A versatile adjective used to express negative quality, status, or morality.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe something of low quality or negative nature.
- Commonly used to express poor health or bad behavior.
- Essential adjective for basic Japanese communication.
Overview
- 1概要：「わるい」は日本語の基礎的な形容詞で、英語の「bad」に相当します。対象の質、性格、健康状態、あるいは状況など、ネガティブな評価を下す際に幅広く用いられます。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する場合は「わるい人」「わるい天気」のように使い、述語として使う場合は「この料理はわるい（味が悪い）」のように表現します。ただし、味については「まずい」を使うのが一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では「気分がわるい（体調が悪い）」や「わるいことをする（悪事）」といった表現で使われます。また、謝罪の際に「わるい」と省略して言うこともありますが、これは親しい間柄に限られます。4) 類語との比較：「まずい」は味や状況が悪い時に、「きらい」は感情的に好まない時に使われます。「わるい」はより客観的・広範なネガティブ評価を表します。
Examples
今日は天気がわるいです。
everydayThe weather is bad today.
彼はわるいことをしました。
formalHe did a bad thing.
わるい、ちょっと遅れる。
informalSorry, I'll be a bit late.
環境条件がわるい場所では育ちません。
academicIt does not grow in places with poor environmental conditions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
わるいけど
I'm sorry, but...
わるいことばかり
Nothing but bad things
気分のわるい話
An unpleasant story
Often Confused With
Mainly refers to bad taste or awkward situations. Use 'warui' for general quality and 'mazui' for taste.
Refers to a personal dislike or preference. 'Warui' is an objective assessment of quality.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Warui is a neutral word but can sound blunt in certain situations. In polite conversation, use 'yoku nai' instead of 'warui' to soften the impact. Avoid using it as an apology unless you are very close with the listener.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'warui' for food, but 'mazui' is more natural. Another mistake is using it to apologize to teachers or bosses, which can be seen as rude. Ensure the register matches the relationship.
Tips
Use for broad negative evaluation
It is a versatile word, but be careful with specific contexts. Use it for general quality or moral judgment.
Avoid in formal apologies
Never use 'warui' to apologize to superiors or strangers. It sounds overly casual and disrespectful.
Context matters in Japanese
Japanese often implies negativity indirectly. Sometimes 'warui' is used to soften a refusal, such as 'warui kedo' (I'm sorry, but...).
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'warau' (to split/divide), implying something that is broken or divided from its proper state. Over time, it evolved into the adjective for 'bad'.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, direct criticism is often avoided. Using 'warui' directly can be perceived as aggressive, so it is often paired with particles or softening phrases to maintain social harmony.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'war-ui' (war-like) situation, which is always a bad situation. It helps to associate the harsh sound of 'war' with the meaning 'bad'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「わるい」は質や状態が悪いこと全般を指しますが、「まずい」は主に味や状況が非常に悪い時に使われます。食事が口に合わない時は「まずい」を使うのが自然です。
はい、「わるい、わるい！」のように親しい友人間で使われます。しかし、目上の人に対しては非常に失礼なので、「すみません」や「申し訳ありません」を使いましょう。
反対語は「いい（良い）」です。質や状態が良いことを表します。
体調が悪い、吐き気がする、あるいは不快であるという意味です。健康状態を伝える際に非常によく使われるフレーズです。
Test Yourself
今日は天気が___です。
天気の良し悪しを表現するためには「わるい」が適切です。
体調について正しい表現はどれですか？
体調不良を表す慣用句として「気分がわるい」が定着しています。
（わるい / 彼は / 人 / では / ない）
形容詞が名詞を修飾する語順が正しいです。
Score: /3
Summary
A versatile adjective used to express negative quality, status, or morality.
- Used to describe something of low quality or negative nature.
- Commonly used to express poor health or bad behavior.
- Essential adjective for basic Japanese communication.
Use for broad negative evaluation
It is a versatile word, but be careful with specific contexts. Use it for general quality or moral judgment.
Avoid in formal apologies
Never use 'warui' to apologize to superiors or strangers. It sounds overly casual and disrespectful.
Context matters in Japanese
Japanese often implies negativity indirectly. Sometimes 'warui' is used to soften a refusal, such as 'warui kedo' (I'm sorry, but...).
Examples
4 of 4今日は天気がわるいです。
The weather is bad today.
彼はわるいことをしました。
He did a bad thing.
わるい、ちょっと遅れる。
Sorry, I'll be a bit late.
環境条件がわるい場所では育ちません。
It does not grow in places with poor environmental conditions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
