気持ち悪い
気持ち悪い 30秒了解
- Used for physical nausea like motion sickness.
- Describes things that are visually gross or disgusting.
- Used for 'creepy' people or unsettling situations.
- Often shortened to the slang 'Kimoi' by young people.
The Japanese term 気持ち悪い (Kimochi warui) is a foundational i-adjective that every learner must master, but it is also one that carries a wide variety of nuances depending on the context. At its most basic level, it combines the word kimochi (feeling, mood, or sensation) with warui (bad). Together, they describe a state where something feels fundamentally 'off,' 'wrong,' or 'unpleasant' to the senses or the mind. This can range from physical nausea to a psychological sense of being 'creeped out' by someone's behavior. In English, we often translate this as 'disgusting,' 'gross,' or 'nauseating,' but the Japanese term is far more flexible. It is used both to describe internal physical states (like being carsick) and external triggers (like seeing a large insect).
- Physical Sensation
- When you feel physically ill, particularly in the stomach, this is the go-to phrase. If you ate something bad or are suffering from motion sickness, you would say 'Kimochi warui' to indicate you feel like vomiting.
- Visual/Sensory Disgust
- This applies to things that are visually repulsive, such as a pile of trash, a slimy texture, or a cluster of bugs. It is a visceral reaction to something that makes your skin crawl.
- Social/Psychological Discomfort
- In social settings, if someone is acting inappropriately, staring too much, or being 'creepy,' Japanese speakers use this word to express their discomfort. It is the root of the famous slang 'Kimoi.'
虫がたくさんいて、気持ち悪いです。(Mushi ga takusan ite, kimochi warui desu.)
Understanding the breath of this word requires looking at how 'ki' (energy/spirit) functions in Japanese. Since 'ki' is the flow of energy between a person and their environment, 'kimochi warui' suggests that this flow is disrupted. You are not just saying 'that is bad'; you are saying 'my internal state is negatively affected by that.' This is why the word is so powerful and versatile. It covers everything from the 'eerie' feeling of a haunted house to the 'cringe' felt when watching an embarrassing video. In modern Japanese pop culture, particularly among youth, the word is shortened to キモい (Kimoi), which is much more aggressive and blunt. While 'Kimochi warui' can be a polite observation of one's own health, 'Kimoi' is almost always an insult or a strong expression of rejection. As an A2 learner, sticking to the full form is safer and more versatile for daily communication.
バスに酔って、気持ち悪いです。(Basu ni yotte, kimochi warui desu.)
Using 気持ち悪い (Kimochi warui) correctly involves understanding its role as an i-adjective. This means it follows standard conjugation rules for adjectives ending in ~i. You can use it to modify nouns directly or as a predicate at the end of a sentence. However, because it expresses a personal feeling or a strong judgment, the context determines whether you should use the polite form (~desu) or the plain form. In professional settings, you might describe a physical ailment using the polite form, but you would rarely call something 'disgusting' in a formal business meeting unless it was a serious matter of hygiene or ethics.
- Direct Modification
- Place it before a noun: 'Kimochi warui mushi' (A disgusting bug). This identifies the attribute of the object before you even finish the sentence.
- Past Tense
- To say something was disgusting or you felt sick, change 'warui' to 'warukatta.' Example: 'Kinou wa kimochi warukatta desu' (I felt sick yesterday).
- Negative Form
- To say something is NOT disgusting, use 'waruku nai.' Example: 'Kore wa kimochi waruku nai yo' (This isn't gross, you know).
あの映画は少し気持ち悪かったです。(Ano eiga wa sukoshi kimochi warukatta desu.)
One critical aspect of using this word is the distinction between 'subjective feeling' and 'objective description.' When you say 'Kimochi warui,' you are often describing your own internal state. If you want to emphasize that something *looks* disgusting to everyone, you might use 'Kimochi warusou' (It looks disgusting). However, 'Kimochi warui' is so common that it is usually sufficient. Another important pattern is using it with the particle 'ga' to specify what part of you feels bad, though 'Kimochi' already implies the internal sensation. More commonly, you use 'ni' to indicate the cause, such as 'Nioi ni kimochi warui' (Sickened by the smell).
