Translation guide
Describing a man as physically unattractive in Japanese. The most common and neutral term is 不細工な男, but many nuanced words exist depending on severity, style, and context.
To describe a man whose appearance is not good-looking, in a straightforward or mildly negative way.
The most common and neutral way to say 'ugly man'. 不細工 means 'plain' or 'unattractive', and 男 means 'man'. It is direct but not extremely harsh.
彼は不細工な男だけど、性格がいい。
He's an ugly man, but he has a good personality.
Literally 'ugly man'. More blunt and somewhat old-fashioned. Often used in literature or when speaking frankly.
あの醜男がまた来た。
That ugly man came again.
Slangy abbreviation of 不細工, often used as a noun to mean 'ugly person' (usually male). Can be used directly: あいつはブサイクだ (That guy is ugly).
あのブサイク、誰？
Who's that ugly guy?
More specific: 'a man with an ugly face'. Emphasizes facial features rather than overall appearance.
顔が不細工な男でも、おしゃれなら印象が変わる。
Even a man with an ugly face can change his impression if he dresses well.
To emphasize that a man is very ugly, often in a harsh or exaggerated way.
Adds ひどい (terrible) to intensify. Means 'terribly ugly man'.
彼はひどい不細工な男で、見ていられない。
He's such a terribly ugly man, I can't stand looking at him.
醜い means 'ugly' in a stronger, more emotional sense. Can imply repulsiveness. Often used in written or formal contexts.
その醜い男は人々に避けられていた。
That ugly man was shunned by people.
Slang for a freakishly ugly person, often with a bizarre appearance. Very derogatory. Literally means 'grotesque thing'.
Extremely offensive; use only in very casual, rough speech among close friends, if at all.
To point out that a man is ugly because of a particular physical trait.
A man with an ugly face. 顔 (face) + が + 醜い (ugly).
顔が醜い男でも、優しければモテることもある。
Even a man with an ugly face can be popular if he's kind.
A man with a bad figure/physique. スタイル (style/figure) + が + 悪い (bad). Not necessarily face, but overall body shape.
スタイルが悪い男は、服選びが難しい。
A man with a bad figure has a hard time choosing clothes.
Bald man, often used derogatorily to imply ugliness. Can be combined with other terms: ハゲの醜男 (bald ugly man).
Can be very offensive; use with care.
To talk about an ugly man lightly, often among friends or about oneself.
Portmanteau of ブサイク (ugly) and メン (men). Casual and often used jokingly among young people.
俺はブサメンだから、モテないよ。
I'm an ugly guy, so I'm not popular.
Means 'uncool guy' or 'lame guy', often implying unattractiveness in a broader sense (style, vibe). Less direct than 'ugly'.
彼はイケてない男だけど、なぜかモテる。
He's an uncool guy, but for some reason he's popular.
Calling someone ugly directly is generally rude in Japanese, as in English. Use these terms carefully. In polite conversation, it's better to use euphemisms like あまりイケてない (not very cool) or 個性的な顔 (unique face).
彼はちょっと個性的な顔をしているね。
He has a bit of a unique face, doesn't he?
Many ugly terms are gendered. ブス is the common slang for an ugly woman, while ブサイク is more often used for men. 醜男 specifically means ugly man, while 醜女 (しゅうじょ/ぶおんな) means ugly woman.
彼女はブスだと言われて怒った。
She got angry when she was called ugly.
That freakishly ugly guy, stay away from him.
That bald guy is complaining again.