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B1 noun 12 min read

嫌悪感

ken'okan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 嫌悪感 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 嫌悪感 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '嫌悪感' (ken'okan) is much too advanced. A1 learners focus on basic likes and dislikes using '好き' (suki - like) and '嫌い' (kirai - dislike). At this stage, you might simply learn that '嫌' (the first character) means 'no' or 'bad.' If you want to say you really don't like something, you would just say '大嫌い' (daikirai). You don't need to worry about the 'feeling' (感) or the 'aversion' part yet. Just focus on identifying things you don't like using simple sentences like 'Sushi is kirai.' This word is something you will see much later in your Japanese journey, but knowing it exists helps you understand that Japanese has many levels of 'dislike.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more nouns and more complex feelings. While '嫌悪感' (ken'okan) is still quite difficult, you might begin to see the character '感' (kan) in other words like '安心感' (anshin-kan - sense of relief). You can think of 'ken'okan' as a 'very, very strong kirai.' You won't be expected to use it in conversation, but you might see it in a simple story or a news headline. Instead of using this word, A2 learners usually use '嫌な感じ' (iya na kanji), which means 'a bad feeling.' This is a much easier way to express a similar idea. Focus on learning how to describe feelings using '～な感じ,' and 'ken'okan' will become easier to understand later.

B1 is the level where '嫌悪感' (ken'okan) becomes a key vocabulary item. At this stage, you are moving beyond simple adjectives and starting to use 'kango' (Chinese-origin nouns) to describe abstract concepts. You should learn this word as a set phrase: '嫌悪感を抱く' (ken'okan o idaku - to harbor a sense of aversion). This allows you to talk about your feelings in a more mature way. For example, instead of just saying you don't like someone's behavior, you can say it gives you a 'sense of aversion.' This is very useful for writing essays or having more serious conversations about social issues, movies, or books. You should also be able to recognize it when you hear it on the news or read it in a newspaper.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '嫌悪感' (ken'okan) fluently and understand its nuances compared to similar words like '不快感' (fukaikan) or '憎悪' (zōo). You should be comfortable modifying it with adjectives like '生理的な' (seiriteki na - physiological) or '猛烈な' (mōretsuna - intense). You should also understand the causative form '嫌悪感を抱かせる' (to make someone feel aversion). At this level, you are expected to use 'ken'okan' in professional or academic settings to describe reactions to policies, social trends, or literature. You should also be aware of the compound '自己嫌悪' (jiko ken'o - self-loathing) and how it is used to describe a character's internal struggle.

For C1 learners, '嫌悪感' (ken'okan) is a standard part of your vocabulary. You should be able to use it to discuss complex psychological theories or cultural phenomena. You might explore the 'evolutionary psychology of ken'okan' or the 'sociological implications of collective ken'okan.' You should also be familiar with more obscure synonyms and literary variations. At this level, you can use the word to add specific emotional 'color' to your speech and writing. You might also encounter it in historical texts or high-level legal discussions regarding 'shunning' (kihi) or 'moral repulsion.' Your understanding should extend to the cultural context of why certain things trigger 'ken'okan' in Japan specifically.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '嫌悪感' (ken'okan) is near-native. You understand the subtle poetic and philosophical weights the word can carry in different literary eras. You can dissect the kanji roots and discuss how the meaning has shifted from classical Japanese to the modern day. You can use it with perfect precision in any register, from a casual (but sophisticated) conversation to a doctoral thesis on Japanese aesthetics. You also recognize the word's appearance in idioms and rare compounds. Essentially, 'ken'okan' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to you but a flexible tool for expressing the deepest, most complex aspects of the human experience of rejection and disgust.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

嫌悪感 in 30 Seconds

A formal noun meaning deep aversion, disgust, or visceral repulsion.
Commonly used with 'idaku' (to harbor) or 'oboeru' (to feel).
Stronger and more psychological than the basic word 'kirai' (dislike).
Frequently appears in news, literature, and discussions about social scandals.

The Japanese word 嫌悪感 (ken'okan) is a sophisticated noun used to describe a deep-seated sense of aversion, disgust, or strong dislike. While the English word 'dislike' might suffice for simple preferences, ken'okan carries a much heavier emotional and psychological weight. It is composed of three kanji characters: 嫌 (dislike/detest), 悪 (bad/evil/hate), and 感 (feeling/sensation). Together, they form a term that describes a visceral reaction—something that makes your skin crawl or your stomach turn. It is not merely a cognitive decision to dislike something; it is an emotional response that often involves a desire to distance oneself from the object of the feeling. In Japanese society, where harmony and politeness are paramount, expressing such a strong emotion requires specific linguistic tools, and ken'okan is the standard formal way to articulate this profound repulsion.

Kanji Breakdown: 嫌 (Ken) means to be unpleasant or to dislike. 悪 (O) in this context refers to hatred or loathing. 感 (Kan) refers to a feeling or sense. Combined, it is the 'feeling of loathing.'