そんなことを言わないで。 気持ち悪いから。(Sonna koto o iwanaide. Kimochi warui kara.)
In the real world of Japanese conversation, 気持ち悪い (Kimochi warui) is ubiquitous, appearing in everything from high-stakes medical dramas to casual schoolyard banter. Its frequency is highest in informal settings where people feel comfortable expressing their immediate visceral reactions. If you are walking through a park in Tokyo and see a large, oily cicada, you will likely hear a passerby mutter 'Uwa, kimochi warui!' This 'Uwa' is a common interjection of surprise or disgust that almost always precedes this adjective. In the context of public transport, you might hear it used by someone who is feeling the effects of 'densha-yoi' (train sickness), often accompanied by a hand over the mouth or a pale expression.
- In Anime and Manga
- Villains are often described as 'Kimochi warui' if they have a creepy obsession with the protagonist. It is the ultimate rejection in a romantic context—if a character calls their suitor 'Kimochi warui,' the relationship is effectively over.
- At the Doctor's Office
- When a doctor asks 'Dou shimashita ka?' (What happened?), patients often respond with 'Zutto kimochi warui n desu' (I've been feeling nauseous the whole time). Here, it is a clinical description of symptoms.
- Variety Shows
- Comedians use this word constantly when reacting to 'batsu-game' (punishment games) involving eating weird insects or touching mysterious objects in a box.
「うわっ、その色の組み合わせ、気持ち悪いね。」(Uwa, sono iro no kumiawase, kimochi warui ne.)
Beyond physical nausea and insects, the word is increasingly used in the digital age to describe 'cringe' or 'uncanny valley' moments. When a CGI character looks almost human but not quite right, Japanese netizens will flood the comments with 'Kimochi warui.' It captures that specific feeling of unease that arises when something is unnatural. Furthermore, in the workplace, it can be used to describe a 'slimy' or 'creepy' boss, though usually behind their back. The word is so ingrained in the culture that even young children use it the moment they see something they don't like, such as vegetables they find repulsive. Understanding this word is like having a thermometer for the Japanese social climate; it tells you exactly when someone's comfort zone has been breached.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with 気持ち悪い (Kimochi warui) is using it too literally for things that are merely 'bad.' In English, we might say 'The weather is disgusting,' but in Japanese, saying 'Tenki ga kimochi warui' would imply the weather is making you physically ill or feels 'creepy' (like an earthquake sky), rather than just being rainy or cold. For bad weather, 'Tenki ga warui' is the correct, simpler choice. Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'Kimochi warui' and 'Kowai' (scary). While something can be both, 'Kimochi warui' focuses on the revulsion, while 'Kowai' focuses on the fear. If you see a monster, it's 'Kowai' because it might eat you; it's 'Kimochi warui' because it has too many eyes.
- Mistaking it for 'Iya'
- 'Iya' means you dislike something or don't want to do it. If you say 'Kimochi warui' when you mean 'I don't like this task,' it sounds like the task is physically revolting to you, which might be too strong.
- Overusing 'Kimoi'
- Slang is tempting, but 'Kimoi' is very rude. Using it toward a person can be considered bullying. Stick to 'Kimochi warui' when describing situations or feelings to avoid being unnecessarily harsh.
- Confusion with 'Kibun'
- Learners often mix up 'Kimochi' and 'Kibun.' 'Kibun ga warui' is often used for a general feeling of being unwell or in a bad mood, whereas 'Kimochi warui' is specifically for nausea or sensory disgust.
❌ 宿題は気持ち悪いです。(Homework is disgusting/nauseating.)
✅ 宿題は嫌いです。(I hate homework.)
