Translation guide
The English word 'hate' covers a range of negative feelings from strong dislike to intense loathing. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 嫌い (kirai), but there are many other expressions depending on intensity, formality, and context. This guide helps learners choose the right word or phrase.
Expressing that you dislike something or someone in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile word for 'dislike' or 'hate'. It is a na-adjective used with だ/です. Can be used for things, people, or actions. Note that it is often too strong for mild dislike; in those cases, use 好きじゃない (suki ja nai).
私は納豆が嫌いです。
I hate natto.
彼は嘘をつく人が嫌いだ。
He hates people who lie.
Literally 'not like', this is a softer way to express dislike. Often used when 'hate' feels too strong in English as well. Very common in casual speech.
ピーマンはあまり好きじゃない。
I don't really like green peppers.
Emphatic form of 嫌い, meaning 'hate very much' or 'detest'. Stronger than 嫌い. Used in casual and emotional contexts.
Expressing deep-seated hatred, often toward a person or situation.
A verb meaning 'to hate' with a strong emotional charge, often implying resentment or a desire for harm. More intense than 嫌い. Used in serious contexts.
彼は自分を裏切った友達を憎んでいる。
He hates the friend who betrayed him.
Noun meaning 'hatred' or 'animosity'. Often used in abstract or literary contexts.
To bear a grudge, resent. Focuses on lingering bitterness over past wrongs. Often used in the phrase 恨みを晴らす (to get revenge).
Formal noun meaning 'disgust', 'loathing', or 'aversion'. Often used in psychological or literary contexts.
Expressing that you hate doing an action or that a situation is unbearable.
Pattern meaning 'I hate doing ~' or 'I don't want to do ~'. 嫌 (iya) is a na-adjective expressing reluctance or displeasure. Often used with verb nominalizer の.
早起きするのは嫌だ。
I hate getting up early.
人前で話すのは嫌です。
I hate speaking in public.
Stronger version of 〜のは嫌だ, using 大嫌い (daikirai). Emphasizes intense dislike for an action.
満員電車に乗るのが大嫌いだ。
I absolutely hate riding crowded trains.
Literally 'cannot bear ~'. Used when something is so unpleasant you can't stand it. More formal than 嫌だ.
この暑さに耐えられない。
I can't stand this heat.
Referring to hate as a social phenomenon, such as hate speech or hate crimes.
Loanword from English 'hate speech'. Commonly used in news and social discourse.
ヘイトスピーチは許されない。
Hate speech is unacceptable.
嫌い (kirai) is an adjective-like word for general dislike, while 憎む (nikumu) is a verb for deep hatred. 嫌い can be used lightly ('I hate mushrooms'), but 憎む implies strong emotional involvement and is rarely used for trivial matters. In daily conversation, 嫌い is far more common.
大嫌い (daikirai) is very strong and emotional. Using it casually can sound childish or overly dramatic. Reserve it for things you truly detest.
If you want to express mild dislike without sounding harsh, use あまり好きじゃない (amari suki ja nai) or ちょっと苦手 (chotto nigate). 苦手 implies you're not good at dealing with something, which can be a polite way to say you dislike it.
人混みはちょっと苦手です。
I'm not very good with crowds (I dislike them).
あの先生が大嫌い！
I hate that teacher!
憎しみは何も生まない。
Hatred breeds nothing.
He resents the boss who fired him.
She has a strong aversion to violence.
Formal term for 'hate crime'. Used in legal and news contexts.
憎悪犯罪の件数が増えている。
The number of hate crimes is increasing.