You will encounter this word in a variety of contexts, ranging from personal relationships and psychological discussions to social commentary and news reporting. For instance, if a public figure commits an act that is widely considered immoral, the public might feel a strong ken'okan toward them. It is also used in medical or psychological settings to describe a patient's reaction to certain stimuli. Unlike the more casual 'kirai' (dislike), ken'okan suggests a reaction that is almost physical in nature. It is the difference between saying 'I don't like broccoli' and 'I feel a profound sense of disgust toward dishonesty.'

彼の不誠実な態度に強い嫌悪感を抱いた。(I felt a strong sense of aversion toward his insincere attitude.)

The word is often paired with the verb 抱く (idaku), which means 'to harbor' or 'to hold.' This suggests that the feeling is something that lives within the person, often building up over time or triggered by a specific event. It can also be paired with 覚える (oboeru), meaning 'to feel' or 'to experience.' When you use ken'okan, you are communicating that the situation has crossed a line from 'unpleasant' to 'repulsive.' It is a key word for B1 learners because it allows for a more nuanced expression of negative emotions beyond the basic vocabulary of lower levels.

In literature and media, ken'okan is frequently used to describe the tension between characters. If a protagonist finds the antagonist's methods morally bankrupt, they won't just 'dislike' them; they will harbor ken'okan. This word provides a window into the Japanese psychological landscape, where the distinction between 'liking/disliking' and 'moral/visceral repulsion' is clearly demarcated in the lexicon. Understanding this word helps learners grasp the intensity of social and personal friction in Japanese narratives.

Common Usage Contexts: Social scandals, physical reactions to smells/sights, moral disagreements, and psychological evaluations.

その生々しい描写に、思わず嫌悪感を覚えた。(I instinctively felt a sense of disgust at that vivid description.)

Finally, it is worth noting that ken'okan is a 'kango' (Chinese-origin word), which naturally gives it a more formal and academic tone compared to 'wago' (native Japanese words). Using it correctly shows a high level of linguistic competence and an ability to discuss complex emotional states with precision. Whether you are reading a novel, watching a news report about environmental pollution, or discussing a difficult social issue, ken'okan will be a frequent and powerful companion in your Japanese language journey.

Mastering 嫌悪感 (ken'okan) requires understanding its typical grammatical partners. As a noun, it functions as the object of a feeling. The most common verb construction is 嫌悪感を抱く (ken'okan o idaku), which means 'to harbor a sense of aversion.' This is a formal and literary way to express that someone has developed a deep dislike for something. Another common construction is 嫌悪感を覚える (ken'okan o oboeru), which translates to 'to feel a sense of aversion.' While 'idaku' suggests a lasting feeling, 'oboeru' can sometimes refer to a more immediate, spontaneous reaction.

Verb Pairings: 1. 抱く (Idaku) - To harbor/hold. 2. 覚える (Oboeru) - To feel/sense. 3. 示す (Shimesu) - To show/manifest. 4. 与える (Ataeru) - To give/cause (someone else to feel it).

When you want to say that something *causes* disgust, you use the verb 与える (ataeru). For example, 'His behavior gave people a sense of aversion' would be 彼の行動は人々に嫌悪感を与えた (Kare no kōdō wa hitobito ni ken'okan o ataeta). This is a very useful pattern for describing the impact of actions or environments on others. You can also use the verb 抱かせる (idakaseru), the causative form of 'idaku,' to mean 'to make someone harbor aversion.'

不潔な環境は、客に強い嫌悪感を抱かせる。(A filthy environment makes customers harbor a strong sense of aversion.)

Adjectives often modify ken'okan to specify its intensity. The most frequent modifier is 強い (tsuyoi - strong), but you might also see 猛烈な (mōretsuna - fierce/intense), 生理的な (seiriteki na - physiological/instinctive), or 激しい (hagashii - violent/intense). Using 'seiriteki na ken'okan' is particularly common when describing a gut-level reaction that one cannot logically control, such as a reaction to a specific smell or a type of insect.

In more advanced usage, you might see 嫌悪感 (ken'okan) used in compound structures. For example, 自己嫌悪 (jiko ken'o) means self-loathing or self-hatred. While the 'kan' is dropped in the compound 'jiko ken'o,' the root meaning remains the same. Understanding how ken'okan fits into these broader linguistic patterns allows you to express complex human emotions with the nuance required for professional or academic Japanese.

食べ物を粗末にする行為に対して、彼は嫌悪感を隠さなかった。(He did not hide his sense of aversion toward the act of wasting food.)

Another important aspect is the 'target' of the aversion. This is usually marked with the particle に対して (ni taishite) or への (e no). For example, 'aversion toward violence' would be 暴力に対する嫌悪感 (bōryoku ni taishite no ken'okan). This structure is essential for clarifying exactly what is triggering the emotion. By combining these particles, adjectives, and verbs, you can construct sophisticated sentences that convey precise emotional states.

While 嫌悪感 (ken'okan) might seem like a heavy word, it is surprisingly common in daily Japanese life, particularly in media and formal discussions. One of the most frequent places you will hear it is on the nightly news. When a scandal breaks—whether it involves a politician, a celebrity, or a large corporation—reporters often describe the public's reaction as ken'okan. Phrases like 'public aversion is spreading' (kokumin no ken'okan ga hirogatte iru) are staples of Japanese journalism. This usage highlights the word's role in describing collective social sentiment.