Finally, be careful with the word Kimochi ii (the opposite). While it means 'feels good,' it is often used for physical sensations like a massage or a breeze. If you mix up 'ii' and 'warui' in a medical context, you might tell a doctor you feel great when you actually feel like vomiting! Also, remember that 'Kimochi warui' is an i-adjective. Never say 'Kimochi warui da'—the 'da' is grammatically incorrect after an i-adjective in the present tense. Just say 'Kimochi warui' or 'Kimochi warui desu.' These small grammatical and contextual nuances are what separate a beginner from a truly proficient speaker.
While 気持ち悪い (Kimochi warui) is the most common way to express disgust, Japanese offers a spectrum of alternatives that allow for more precision. Depending on whether the disgust is physical, moral, or aesthetic, you might choose a different word. For example, if something is simply 'unpleasant' or 'uncomfortable' in a more general sense, Fukai (不快) is the formal, academic term. You see this in news reports or formal writing. If something is 'gross' because it is dirty or filthy, Kitannai (an informal version of Kitana-i) might be better. Knowing these alternatives helps you avoid overusing 'Kimochi warui' and makes your Japanese sound more natural and varied.
- 吐き気がする (Hakike ga suru)
- Literal translation: 'A feeling of vomiting occurs.' This is the clinical way to say 'I am nauseous.' Use this at the hospital for clarity.
- 不気味 (Bukimi)
- This means 'eerie' or 'ominous.' If a house looks 'creepy' because it might be haunted, 'Bukimi' is more accurate than 'Kimochi warui.'
- エグい (Egui)
- Originally meaning 'acrid' or 'harsh taste,' this is now slang for something 'intense' or 'gross' in a shocking way, like a gory scene in a movie.
Word Focus Example Kimochi Warui Visceral reaction A big spider Bukimi Fear/Eeriness An empty forest at night Kitanai Dirt/Filth A muddy floor Iya Personal dislike Doing chores
In some cases, you might want to describe a person's behavior specifically. If someone is being 'sleazy,' the word Iyarashii is often used. If they are 'annoying' as well as creepy, Uto-ttashii might fit. For the A2 learner, the most important distinction is between 'Kimochi warui' (I feel grossed out) and 'Hakike ga suru' (I am going to throw up). If you are in a taxi and need the driver to pull over immediately, 'Hakike ga suru' or 'Hakiso-u' (I look like I'll vomit) is much more urgent and clear than 'Kimochi warui,' which could just mean you don't like the smell of the air freshener. By expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms, you can express the exact nature of your discomfort.
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
The slang version 'Kimoi' became popular in the 1990s among high school students and has since become a standard part of the Japanese lexicon.
发音指南
- Pronouncing 'chi' as 'shi'.
- Making the 'r' sound too heavy like an English 'R'.
- Stressing the 'mo' too much.
- Forgetting the final 'i' sound.
- Merging 'kimochi' and 'warui' without a clear transition.
难度评级
Kanji is simple (Ki, Mochi, Warui), but the reading 'Mochi' can be tricky for absolute beginners.
Standard kanji that are learned early on.
Very easy to pronounce and use in daily life.
Very distinctive sound, especially with the 'Uwa!' prefix.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
I-Adjective Conjugation
Warui -> Warukatta (Past), Waruku nai (Negative)
Using 'Kara' for Reason
Kimochi warui kara, tabenai. (I won't eat it because it's gross.)
Adverbial form with 'Ku'
Kimochi waruku naru. (To become sick.)
Noun Modification
Kimochi warui mushi. (A disgusting bug.)
Expressing Appearance with 'Sou'
Kimochi warusou desu ne. (It looks disgusting, doesn't it?)
按水平分级的例句
気持ち悪い。 (Kimochi warui.)
I feel sick / It's gross.
Basic adjective use.
虫は気持ち悪いです。 (Mushi wa kimochi warui desu.)
Bugs are disgusting.
Noun + wa + Adjective + desu.
このにおいは気持ち悪い。 (Kono nioi wa kimochi warui.)
