Translation guide
Describes something or someone that is intensely disliked, hateful, or abhorrent. In Japanese, the expression varies depending on whether you are describing a person, an action, a situation, or a trait, and the level of formality.
To say that someone is detestable, loathsome, or despicable.
An adjective meaning 'hateful' or 'detestable'. Often used when someone has done something to provoke strong dislike or resentment.
彼の態度が憎い。
His attitude is detestable.
A common and versatile adjective meaning 'disagreeable', 'unpleasant', or 'detestable'. Used for people, things, or situations.
彼は本当に嫌な奴だ。
He's a really detestable guy.
An emphatic adjective meaning 'odious' or 'detestable', often with a nuance of being irritating or provoking anger.
あの憎たらしい笑顔が忘れられない。
I can't forget that detestable smile.
A strong, formal term meaning 'deserving to be spat on', i.e., utterly detestable or contemptible. Used in serious criticism.
彼の行為は唾棄すべきものだ。
His actions are detestable.
To say that an action is detestable, despicable, or morally repugnant.
Literally 'unforgivable', this is the most common way to express that an action is detestable or beyond the pale.
彼のしたことは絶対に許せない。
What he did is absolutely detestable.
Means 'mean', 'cowardly', or 'despicable'. Often used for underhanded or sneaky actions.
それは卑劣な行為だ。
That's a detestable act.
To say that a situation, experience, or thing is detestable, awful, or loathsome.
The most common and versatile adjective for unpleasant or detestable things and situations.
こんな嫌な天気は初めてだ。
This is the most detestable weather I've ever experienced.
Means 'abominable', 'detestable', or 'cursed'. Often used for memories, events, or things associated with bad luck or horror.
忌まわしい記憶がよみがえる。
Detestable memories come back to me.
A very casual and visceral expression meaning 'disgusting' or 'detestable', literally 'chest-crap bad'. Used for things that make you feel sick with disgust.
あの話は胸くそ悪い。
That story is detestable.
憎い (nikui) is a strong, emotional adjective for something that inspires hatred, often due to a personal grudge. 嫌い (kirai) is a na-adjective meaning 'dislike' and is less intense. 嫌な (iya na) is the most common and versatile for 'unpleasant' or 'detestable' in everyday situations.
English 'detestable' is a strong, somewhat formal word. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends heavily on context. Using a word like 憎い (nikui) for a minor annoyance would sound overly dramatic. For everyday unpleasantness, 嫌な (iya na) is safer.
A strong, formal idiom meaning 'outrageous' or 'absolutely detestable', used for actions that are beyond words.
彼の無責任な態度は言語道断だ。
His irresponsible attitude is detestable.