Media Contexts: News reports on scandals, documentaries about social issues, psychological dramas, and opinion columns in newspapers.

In the world of Japanese dramas and cinema, ken'okan is used to articulate the internal conflict of characters. A character might confess to a friend that they feel ken'okan toward their own past actions or toward a family member's behavior. In these contexts, the word adds a layer of psychological depth that simpler words like '嫌い' (kirai) cannot provide. It signals to the audience that the character's feelings are not just a passing whim but a fundamental, visceral rejection.

ニュースキャスター：「今回の不祥事により、市民の間で政治への嫌悪感が高まっています。」(Newscaster: Due to this scandal, a sense of aversion toward politics is rising among citizens.)

You will also encounter this word in online forums and social media discussions. Users often use ken'okan to describe their reaction to 'flame wars' (enjou) or toxic online behavior. For example, someone might post, 'I feel ken'okan toward the way people are attacking each other in the comments.' In this digital age, the word has become a common way to express one's discomfort with the less savory aspects of internet culture.

In literature, particularly in modern psychological novels (like those by Natsume Soseki or Yukio Mishima), ken'okan is a key thematic element. Authors use it to explore the boundaries of the self and the 'other.' The feeling of ken'okan often serves as a catalyst for a character's transformation or downfall. For a student of Japanese literature, recognizing and understanding the nuances of this word is essential for grasping the emotional stakes of the narrative.

小説の一節：「彼は鏡に映る自分自身の姿に、耐え難い嫌悪感を覚えた。」(A passage from a novel: He felt an unbearable sense of aversion toward his own reflection in the mirror.)

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers might use ken'okan when discussing ethics, biology, or social studies. For example, a biology teacher might explain the evolutionary purpose of ken'okan (disgust) as a mechanism to avoid disease or toxic substances. This broad range of usage—from the visceral and biological to the social and psychological—makes ken'okan an incredibly versatile and important word for any intermediate or advanced learner of Japanese.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 嫌悪感 (ken'okan) is using it too casually. In English, we might say 'I'm so disgusted by this weather' or 'I have an aversion to Mondays.' However, in Japanese, using ken'okan for minor inconveniences or trivial dislikes can sound overly dramatic or even strange. It is a 'heavy' word that should be reserved for situations involving moral repulsion, physical disgust, or deep psychological discomfort. For everyday dislikes, sticking to 'kirai' (dislike) or 'nigate' (not good at/don't like) is much more natural.

Mistake 1: Over-dramatization: Using 'ken'okan' for things like food you just don't like or a rainy day. Correct: Use 'kirai' or 'iya'.

Another frequent error is grammatical: treating ken'okan as a verb. Because it ends in 'kan' (feeling), some learners mistakenly try to say 'ken'okan suru.' As established, ken'okan is a noun and must be paired with a verb like 'idaku' or 'oboeru.' If you want to use a verb that means 'to loathe,' you should use 嫌悪する (ken'o suru). Note that 'ken'o suru' is even more formal and is typically found in writing rather than speech.

❌ 私は彼の嘘に嫌悪感した。
✅ 私は彼の嘘に嫌悪感を抱いた。

Learners also sometimes confuse ken'okan with 不快感 (fukaikan). While they are similar, fukaikan simply means 'discomfort' or 'unpleasantness.' You might feel fukaikan if a room is too hot or if someone is speaking too loudly. Ken'okan, however, implies a much stronger, often moral or visceral, rejection. If you use ken'okan when you only mean 'discomfort,' you might inadvertently signal a level of intense hatred that you don't actually feel.

A subtle mistake involves the particle usage. Some learners use 'ga' when they should use 'o' with 'idaku.' For example, 'ken'okan ga idaku' is incorrect. It should be ken'okan o idaku (harbor aversion) or ken'okan ga aru (there is a sense of aversion). Paying close attention to these small grammatical markers is what separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Iyagarase': 'Iyagarase' means harassment or doing something to annoy someone. 'Ken'okan' is the internal feeling of the victim or observer. They are related but not interchangeable.

❌ 彼は私に嫌悪感をした。(He did 'aversion' to me.)
✅ 彼の言動は私に嫌悪感を与えた。(His words and actions gave me a sense of aversion.)

Finally, remember that ken'okan is an internal state. You can't 'be' ken'okan. You can only 'have' or 'feel' it. In English, we might say 'That's disgusting,' but in Japanese, you would say 'That gives me a sense of ken'okan' or 'I feel ken'okan toward that.' Keeping this distinction in mind will help you use the word accurately and naturally in conversation.

To truly master 嫌悪感 (ken'okan), it's helpful to compare it with other words in the Japanese 'dislike' spectrum. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing negative emotions, and choosing the right one depends on the intensity and the source of the feeling. Let's look at some common alternatives and how they differ from ken'okan.

Comparison: Ken'okan vs. Fukaikan: 嫌悪感 (Ken'okan): Deep repulsion, moral or visceral disgust.
不快感 (Fukaikan): General unpleasantness or physical discomfort (e.g., humidity, loud noise).

