Translation guide
Describes weak or unstable signal for devices like phones, radios, or TVs. Also used metaphorically for a negative response to an idea or performance.
The learner wants to say that a device is not getting a good signal, resulting in dropped calls, static, or pixelated video.
The most common and natural way to say reception is poor. Literally 'the radio waves are bad'. Used for mobile phones, Wi-Fi, TV, etc.
ここは電波が悪いですね。
The reception is poor here, isn't it?
地下だから電波が悪い。
The reception is bad because we're underground.
The learner wants to say that something was not well received by an audience or a person.
Means 'has a bad reputation' or 'was poorly received'. Used for products, movies, speeches, etc.
新作映画は評判が悪かった。
The new movie had poor reception.
The English phrase 'poor reception' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. For signal issues, use 電波が悪い (the radio waves are bad). For social reception, use 評判が悪い (reputation is bad) or 受けが悪い (reception is bad).
Means the signal is weak. Slightly more technical than 電波が悪い, but still common.
山の中だと電波が弱くなります。
The signal gets weak in the mountains.
Means 'out of range' or 'no service'. Used when there is absolutely no signal.
トンネルに入ったら圏外になった。
I lost service when I entered the tunnel.
A more formal or technical expression meaning 'reception condition is poor'. Used in manuals or technical support.
受信状態が悪い場合は、アンテナの位置を調整してください。
If reception is poor, please adjust the antenna position.
Specifically means 'poorly received' by an audience. Often used for performances, jokes, or presentations.
彼のジョークは受けが悪かった。
His joke had poor reception.