Translation guide
The English word "horrid" expresses strong dislike, disgust, or unpleasantness. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on what is being described: a person's behavior, an experience, a physical sensation, or a general situation. This guide covers the most natural ways to express these nuances.
To describe something as very unpleasant, nasty, or disagreeable in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'horrid' in the sense of terrible, awful, or harsh. Can describe situations, treatment, weather, etc.
今日はひどい天気だね。
The weather is horrid today, isn't it?
彼は私にひどいことを言った。
He said horrid things to me.
Means 'unpleasant' or 'disagreeable', often used for feelings or experiences. More subjective than ひどい.
嫌な匂いがする。
There's a horrid smell.
それは嫌な思い出だ。
That's a horrid memory.
Formal word for 'unpleasant' or 'discomforting'. Often used in written or polite contexts.
不快な臭いが部屋に充満していた。
A horrid odor filled the room.
To express that something is shockingly bad, horrifying, or dreadful, often with a sense of fear or revulsion.
Means 'terrible', 'dreadful', or 'frightening'. Conveys a sense of fear or horror.
恐ろしい事故だった。
It was a horrid accident.
彼の形相は恐ろしかった。
His expression was horrid.
A phrase meaning 'to shudder' or 'to be horrified'. Used for something that gives you the creeps.
その話を聞いてぞっとした。
I was horrified to hear that story.
A strong, literary word meaning 'detestable', 'abominable', or 'loathsome'. Used for morally repulsive or gruesome things.
To describe a person or their behavior as mean, nasty, or despicable.
Means 'mean-spirited' or 'nasty'. Commonly used for people who are deliberately unkind.
彼女は意地悪なことを言う。
She says horrid things.
あの子は意地悪だ。
That kid is horrid.
Slangy and strong, meaning 'the worst' or 'despicable'. Used for people or actions.
彼は最低なやつだ。
He's a horrid guy.
To describe something that causes physical disgust, like a smell, taste, or sight.
Literally 'bad feeling', used for anything gross, creepy, or nauseating.
この食べ物、気持ち悪い味がする。
This food tastes horrid.
気持ち悪い虫がいる。
There's a horrid bug.
Slang for 'disgusting' or 'makes me sick'. Often used for things that are irritatingly gross.
ひどい is for objective awfulness (weather, treatment). 嫌な is for subjective unpleasantness (feelings, memories). 気持ち悪い is for physical disgust (smells, sights). Choose based on what aspect of 'horrid' you want to emphasize.
ひどいサービスだった。
The service was horrid (objectively bad).
嫌な気分になった。
I felt horrid (subjectively unpleasant).
気持ち悪い料理だった。
The food was horrid (physically disgusting).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'horrid'. Avoid trying to directly translate it; instead, choose the word that matches the specific nuance.
おぞましい犯罪が起きた。
A horrid crime occurred.
その臭い、むかつく。
That smell is horrid.