Another word often confused with ken'okan is 憎悪 (zōo), which means 'hatred' or 'detestation.' While ken'okan is a feeling of repulsion (wanting to move away), zōo is a more active, aggressive feeling of hatred. You might feel ken'okan toward a slimy insect, but you would feel zōo toward an enemy who has wronged you deeply. Ken'okan is often the precursor to zōo.

嫌悪感は「避けたい」気持ち、憎悪は「攻撃したい」ほどの強い憎しみです。(Ken'okan is the feeling of 'wanting to avoid,' while zōo is a hatred so strong one might want to 'attack.')

For a more psychological or physiological nuance, you might use 拒絶反応 (kyozetsu hannō), which means 'rejection reaction.' This is often used metaphorically to describe someone who simply cannot accept something, as if their body is rejecting an organ transplant. For example, 'I have a kyozetsu hannō toward math.' This is more intense and less moralistic than ken'okan.

In casual speech, people often use 生理的に無理 (seiriteki ni muri). This literally means 'physiologically impossible,' but it's used to mean 'I find this person/thing so repulsive that I can't even be near it.' It's the colloquial cousin of seiriteki na ken'okan. While you wouldn't use this in a business report, you will hear it constantly in anime or among friends discussing people they dislike.

Comparison: Ken'okan vs. Teikōkan: 嫌悪感 (Ken'okan): Repulsion/Disgust.
抵抗感 (Teikōkan): Resistance or hesitation (e.g., 'I feel some resistance to this new plan').

虫に対して嫌悪感を持つ人は多いが、嫌いな食べ物には抵抗感を持つ程度の人もいる。(Many people harbor ken'okan toward insects, but some only feel a degree of teikōkan toward foods they dislike.)

Finally, 忌避 (kihi) is a very formal term for 'evasion' or 'shunning.' It is often used in legal or religious contexts. While ken'okan is the *feeling*, kihi is often the *action* resulting from that feeling. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of dislike you wish to express, making your Japanese much more expressive and accurate.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 嫌 (ken) contains the 'woman' radical (女). Historically, many kanji related to emotions or 'negative' traits were given this radical, reflecting ancient societal biases.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ken.o.kaɴ

US ken.o.kɑn

Japanese is pitch-accented. 'Ken'okan' typically has a flat (Heiban) or slightly rising pitch pattern, but focus on even syllable length.

Rhymes With

Anshinkan (Sense of relief) Fukaikan (Sense of discomfort) Shinkinkan (Sense of closeness) Kōfukukan (Sense of happiness) Teikōkan (Sense of resistance) Gimukan (Sense of duty) Kindaikan (Sense of fatigue) Manzokukan (Sense of satisfaction)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ken' like 'keen'. It should be 'ken' as in 'kennel'.
Stressing the 'o' too much. All syllables should have roughly equal length.
Dropping the 'n' sound at the end.
Pronouncing 'kan' like 'can' (tin can). It's more like 'kahn'.
Treating it as four distinct beats rather than a smooth flow.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji are N2/N1 level, though the word is common at B1/B2.

Writing 5/5

The first kanji (嫌) is complex to write correctly.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but timing is key.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable once you know the 'kan' suffix.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

嫌い (Kirai) 感じ (Kanji) 悪い (Warui) 抱く (Idaku) 覚える (Oboeru)

Learn Next

憎悪 (Zōo) 不快感 (Fukaikan) 抵抗感 (Teikōkan) 自己嫌悪 (Jiko ken'o) 忌避 (Kihi)

Advanced

嫌厭 (Ken'en) 厭世 (Ensei) 慊焉 (Ken'en) 嫌疑 (Kengi)

Grammar to Know

Noun + に対する + Noun

暴力に対する嫌悪感 (Aversion toward violence)

Noun + を + 抱く (Idaku)

強い嫌悪感を抱く (To harbor strong aversion)

Causative Form (～させる)

彼に嫌悪感を抱かせる (To make him feel aversion)

Compound Nouns with 'Kan' (感)

不快感、安心感、違和感 (Sense of discomfort, relief, mismatch)

Adjective + Noun

生理的な嫌悪感 (Physiological aversion)

Examples by Level

これは嫌いなにおいです。

This is a smell I dislike.

Uses basic 'kirai' instead of 'ken'okan'.

私は虫が嫌いです。

I dislike insects.

Focus on 'kirai' as a foundational word.

悪い感じがします。

I have a bad feeling.

Uses 'kanji' (feeling) which is the root of 'ken'okan'.

彼は嫌な人です。

He is an unpleasant person.

Simple adjective use.

食べたくないです。嫌いです。

I don't want to eat it. I dislike it.

Expressing dislike simply.

その音は嫌いです。

I dislike that sound.

Simple target of dislike.

嫌な夢を見ました。

I had an unpleasant dream.

Adjective 'iya' used for unpleasantness.

嫌だ！

No! / I hate it!

The most basic form of the 'ken' root.

その映画は嫌な感じでした。

That movie had an unpleasant feel.

Moving toward the concept of a 'feeling' of dislike.

彼はみんなに嫌われています。

He is disliked by everyone.