This smell is gross.
Describing a sensory experience.
食べすぎて、気持ち悪い。 (Tabesugite, kimochi warui.)
I ate too much and feel sick.
~te form to show cause.
うわっ、気持ち悪い! (Uwa, kimochi warui!)
Ugh, gross!
Exclamatory use.
気持ち悪い魚。 (Kimochi warui sakana.)
A disgusting fish.
Adjective modifying a noun.
お酒で気持ち悪い。 (Osake de kimochi warui.)
I feel sick from the alcohol.
Particle 'de' showing cause.
気持ち悪くないです。 (Kimochi waruku nai desu.)
I don't feel sick / It's not gross.
Negative conjugation.
バスに酔って気持ち悪い。 (Basu ni yotte kimochi warui.)
I'm carsick and feel nauseous.
Verb 'yotte' (getting sick/drunk) + adjective.
あの人は少し気持ち悪いです。 (Ano hito wa sukoshi kimochi warui desu.)
That person is a bit creepy.
Using the word to describe a person's vibe.
昨日は気持ち悪かったです。 (Kinou wa kimochi warukatta desu.)
I felt sick yesterday.
Past tense conjugation.
気持ち悪い映画は見たくない。 (Kimochi warui eiga wa mitaku nai.)
I don't want to watch gross movies.
Modifying a noun in a negative sentence.
この食べ物は見た目が気持ち悪い。 (Kono tabemono wa mitame ga kimochi warui.)
This food looks disgusting.
'Mitame' (appearance) + ga + adjective.
急に気持ち悪くなりました。 (Kyuu ni kimochi waruku narimashita.)
I suddenly started feeling sick.
Adjective + ku + naru (to become).
気持ち悪いから、捨てて。 (Kimochi warui kara, sutete.)
It's gross, so throw it away.
Using 'kara' for reason.
彼の話し方は気持ち悪い。 (Kare no hanashikata wa kimochi warui.)
The way he talks is creepy.
Describing a specific behavior.
あまりの多さに気持ち悪くなった。 (Amari no oosa ni kimochi waruku natta.)
I felt sick because there were so many.
Amari no + Noun + ni (at the excess of...).
気持ち悪いほど静かだ。 (Kimochi warui hodo shizuka da.)
It's so quiet it's creepy.
Hodo (to the extent of) expressing degree.
そんなこと言われると気持ち悪い。 (Sonna koto iwareru to kimochi warui.)
It's creepy when you say things like that.
Passive verb + to (when/if).
生理的に気持ち悪い。 (Seiriteki ni kimochi warui.)
It's biologically/instinctively disgusting.
Adverbial phrase 'seiriteki ni'.
気持ち悪い色のシャツですね。 (Kimochi warui iro no shatsu desu ne.)
That's a nauseatingly colored shirt, isn't it?
Using it for aesthetic judgment.
見てるだけで気持ち悪い。 (Miteru dake de kimochi warui.)
Just looking at it makes me feel sick.
V-te iru + dake de (just by doing...).
自分の声を聞くのは気持ち悪い。 (Jibun no koe o kiku no wa kimochi warui.)
Listening to my own voice is gross/weird.
Nominalizing a verb phrase with 'no'.
気持ち悪そうに食べている。 (Kimochi warusou ni tabete iru.)
He is eating as if he feels sick.
Adjective stem + sou (appears) + ni (adverbially).
彼の視線が気持ち悪くて仕方がない。 (Kare no shisen ga kimochi warukute shikata ga nai.)
I can't stand his gaze; it's so creepy.
~te shikata ga nai (cannot help but... / unbearable).
偽善的な態度が気持ち悪い。 (Gizenteki na taido ga kimochi warui.)
His hypocritical attitude is disgusting.
Using the word for moral repulsion.
この部屋、何だか気持ち悪いね。 (Kono heya, nanda ka kimochi warui ne.)
This room is somehow creepy/gives me the chills.
