It is a versatile word to express dislike or lack of preference, but use it carefully with people.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Expresses a negative feeling or lack of preference.
- Used commonly for food, people, and situations.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese grammar.
Overview
- 1概要：「嫌い」は、ある対象に対して否定的な感情を抱いていることを示す言葉です。日本語では「嫌い」は形容動詞（な形容詞）として扱われ、名詞を修飾する際には「嫌いな〜」という形になります。2) 使用パターン：基本的には「Aが嫌いだ」という形で使われます。主語が自分である場合、単純な好みだけでなく、強い拒絶や不快感を含むことがあります。「〜が嫌いになる」のように変化を表すことも可能です。3) 一般的な文脈：食べ物の好き嫌い、人の性格、場所、あるいは特定の行動など、非常に幅広い対象に使われます。ただし、非常に強い感情を伴うため、目上の人に対して「あなたが嫌いです」と直接言うのは非常に失礼にあたるため注意が必要です。4) 類似語との比較：「苦手」は「能力的にできない」や「関わるとストレスを感じる」といったニュアンスが含まれますが、「嫌い」は明確に感情的な拒絶を指します。「憎い」はより感情的で強い恨みや憎悪を指すため、日常的な「嫌い」よりも深刻な響きを持ちます。
Examples
私は納豆が嫌いです。
everydayI dislike natto.
その行為は容認しがたい。
formalThat behavior is unacceptable.
あいつ、マジ嫌い。
informalI seriously hate that guy.
この理論は多くの学者から嫌悪されている。
academicThis theory is disliked by many scholars.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
好き嫌いが多い
To be a picky eater
嫌いじゃない
I don't dislike it (implying 'I might actually like it')
嫌いなものは嫌いだ
I dislike what I dislike (stubborn expression)
Often Confused With
Nigate implies a lack of skill or a feeling of unease, whereas kirai implies a strong emotional dislike.
Nikui carries a much stronger sense of hatred or resentment compared to the general dislike of kirai.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'kirai' carefully as it is a direct statement of negative emotion. In professional settings, use 'amari suki dewa arimasen' instead. It functions as a na-adjective, so remember to add 'na' when modifying nouns.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'o' instead of 'ga' (e.g., 'natto o kirai'). Also, using 'kirai' too directly when talking about people can sound rude. Remember that it describes a state of mind, not an action.
Tips
Use with particles correctly
Always use the particle 'ga' (が) before 'kirai' to indicate the object of your dislike. For example, 'Watashi wa natto ga kirai desu'.
Avoid direct confrontation
Saying 'Anata ga kirai desu' is very harsh. Try to avoid using this directly to people unless you intend to express strong animosity.
Indirect communication culture
Japanese people often use softer alternatives like 'chotto...' or 'nigate' to avoid saying 'kirai' directly. Being indirect is often considered more polite.
Word Origin
The word comes from the verb 'kirau' (to dislike/loathe). It has been used in Japanese since the Heian period to express aversion.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, expressing dislike directly is often avoided to maintain social harmony. People prefer to use vague expressions instead of saying 'kirai' directly to someone's face.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kira-kira' (sparkling) and imagine a star falling down and you feeling 'Kirai' (dislike) for it. It's a funny contrast to help remember the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「嫌い」は感情的に受け付けないという拒絶を表します。一方、「苦手」は能力的にできない、または関わると疲れるという消極的なニュアンスが含まれます。
いいえ、非常に失礼です。目上の人に対しては「苦手です」や「あまり得意ではありません」という表現を使うのが無難です。
反対語は「好き」です。好意や好ましい感情を表す際に使われます。
いいえ、文法的には「な形容詞（形容動詞）」に分類されます。そのため、名詞を修飾する際は「嫌いな食べ物」となります。
Test Yourself
私はピーマン___嫌いです。
好悪を表す形容動詞の前には助詞「が」を使います。
次のうち、自然な表現はどれですか？
形容動詞が名詞を修飾する際は「な」が必要です。
（ことは / 嘘を / 嫌いだ / つく）
動詞の辞書形＋ことは、で主語を作ります。
Score: /3
Summary
It is a versatile word to express dislike or lack of preference, but use it carefully with people.
- Expresses a negative feeling or lack of preference.
- Used commonly for food, people, and situations.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese grammar.
Use with particles correctly
Always use the particle 'ga' (が) before 'kirai' to indicate the object of your dislike. For example, 'Watashi wa natto ga kirai desu'.
Avoid direct confrontation
Saying 'Anata ga kirai desu' is very harsh. Try to avoid using this directly to people unless you intend to express strong animosity.
Indirect communication culture
Japanese people often use softer alternatives like 'chotto...' or 'nigate' to avoid saying 'kirai' directly. Being indirect is often considered more polite.
Examples
4 of 4私は納豆が嫌いです。
I dislike natto.
その行為は容認しがたい。
That behavior is unacceptable.
あいつ、マジ嫌い。
I seriously hate that guy.
この理論は多くの学者から嫌悪されている。
This theory is disliked by many scholars.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