Passive form of the verb 'kirau' (to dislike).

不潔な部屋に嫌な感じを覚えました。

I felt an unpleasant sensation in the dirty room.

Uses 'oboeru' (to feel), similar to 'ken'okan'.

うそをつくのは嫌なことです。

Lying is an unpleasant thing.

Describing an abstract concept as 'iya'.

あの人の態度は嫌ですね。

That person's attitude is unpleasant, isn't it?

Using 'iya' to describe attitude.

嫌いな食べ物を無理に食べました。

I forced myself to eat food I dislike.

Combining dislike with an action.

この場所は何か嫌な感じがする。

This place feels unpleasant for some reason.

The phrase 'kanji ga suru' is common.

嫌なにおいがします。

There is an unpleasant smell.

Basic sensory unpleasantness.

彼の失礼な態度に嫌悪感を抱いた。

I felt a sense of aversion toward his rude attitude.

Standard B1 usage with 'idaku'.

そのニュースを聞いて、強い嫌悪感を覚えた。

Hearing that news, I felt a strong sense of disgust.

Using 'oboeru' for a reaction to information.

不潔な場所に嫌悪感を感じる人は多い。

Many people feel a sense of aversion toward filthy places.

Using 'kanjiru' (to feel) as an alternative to 'idaku'.

暴力に対して強い嫌悪感を持っています。

I have a strong sense of aversion toward violence.

Using 'motsu' (to have) for a lasting feeling.

彼の言葉は私に嫌悪感を与えた。

His words gave me a sense of aversion.

Causative structure with 'ataeru'.

生理的な嫌悪感はどうすることもできない。

There's nothing you can do about physiological aversion.

Introduction of the common modifier 'seiriteki na'.

公衆の面前で喧嘩をするのは、周りに嫌悪感を与える。

Fighting in public causes aversion in those around you.

Describing social consequences.

嘘を繰り返す友人に対して、嫌悪感が募った。

My sense of aversion toward the friend who kept lying grew.

Using 'tsunoru' (to grow/intensify).

不正行為が発覚し、市民の嫌悪感は頂点に達した。

The fraud was discovered, and the public's aversion reached its peak.

Using 'chōten ni tassuru' (reach a peak) with ken'okan.

彼は自分自身の弱さに自己嫌悪を感じていた。

He felt self-loathing toward his own weakness.

Usage of the compound 'jiko ken'o'.

その政治家の発言は、多くの女性に嫌悪感を抱かせた。

That politician's remarks made many women harbor a sense of aversion.

Causative form 'idakaseru'.

差別的な表現が含まれる文章に、激しい嫌悪感を覚える。

I feel an intense sense of aversion toward writing that contains discriminatory expressions.

Strong modifier 'hagashii'.

彼は嫌悪感を露わにして、その場を立ち去った。

He made his sense of aversion obvious and left the place.

The phrase 'o arawa ni shite' (to show openly).

生理的な嫌悪感から、彼とは握手さえしたくない。

Due to a physiological aversion, I don't even want to shake hands with him.

Expressing a gut-level reaction.

過剰な広告は、消費者に嫌悪感を与える逆効果になることもある。

Excessive advertising can have the opposite effect by causing aversion in consumers.

Discussing marketing and psychology.

彼女は彼の執拗な勧誘に、強い嫌悪感を示した。

She showed a strong sense of aversion toward his persistent solicitation.

Using 'shimesu' (to show/demonstrate).

現代社会における政治的不信感は、しばしば深い嫌悪感へと変質する。

Political distrust in modern society often transforms into deep aversion.

Using 'henshitsu' (transformation/degeneration).

その文学作品は、人間の根源的な嫌悪感を巧みに描いている。

That literary work skillfully depicts the fundamental human sense of aversion.

Discussing literary themes with 'kongenteki' (fundamental).

嫌悪感という感情は、進化の過程で自己防衛のために発達したものだ。

The emotion known as aversion developed during the process of evolution for self-defense.

Scientific/evolutionary context.

宗教的なタブーを侵すことへの嫌悪感は、文化によって大きく異なる。

The aversion to violating religious taboos varies greatly depending on the culture.

Cultural anthropology context.

彼は権力者の傲慢さに対して、生理的な嫌悪感を拭い去ることができなかった。

He could not wipe away his physiological aversion to the arrogance of those in power.

Using 'nuguisaru' (to wipe away/get rid of).

この映像は一部の視聴者に嫌悪感をもよおさせる可能性があるため、注意が必要だ。

Caution is required as this footage may cause feelings of aversion in some viewers.

Using 'moyoosaseru' (to bring about/induce).

集団心理が働くと、特定の個人に対する嫌悪感が爆発的に広まることがある。

When group psychology is at work, aversion toward a specific individual can spread explosively.

Social psychology context.

倫理的な嫌悪感は、時に法的な罰則よりも強い社会的制裁となる。

Ethical aversion can sometimes become a stronger social sanction than legal penalties.

Legal and ethical discussion.

ニーチェの哲学における「ルサンチマン」は、ある種の嫌悪感に基づいていると言えるだろう。

One could say that 'ressentiment' in Nietzsche's philosophy is based on a certain kind of aversion.

