Translation guide
The English word 'nasty' covers a range of negative qualities: unpleasant, mean, dirty, serious, or difficult. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being described. This guide organizes the most common meanings for learners.
Describing something that is physically or sensorily unpleasant, gross, or repulsive.
A general adjective for something unpleasant or disagreeable. Can be used for experiences, feelings, weather, etc.
Literally 'feels bad', used for things that are gross, creepy, or make you feel sick.
Specifically for bad-tasting food or drink.
このスープ、まずい。
This soup is nasty.
Formal/literary word for unpleasant or disagreeable.
不快な臭いが部屋に充満していた。
A nasty odor filled the room.
Describing a person or their actions as intentionally hurtful or malicious.
Describes someone who is mean-spirited or deliberately unkind.
彼は意地悪なことを言った。
He said a nasty thing.
意地悪な人だね。
What a nasty person.
Describing something physically dirty or gross.
Describing something that is bad in a serious or intense way.
Describing something sexually explicit or crude.
Means 'vulgar' or 'crude', used for jokes, language, or behavior.
下品な冗談はやめて。
Stop making nasty jokes.
Legal/formal term for obscene or indecent.
The English word 'nasty' is very broad. Do not assume one Japanese word fits all contexts. Always consider what kind of 'nastiness' you mean: unpleasant, mean, dirty, severe, or vulgar.
嫌な (iya na) is for subjective unpleasantness (a nasty smell, a nasty feeling). ひどい (hidoi) is for objective severity or cruelty (a nasty injury, a nasty person). Overlap exists, but ひどい is stronger and more judgmental.
その虫、気持ち悪い！
That bug is nasty!
気持ち悪い味がする。
It has a nasty taste.
Means 'terrible' or 'awful', often used for cruel behavior or harsh words.
ひどいことを言わないで。
Don't say nasty things.
あの先生は生徒にひどい。
That teacher is nasty to the students.
Can also be used for mean behavior, though it's broader.
嫌な態度をとる。
To have a nasty attitude.
General word for dirty, messy, or unclean.
この部屋は汚い。
This room is nasty (dirty).
汚い手で触らないで。
Don't touch with your nasty hands.
More formal, emphasizes lack of hygiene.
不潔な環境で育った。
Grew up in a nasty environment.
Used for severe injuries, weather, mistakes, etc.
Means 'serious' or 'grave', suitable for problems or situations.
深刻な問題に直面している。
Facing a nasty problem.
わいせつな画像を送らないで。
Don't send nasty pictures.
Slang for 'erotic' or 'dirty', often used casually.
エロい話はやめよう。
Let's stop the nasty talk.