Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
醜い (みにくい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N2 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
i-adjective
ugly ; unattractive ; bad-looking
Describes physical appearance that is unpleasant to look at. Can be used for people, objects, or scenes.
き
に
し
て
いる
。
He is self-conscious about his ugly face.
2
i-adjective
unsightly ; disgraceful ; shameful
Refers to behavior, situations, or attitudes that are morally or aesthetically offensive, not just physical appearance. Often used for actions like fighting, greed, or betrayal.
Written forms 醜みにく い Usage 85%
Standard kanji spelling; high priority.
みにくい Usage 15%
見み 憎にく い
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form.
Similar words 見み 苦ぐる しい 見苦しい also means 'unsightly' or 'shameful', but often implies a breach of decorum or propriety, whereas 醜い can be a stronger, more visceral judgment of ugliness or moral repulsiveness.
格かっ 好こ 悪わる い 格好悪い means 'uncool' or 'lame' and is casual; 醜い is more serious and can refer to deep physical or moral ugliness.
Etymology Compound of 見 (mi, 'seeing') + 憎い (nikui, 'hateful'), literally 'hateful to look at'. The kanji 醜 is used for its meaning 'ugly'.