High-level philosophical analysis.

美学の領域において、醜悪なものへの嫌悪感は、美の追求と表裏一体の関係にある。

In the realm of aesthetics, the aversion to the hideous is inextricably linked with the pursuit of beauty.

Aesthetic theory context.

その作家は、都会の喧騒と虚飾に対して徹底的な嫌悪感を表明し続けた。

That author continued to express a thorough sense of aversion toward the bustle and vanity of the city.

Literary criticism context.

嫌悪感の対象が自己に向かうとき、それは実存的な苦悩へと昇華される。

When the object of aversion turns toward the self, it is sublimated into existential suffering.

Existentialist terminology.

政治的なプロパガンダは、他者への嫌悪感を利用して大衆を扇動する常套手段である。

Political propaganda is a common tactic that exploits aversion toward others to incite the masses.

Political science and history.

嫌悪感の生理的メカニズムを解明することは、情動の深層を探る鍵となる。

Elucidating the physiological mechanisms of aversion is key to exploring the deep layers of emotion.

Scientific research context.

伝統の破壊に対する保守層の嫌悪感は、しばしば激しい反動を伴う。

The aversion of conservatives toward the destruction of tradition often accompanies violent reactions.

Sociopolitical analysis.

彼は、自身の偽善的な振る舞いに対して、言葉に尽くせぬほどの嫌悪感に苛まれていた。

He was tormented by an unspeakable sense of aversion toward his own hypocritical behavior.

Literary/emotional description with 'sainamareru' (to be tormented).

Common Collocations

嫌悪感を抱く

嫌悪感を覚える

強い嫌悪感

生理的な嫌悪感

嫌悪感を与える

嫌悪感を露わにする

嫌悪感を拭えない

猛烈な嫌悪感

嫌悪感が募る

嫌悪感を催す

Common Phrases

自己嫌悪に陥る

— To fall into self-loathing. Used when you are deeply disappointed in yourself.

テストの失敗で自己嫌悪に陥った。

嫌悪の情

— Feelings of loathing. A more literary way to say ken'okan.

嫌悪の情を禁じ得ない。

嫌悪施設

— NIMBY facilities (Not In My Backyard). Facilities like waste plants that people don't want nearby.

近所に嫌悪施設が建設される。

嫌悪感の対象

— The object of aversion. What someone is disgusted by.

彼はクラスの嫌悪感の対象になった。

生理的な無理

— Colloquial version of physiological aversion. Used to say someone is totally repulsive.

あの人、生理的に無理。

嫌悪感を抱かせる

— To make someone feel aversion. Used for actions that bother others.

不快なジョークは嫌悪感を抱かせる。

嫌悪感を隠さない

— To not hide one's disgust. Showing your feelings openly.

彼女は彼への嫌悪感を隠さなかった。

嫌悪感が高まる

— Aversion is rising. Used in social or political contexts.

増税への嫌悪感が高まっている。

嫌悪感を煽る

— To stir up or incite aversion. Often used in media contexts.

差別的な報道が嫌悪感を煽った。

嫌悪感を払拭する

— To wipe away or dispel a sense of aversion.

悪いイメージを払拭し、嫌悪感を消す。

Often Confused With

嫌悪感 vs 不快感 (Fukaikan)

Fukaikan is general discomfort (like heat). Ken'okan is deep disgust/repulsion.

嫌悪感 vs 抵抗感 (Teikōkan)

Teikōkan is hesitation or resistance to an idea. Ken'okan is a stronger emotional rejection.

嫌悪感 vs 憎悪 (Zōo)

Zōo is active hatred. Ken'okan is reactive disgust.

Idioms & Expressions

"嫌悪の的"

— A target of loathing. Someone or something everyone hates.

彼は汚職事件で嫌悪の的となった。

Formal

"虫の居所が悪い"

— To be in a bad mood (related to 'mushi' or inner feelings of irritation).

今日は虫の居所が悪くて、何にでも嫌悪感を感じる。

Idiomatic

"鼻持ちならない"

— Intolerable, stinking (metaphorically). Used for arrogant people who cause ken'okan.

彼の鼻持ちならない態度に嫌悪感を覚える。

Idiomatic

"虫酸が走る"

— To be disgusted; to have one's skin crawl. A very strong expression of ken'okan.

彼の声を聞くだけで虫酸が走る。

Idiomatic

"反吐が出る"

— To be so disgusted it makes you want to vomit. Extremely strong ken'okan.

あいつの偽善には反吐が出る。

Vulgar/Strong

"目も当てられない"

— So terrible one can't look. Often associated with a sense of aversion.

その惨状は目も当てられず、嫌悪感を覚えた。

Neutral

"後ろ指を指される"

— To be talked about behind one's back (due to being a target of social aversion).

悪いことをして後ろ指を指され、嫌悪感を持たれる。

Neutral

"顔を見るのも嫌だ"

— Don't even want to see their face. A direct expression of strong aversion.

裏切った彼のことは、もう顔を見るのも嫌だ。

Informal

"蛇蝎の如く嫌う"

— To loathe like snakes and scorpions. Extreme aversion.

