speech. The choice depends on the intensity, formality, and whether the disgust is physical or moral.
To express a strong feeling of dislike or revulsion toward something or someone, often with a physical or emotional reaction.
A formal and precise phrase meaning 'to feel disgust.' Suitable for written or formal contexts.
彼の行動に嫌悪感を抱いた。
I felt disgusted by his behavior.
A very common casual verb meaning 'to be disgusted' or 'to be pissed off.' Often used for irritation or physical disgust.
あの態度にはむかつく。
That attitude disgusts me.
Literally 'feels bad,' used for physical disgust, creepiness, or gross things. Very common in everyday speech.
その虫、気持ち悪い。
That bug is disgusting.
A verb meaning 'to dislike' or 'to hate,' often implying a strong aversion. Can be used for disgust in certain contexts.
彼女は不正を嫌っている。
She is disgusted by injustice.
Literally 'to feel nauseous,' used for extreme disgust that makes one feel sick. More intense and physical.
その光景に吐き気を催した。
The sight made me sick with disgust.
To express disgust at immoral or unethical behavior, often with a sense of contempt or indignation.
Means 'to despise' or 'to hold in contempt.' Strong moral disgust.
彼の嘘を軽蔑している。
I am disgusted by his lies.
A formal verb meaning 'to abhor' or 'to detest.' Used for deep moral or aesthetic disgust.
彼は不正を嫌悪している。
He is disgusted by corruption.
Literally 'to vomit,' a very strong and vulgar expression of disgust, often moral.
Very strong and offensive; use only in extreme situations.
To express disgust at something physically repulsive, like rotten food, insects, or dirt.
Means 'dirty' or 'filthy,' often used to express disgust at unclean things.
そのトイレは汚くて嫌だ。
That toilet is disgusting.
Slang for 'grotesque' or 'gross,' used for gory or disturbing things.
その映画、グロすぎて見れない。
That movie is so gross I can't watch it.
A formal term for 'unclean' or 'unsanitary,' often used in medical or official contexts.
To express that one is disgusted because of repeated annoyance or frustration, often translated as 'sick of' or 'fed up with.'
Means 'to be fed up' or 'to be sick and tired.' Common for expressing disgust at a situation.
毎日同じ仕事でうんざりだ。
I'm disgusted with doing the same work every day.
Similar to うんざりする, meaning 'to be thoroughly sick of' something.
彼の自慢話には飽き飽きだ。
I'm disgusted by his constant bragging.
An exclamation meaning 'I've had enough!' or 'That's it!' Expresses disgust and refusal to tolerate more.
もうたくさんだ！出て行け！
I'm disgusted! Get out!
むかつく is more about irritation and anger, while 気持ち悪い is about physical grossness or creepiness. むかつく can be used for people's behavior, 気持ち悪い for bugs, spoiled food, or eerie feelings.
彼の言い方にむかつく。
The way he talks disgusts me (makes me mad).
この牛乳、気持ち悪い匂いがする。
This milk smells disgusting.
Avoid directly translating 'I am disgusted' as 私は嫌悪している in casual speech; it sounds overly formal and unnatural. Use むかつく or 気持ち悪い instead for everyday situations.
That politician's speech makes me want to puke.
Unsanitary conditions cause disease.