Nanda ka (somehow) adds a sense of intuition.
集合住宅のゴミ捨て場が気持ち悪いことになっている。 (Shuugou juutaku no gomisuteba ga kimochi warui koto ni natte iru.)
The trash area of the apartment complex has become a disgusting mess.
~koto ni natte iru (has ended up in a state of...).
気持ち悪い夢を見て目が覚めた。 (Kimochi warui yume o mite me ga sameta.)
I woke up after having a disturbing dream.
Describing internal mental states.
その生々しい描写は気持ち悪い。 (Sono namamashii byousha wa kimochi warui.)
That graphic description is nauseating.
Namamashii (graphic/raw) + byousha (description).
褒められすぎて、かえって気持ち悪い。 (Homeraresugite, kaette kimochi warui.)
I was praised too much, and it's actually creepy.
Kaette (on the contrary).
足がたくさんある生き物は気持ち悪い。 (Ashi ga takusan aru ikimono wa kimochi warui.)
Creatures with many legs are disgusting.
Relative clause modifying 'ikimono'.
不気味な静寂が漂い、気持ち悪い。 (Bukimi na seijaku ga tadayoi, kimochi warui.)
An eerie silence hangs in the air; it's unsettling.
Using literary verbs like 'tadayou' (to drift/hang).
彼の笑い方にはどこか気持ち悪いものがある。 (Kare no waraikata ni wa doko ka kimochi warui mono ga aru.)
There is something somewhat creepy about the way he laughs.
Doko ka (somewhere/something) + mono ga aru (there is a quality of...).
あまりに整然としすぎていて気持ち悪い。 (Amari ni seizen to shisugi te ite kimochi warui.)
It's so perfectly orderly that it's creepy.
Seizen to suru (to be orderly) + sugiru (excessive).
現代社会の歪みが気持ち悪い形で現れている。 (Gendai shakai no hizumi ga kimochi warui katachi de arawarete iru.)
The distortions of modern society are appearing in a disgusting form.
Abstract metaphorical usage.
その馴れ馴れしい態度は気持ち悪い。 (Sono narenare shii taido wa kimochi warui.)
That overly familiar attitude is revolting.
Narenare shii (overly familiar/presumptuous).
吐き気を催すほど気持ち悪い光景だった。 (Hakike o moyoosu hodo kimochi warui koukei datta.)
It was a sight so disgusting it induced nausea.
Hakike o moyoosu (to feel nauseous/induce vomiting).
生理的な嫌悪感で気持ち悪い。 (Seiriteki na ken'okan de kimochi warui.)
I feel sick with a biological sense of loathing.
Ken'okan (feeling of loathing/disgust).
裏切りを知った瞬間、気持ち悪くなった。 (Uragiri o shitta shunkan, kimochi waruku natta.)
The moment I learned of the betrayal, I felt sick to my stomach.
Shunkan (the moment...) used as a temporal marker.
その言説には、生理的・本能的なレベルでの気持ち悪さを禁じ得ない。 (Sono gensetsu ni wa, seiriteki honnoteki na reberu de no kimochi warusa o kinji enai.)
One cannot help but feel a physical and instinctive revulsion toward that discourse.
Kinji enai (cannot help but feel/suppress).
不気味の谷現象による、得体の知れない気持ち悪さ。 (Bukimi no tani genshou ni yoru, etai no shirenai kimochi warusa.)
A mysterious creepiness caused by the uncanny valley phenomenon.
Etai no shirenai (strange/unidentifiable).
虚飾に満ちた世界に、吐き気を伴う気持ち悪さを覚える。 (Kyoshoku ni michita sekai ni, hakike o tomonau kimochi warusa o oboeru.)
I feel a nauseating disgust toward a world full of ostentation.
Oboreru (to feel/experience) in a formal sense.
彼の作品は、美しさと気持ち悪さが紙一重のところで同居している。 (Kare no sakuhin wa, utsukushisa to kimochi warusa ga kamihitoe no tokoro de doukyo shite iru.)
