Translation guide
Describes something that causes intense disgust or moral outrage. The most common Japanese expressions are むかつく (informal, visceral disgust) and 胸くそ悪い (strong, physical disgust). For moral revulsion, 許せない or 反吐が出る are used. Literal translations like 反乱的な are incorrect.
Expressing strong personal disgust, often in casual speech
Common informal adjective meaning 'disgusting' or 'makes me sick'. Often used for things, situations, or people that are irritating or repulsive.
あの映画、本当にむかつく。
That movie is really revolting.
彼の態度がむかつく。
His attitude is revolting.
Very strong expression meaning 'gut-wrenchingly disgusting'. Used for things that make you feel physically sick.
そのニュースは胸くそ悪い。
That news is revolting.
Literally 'feels bad', used for things that are creepy, gross, or unsettling. Can be used for both physical disgust and eerie feelings.
この食べ物、気持ち悪い。
This food is revolting.
Means 'fed up' or 'disgusted' with a situation, often from repetition. Less about physical revulsion, more about being sick of something.
彼の言い訳にはうんざりする。
I'm revolted by his excuses.
Expressing strong moral condemnation or revulsion at an action or idea
Means 'unforgivable', often used when something is so wrong it causes revulsion. Strong moral judgment.
その行為は許せない。
That act is revolting.
Literally 'vomit comes out', used for something so morally repugnant it makes you sick. Very strong.
あんな不正は反吐が出る。
Such injustice is revolting.
Formal expression meaning 'to feel revulsion/disgust'. Suitable for writing or serious speech.
彼の差別発言に嫌悪感を覚えた。
I felt revolted by his discriminatory remarks.
Means 'to shudder' with horror or disgust. Often used for frightening or deeply disturbing things.
その話を聞いてぞっとした。
I was revolted by that story.
Describing something that looks, smells, or feels disgusting
Means 'eerie' or 'uncanny', often used for creepy, revolting appearances. Can imply something is unnatural and disturbing.
その人形は不気味だ。
That doll is revolting.
Loanword meaning 'grotesque', used for distorted, ugly, or repulsive appearances. Common in media descriptions.
Literary/formal word for 'hideous' or 'loathsome'. Stronger than 不気味, often used in writing.
Do not use 反乱的な (rebellious) or 反抗的な (defiant) to mean 'revolting' in the sense of disgusting. These mean 'rebellious' and are false friends.
むかつく is a general, everyday word for irritation or disgust. 胸くそ悪い is much stronger and specifically refers to a gut-level, physical revulsion. Use 胸くそ悪い for truly sickening things.
その絵はグロテスクだ。
That painting is revolting.
おぞましい光景だった。
It was a revolting sight.