彼は独裁者を蛇蝎の如く嫌っている。

Literary

"身の毛もよだつ"

— To have one's hair stand on end (from horror or disgust).

その残虐な行為に身の毛もよだつ嫌悪感を覚えた。

Literary

Easily Confused

嫌悪感 vs 嫌疑 (Kengi)

Both start with 'Ken' and relate to negative situations.

Kengi means 'suspicion' (as in a crime). Ken'okan is 'disgust.'

彼は殺人の嫌疑をかけられた (He was suspected of murder).

嫌悪感 vs 嫌気 (Iyake)

Both start with 'Ken' (read as iya) and mean dislike.

Iyake means 'getting sick of' or 'losing interest.' Ken'okan is 'repulsion.'

都会の生活に嫌気がさした (I got sick of city life).

嫌悪感 vs 忌避 (Kihi)

Both involve a strong desire to avoid something.

Kihi is the act of shunning or evading. Ken'okan is the feeling of disgust.

責任を忌避する (to evade responsibility).

嫌悪感 vs 嫌悪 (Ken'o)

It's the same word without 'kan' (feeling).

Ken'o is the concept of loathing. Ken'okan is the specific 'sense' or 'feeling' of it.

自己嫌悪 (self-loathing).

嫌悪感 vs 嫌疑 (Kengi)

Phonetically similar start.

Kengi is suspicion; Ken'okan is repulsion.

嫌疑不十分 (insufficient evidence/suspicion).

Sentence Patterns

AはBに嫌悪感を抱いている。

私は彼の嘘に嫌悪感を抱いている。

Aに嫌悪感を覚える。

そのにおいに嫌悪感を覚える。

Aの行動はBに嫌悪感を与える。

彼の態度は客に嫌悪感を与える。

Aに対して生理的な嫌悪感がある。

虫に対して生理的な嫌悪感がある。

嫌悪感を禁じ得ない。

彼の無責任な発言には、嫌悪感を禁じ得ない。

嫌悪感を露わにする。

彼女は露骨に嫌悪感を露わにした。

嫌悪感の対象が～に移る。

嫌悪感の対象が、犯人から警察へと移った。

嫌悪感を払拭する。

過去の失敗による嫌悪感を払拭する。

Word Family

Nouns

嫌悪 (Ken'o) - Loathing/Abhorrence

自己嫌悪 (Jiko ken'o) - Self-loathing

嫌悪感 (Ken'okan) - Sense of aversion

Verbs

嫌う (Kirau) - To dislike/hate

嫌悪する (Ken'o suru) - To loathe/abhor

Adjectives

嫌な (Iya na) - Unpleasant

嫌いな (Kirai na) - Disliked

不快 (Fukai) - Unpleasant

憎悪 (Zōo) - Hatred

忌避 (Kihi) - Evasion

拒絶 (Kyozetsu) - Rejection

嫌疑 (Kengi) - Suspicion

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and formal discussions; rare in casual daily chat unless the topic is serious.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ken'okan suru'. → 嫌悪感を抱く (ken'okan o idaku) or 嫌悪する (ken'o suru).
'Ken'okan' is a noun, not a suru-verb. You need to use a verb like 'idaku' or 'oboeru' with it.
Using it for mild dislikes. → 嫌い (kirai) or 苦手 (nigate).
'Ken'okan' is for strong disgust or repulsion. Using it for things like 'I don't like coffee' is unnatural.
Confusing 'ken'okan' with 'fukaikan'. → Use 'fukaikan' for physical discomfort like humidity.
'Fukaikan' is 'unpleasantness.' 'Ken'okan' is 'disgust.' They are different levels of negativity.
Using the wrong particle with 'idaku'. → 嫌悪感 *を* 抱く.
You 'harbor' the feeling, so 'o' is the correct object particle.
Saying 'I am ken'okan'. → 私は嫌悪感を感じている (I am feeling aversion).
In Japanese, you don't 'be' a feeling; you 'have' or 'experience' it.

Tips

Pair with 'Idaku'

The most common and natural way to use this word is in the phrase '嫌悪感を抱く'. Memorizing this pair will help you sound more native.

Visceral vs. Cognitive

Remember that 'ken'okan' is often visceral. It's about how something makes you *feel* physically and emotionally, not just what you *think* about it.

Moral Repulsion

In Japan, 'ken'okan' is frequently used to describe the public's reaction to moral failings. It's a powerful word for social commentary.

Particle Choice

Always use 'ni' or 'ni taishite' to point to the source of the aversion. Example: '彼の嘘に嫌悪感を覚える'.

Use in Writing

This is an excellent word to use in essays or formal letters when discussing negative reactions or social problems.

Colloquial Alternative

If you are with friends and something is gross, say '生理的に無理' (seiriteki ni muri) instead of 'ken'okan' to sound more natural.

Learn 'Jiko Ken'o'

Self-loathing is a very common human experience. Learning '自己嫌悪' will help you express deep personal regret.

News Keywords

When you hear 'ken'okan' on the news, pay attention to the context. It's usually about a scandal or a social issue.