In his works, beauty and disgust coexist on a razor-thin edge.
Kamihitoe (a paper's breadth / razor-thin difference).
過剰な自己愛が透けて見えて、非常に気持ち悪い。 (Kajou na jikoai ga sukete miete, hijou ni kimochi warui.)
His excessive narcissism is transparent and extremely repulsive.
Sukete mieru (to be transparent/visible through something).
その場の空気が淀んでいて、生理的に気持ち悪かった。 (Sono ba no kuuki ga yodonde ite, seiriteki ni kimochi warukatta.)
The air in that place was stagnant, and it was biologically revolting.
Yodomu (to be stagnant/settle).
あまりの不自然さに、背筋が寒くなるような気持ち悪さを感じた。 (Amari no fushizennasa ni, sesuji ga samuku naru you na kimochi warusa o kanjita.)
The sheer unnaturalness of it gave me a bone-chilling sense of disgust.
Sesuji ga samuku naru (shivers down the spine).
倫理的な欠如がもたらす、底知れぬ気持ち悪さ。 (Rinriteki na ketsujo ga motarasu, sokoshirenu kimochi warusa.)
An unfathomable disgust brought about by a lack of ethics.
Sokoshirenu (bottomless/unfathomable).
常见搭配
常用短语
— Gross! / I feel sick! Used as a sudden exclamation.
うわっ、気持ち悪い!
— I feel a bit sick / It's a bit creepy. A common way to soften the statement.
今日はちょっと気持ち悪いんです。
— Seriously gross / Really creepy. Very informal and strong.
あいつ、マジで気持ち悪い。
— Don't say such gross/creepy things. Used to stop someone from speaking.
もう、気持ち悪いこと言わないでよ。
— It's so gross I can't eat it, or I feel too sick to eat.
気持ち悪くて何も食べられない。
— A creepy way of laughing. Often used to describe villains.
彼の気持ち悪い笑い方が嫌いだ。
— A nauseating or clashing color.
気持ち悪い色のスープが出てきた。
— A disgusting bug. Common reaction to pests.
気持ち悪い虫が壁にいる。
— To a creepy extent. Often used for something unusually perfect.
気持ち悪いくらい静かだ。
— To be found creepy/disgusting by others.
彼はみんなに気持ち悪がられている。
容易混淆的词
Kowai is for fear; Kimochi warui is for disgust. A spider might be both, but a ghost is usually just 'kowai' unless it looks gross.
Iya is for general dislike. 'Iya na tenki' is bad weather. 'Kimochi warui tenki' implies the weather feels eerie or makes you sick.
Mazui is only for flavor. If food is 'Kimochi warui,' it means it looks or feels gross in your mouth, not just that it tastes bad.
习语与表达
— To have an instinctive dislike for someone, similar to finding them 'kimochi warui' without a clear reason.
理由は分からないが、彼はどうも虫が好かない。
Idiomatic— To be in a bad mood (not physically sick, but 'ki' is bad).
今日は部長の虫の居所が悪い。
Idiomatic— To be utterly disgusted; to have one's skin crawl. A stronger version of kimochi warui.
彼の顔を見るだけで虫酸が走る。
Strong/Literary— Hair-raising; so disgusting or scary that your hair stands on end.
身の毛もよだつような事件だ。
Literary— Stinking; disgusting (usually used for someone's arrogant attitude).
彼の鼻持ちならない態度に腹が立つ。
Idiomatic— To be sick to one's stomach; to want to vomit from disgust.
あいつの嘘には反吐が出る。
Vulgar/Strong— Too terrible/disgusting to look at.
その惨状は目も当てられなかった。
Neutral— So ridiculous it's 'disgusting' in a funny/absurd way (literally: boiling tea with one's navel).
そんな話、へそで茶を沸かすよ。
Old-fashioned— To take advantage of someone's 'bad' situation (related to seeing someone's weakness).
