Translation guide
Describes something that is aesthetically unrefined, socially inappropriate, or lacking in good judgment. The Japanese expressions vary depending on whether you mean bad fashion sense, vulgar behavior, or a tasteless remark.
To say that something looks cheap, gaudy, or unstylish.
Literally 'bad taste'. The most direct and common equivalent for poor aesthetic taste. Can describe clothing, interior design, or any visual choice.
あの服は悪趣味だね。
Those clothes are in poor taste.
彼の部屋の装飾は悪趣味だ。
The decor in his room is in poor taste.
Slang for 'uncool' or 'lame'. Often used for unfashionable clothes or style. More casual and judgmental than 悪趣味.
そのネクタイ、ダサいよ。
That tie is in poor taste.
Describes something unsophisticated, rustic, or lacking in urban refinement. Often used for fashion or behavior that is out of touch with current trends.
あの帽子は野暮ったい。
That hat is in poor taste.
To say that an action or comment is vulgar, insensitive, or crosses a line.
Means 'lacking refinement/class'. Used for behavior or speech that is crude or vulgar.
彼の冗談は品がない。
His jokes are in poor taste.
あんな発言は品がないと思う。
I think that kind of remark is in poor taste.
Means 'vulgar' or 'crude'. Stronger than 品がない, often implying lewdness or coarseness.
Literally 'taste is bad'. Can be used for both aesthetic and social contexts, but often implies a lack of moral or social judgment.
あの冗談は趣味が悪いよ。
That joke is in poor taste.
To criticize someone's choices or preferences as being in poor taste.
Means 'has no sense (of style/taste)'. Very common for criticizing someone's fashion, design choices, or general aesthetic judgment.
彼は服のセンスがない。
He has poor taste in clothes.
あのレストランの内装はセンスがない。
The interior of that restaurant is in poor taste.
Again, 'bad taste'. Works for general lack of good judgment in choices.
彼女の音楽の趣味は悪い。
She has poor taste in music.
悪趣味 (あくしゅみ) is a noun meaning 'bad taste', while 趣味が悪い (しゅみがわるい) is a phrase meaning 'taste is bad'. Both are used, but 悪趣味 is more direct and common for describing something as being in poor taste. 趣味が悪い can also mean 'has bad hobbies' in some contexts, so be careful.
Do not translate 'poor taste' literally as 貧しい味 (まずしいあじ). That would mean 'poor flavor' and is completely wrong.
Please stop talking in poor taste.