Kanji Meaning

The 'Kan' (感) at the end tells you it's a 'sense' or 'feeling.' This suffix is used in many words like 'anshin-kan' or 'fukai-kan'.

Don't Overuse

Because it's a strong word, overusing it for small things can make you sound like you have a very negative personality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ken' (a guy you know) and 'O' (oh no!). Ken does something 'Oh no!' (bad), and you get a 'Kan' (feeling) of disgust.

Visual Association

Imagine someone holding their nose and stepping back from something gross. The 'Kan' is the cloud of feeling around them.

Word Web

嫌 (Dislike) 悪 (Bad) 感 (Feeling) 不快 (Unpleasant) 拒絶 (Reject) 生理的 (Physiological) 抱く (Harbor) 強い (Strong)

Challenge

Try to identify one thing today that gives you a 'ken'okan' and write a sentence about it using 'idaku'.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese. The word entered Japanese as part of the massive influx of Chinese vocabulary (Kango) used for abstract concepts.

Original meaning: The combination of 'dislike' and 'evil/hate' to describe a profound internal rejection.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word about people, as it implies a very strong, almost dehumanizing level of disgust.

English speakers often use 'disgust' more casually. In Japanese, 'ken'okan' is more formal and serious.

The phrase 'self-loathing' (jiko ken'o) is a major theme in the works of Osamu Dazai. Psychological studies in Japan often use 'ken'okan' to measure social reactions to minority groups or environmental changes. Anime often uses the phrase 'seiriteki ni muri' as a comedic or dramatic way to express extreme ken'okan.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Scandals

世論の嫌悪感
不祥事への嫌悪感
嫌悪感が高まる
嫌悪感を拭えない

Personal Relationships

相手への嫌悪感
生理的な嫌悪感
嫌悪感を抱く
嫌悪感を露わにする

Hygiene and Environment

不潔さに対する嫌悪感
嫌悪感を覚えるにおい
嫌悪施設
嫌悪感を催す

Psychology and Self-Reflection

自己嫌悪に陥る
根源的な嫌悪感
嫌悪感の克服
嫌悪感を分析する

Media and Literature

描写への嫌悪感
嫌悪感をもよおす映像
嫌悪感を煽る
読者の嫌悪感

Conversation Starters

"最近のニュースで、何か強い嫌悪感を感じたことはありますか？ (Have you felt a strong sense of aversion to any recent news?)"

"生理的にどうしても嫌悪感を抱いてしまうものは何ですか？ (What is something you just can't help but feel a physiological aversion toward?)"

"自己嫌悪に陥ったとき、どうやって立ち直りますか？ (When you fall into self-loathing, how do you recover?)"

"嫌悪感を与えるような行動とは、具体的にどんなことだと思いますか？ (What specific behaviors do you think cause a sense of aversion in others?)"

"嫌悪感を抱いている相手と、どうやって付き合えばいいと思いますか？ (How do you think one should deal with someone they harbor aversion toward?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、何かに嫌悪感を覚えた瞬間はありましたか？その理由を詳しく書いてください。 (Was there a moment today you felt aversion? Write the reason in detail.)

「自己嫌悪」について自分の経験を書いてみましょう。 (Write about your own experience with 'self-loathing.')

社会における「嫌悪感」の役割について、あなたの考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the role of 'aversion' in society.)

嫌悪感を抱く相手に対して、どのような態度をとるのが最も賢明だと思いますか？ (What attitude do you think is wisest toward someone you feel aversion for?)

自分が生理的に受け付けないもの（食べ物、音、場所など）について、その嫌悪感を詳しく描写してください。 (Describe in detail the aversion you feel for things you physiologically cannot stand.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only if you find the food truly repulsive or disgusting, like eating insects or something rotten. If you just don't like the taste of carrots, use 'kirai' instead. Using 'ken'okan' for minor dislikes sounds too dramatic.

'Idaku' means to harbor or hold the feeling, often implying it's a deep-seated or lasting emotion. 'Oboeru' means to feel or experience it, often used for a more immediate reaction to something you just saw or heard.

It is a formal word, but the feeling it describes is very negative. It's not 'impolite' to use, but telling someone directly 'I feel ken'okan toward you' is extremely harsh and would likely end a relationship.

No, it is strictly for emotional or psychological disgust. For physical pain, use 'itami.' For physical discomfort, use 'fukaikan.'

Use the compound '自己嫌悪' (jiko ken'o). You can say '自己嫌悪に陥る' (jiko ken'o ni ochiiru) to mean 'to fall into self-loathing.'

Yes, but usually to describe reactions to bad behavior, scandals, or poor environments. For example, 'The messy office gives clients a sense of ken'okan.'

It means 'physiological aversion.' It's a gut-level disgust that you can't control with logic, like a fear of spiders or a reaction to a bad smell.

No, 'ken'okan' is a noun. You must say 'ken'o suru' (to loathe) or use 'ken'okan o idaku' (to harbor a sense of aversion).

The most direct opposite is '好感' (kōkan), which means a good feeling or positive impression.

The kanji are often associated with N1 or N2, but the word itself is essential for B1/B2 level learners to understand common media and social discussions.