Translation guide
The English word "odious" describes something that is extremely unpleasant, hateful, or repulsive. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on whether you are describing a person, an action, a situation, or a feeling. This guide covers natural ways to express the idea of "odious" in Japanese.
To express that someone is odious in character or behavior, evoking strong dislike or hatred.
An adjective meaning 'hateful' or 'detestable', often used for someone who is irritatingly unpleasant or mean-spirited. It carries a strong emotional charge and is common in everyday speech.
彼の憎たらしい笑い方が我慢できない。
I can't stand his odious way of laughing.
A versatile adjective meaning 'disagreeable' or 'unpleasant'. When used to describe a person, it can convey that they are odious or repulsive, though it is less intense than 憎たらしい.
あの嫌な奴とは二度と話したくない。
I never want to talk to that odious guy again.
A literary or formal expression meaning 'hateful' or 'detestable'. It is often used in written language or serious contexts to describe someone who deserves hatred.
彼は憎むべき犯罪者だ。
He is an odious criminal.
To express that an action, remark, or behavior is odious, i.e., morally repugnant or deeply offensive.
Means 'unforgivable' or 'inexcusable'. It is commonly used to describe odious actions that are morally beyond the pale.
彼の許しがたい発言に皆が怒った。
Everyone was angered by his odious remarks.
An adjective meaning 'abominable', 'detestable', or 'loathsome'. It is often used for actions or events that are shockingly bad or morally repulsive. Slightly formal or literary.
A strong, literary term meaning 'deserving to be spat upon', i.e., utterly contemptible and odious. Rare in conversation.
彼の行為は唾棄すべきものだ。
His actions are odious.
To express that a situation, task, or thing is extremely unpleasant, repulsive, or hateful.
The most common and versatile way to say something is odious in the sense of being disagreeable or repulsive. Works for situations, tasks, weather, etc.
こんな嫌な天気は初めてだ。
This is the most odious weather I've ever experienced.
Means 'unpleasant' or 'discomforting'. It is slightly more formal than 嫌な and often used for sensory or environmental odiousness.
部屋に不快な臭いが漂っている。
An odious smell is lingering in the room.
A strong adjective meaning 'gruesome', 'hideous', or 'revolting'. It conveys a visceral sense of odiousness, often used for sights or situations that are morally or physically repulsive.
To convey the feeling of finding something odious, i.e., to hate or be repulsed by it.
The pattern 'Xが大嫌いだ' means 'I hate X' or 'I find X odious'. It is a straightforward and common way to express strong dislike.
私は彼の態度が大嫌いだ。
I find his attitude odious.
A more formal expression meaning 'to feel revulsion/disgust toward'. It conveys a deeper, more considered odiousness.
彼の無神経な発言に嫌悪感を抱いた。
I felt his thoughtless remarks were odious.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'odious'. Translating it literally as '憎むべき' or '忌まわしい' in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Choose the expression based on what exactly is odious and the context.
あの人は本当に嫌な奴だ。
That person is really odious.
嫌な is a general term for 'unpleasant' and can be used for people, things, or situations. 憎たらしい specifically implies a hateful or irritating quality, often used for someone who is intentionally mean or smug. Use 憎たらしい when the odiousness is tied to a person's character or actions that provoke anger.
その忌まわしい事件は忘れられない。
That odious incident cannot be forgotten.
その光景はおぞましいものだった。
The sight was odious.