弱みにつけ込んで足元を見るなんて気持ち悪い。
Idiomatic— To be so disgusted or shocked that your mouth stays open.
彼の無責任さには開いた口が塞がらない。
Neutral容易混淆
Sounds very similar to 'Kimochi warui'.
'Kimi ga warui' is used almost exclusively for 'eerie' or 'creepy' things that give you the chills. It is not used for physical nausea.
夜の山道は気味が悪い。
Both mean 'feeling bad'.
'Kibun ga warui' is broader, covering general malaise, bad moods, or feeling faint. 'Kimochi warui' is specifically for nausea or sensory disgust.
人混みで気分が悪くなった。
Both translate to 'unpleasant'.
'Fukai' is a formal, intellectual term. 'Kimochi warui' is a visceral, physical reaction.
不快な音を遮断する。
Both relate to disgust.
'Ken'okan' is a noun meaning 'feeling of loathing.' It is much more formal and often used in psychological contexts.
強い嫌悪感を抱く。
Both can describe something 'bad' to look at.
'Minikui' means 'ugly' or 'unsightly' in an aesthetic sense. 'Kimochi warui' means it makes you feel sick or creeped out.
醜い争いはやめなさい。
句型
[Noun] wa kimochi warui desu.
Mushi wa kimochi warui desu.
[Verb-te] kimochi warui desu.
Tabesugite kimochi warui desu.
Kimochi warui hodo [Adjective].
Kimochi warui hodo kirei da.
[Noun] ni kimochi waruku naru.
Nioi ni kimochi waruku naru.
Kimochi warukute shikata ga nai.
Atsukute kimochi warukute shikata ga nai.
Kimochi warusa o oboeru.
Sono koukei ni kimochi warusa o oboeru.
Seiriteki ni kimochi warui.
Kare no koto wa seiriteki ni kimochi warui.
Kimochi warusa o kinji enai.
Sono ketsudan ni wa kimochi warusa o kinji enai.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
相关
如何使用
Very High in daily life, media, and medical contexts.
-
Using 'Kimochi warui' for 'I don't like it'.
→
嫌い (Kirai) or 苦手 (Nigate).
If you say 'Kimochi warui' about a task or a food you just dislike, it sounds like it makes you physically sick. Use 'Kirai' for 'I hate it.'
-
Saying 'Kimochi warui da'.
→
気持ち悪い or 気持ち悪いです。
I-adjectives do not take 'da' in the present tense. This is a common beginner mistake.
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Confusing it with 'Kowai' (Scary).
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Use 'Kowai' for fear.
If a dog is barking at you, it's 'Kowai.' If the dog has two heads, it's 'Kimochi warui.'
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Using 'Kimoi' in a job interview.
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不快 (Fukai) or 気分が悪い (Kibun ga warui).
'Kimoi' is extremely casual slang and is inappropriate in any professional or formal setting.
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Using it for 'uncomfortable' furniture.
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座り心地が悪い (Suwari-gokochi ga warui).
'Kimochi warui' is for visceral disgust, not for a chair that's too hard.
小贴士
Soften the blow
If you need to say something is gross but don't want to be too harsh, add 'chotto' (a little) before it: 'Chotto kimochi warui desu ne.' This makes it sound like a shared observation rather than a blunt attack.
I-Adjective Rule
Remember that 'Kimochi warui' is an i-adjective. To link it to another adjective, use the 'te' form: 'Kimochi warukute, kowai' (It's gross and scary). Never use 'da' directly after it.
The 'Uwa' Factor
In Japan, visceral reactions are often preceded by 'Uwa!' or 'Ge!'. Practicing these interjections along with the word will make your Japanese sound much more natural.
Kimoi vs. Kimochi Warui
Think of 'Kimoi' as 'Eww, gross!' and 'Kimochi warui' as 'I feel sick' or 'That is disgusting.' Use 'Kimoi' only with very close friends or when you are intentionally being rude.
Medical Clarity
If you are truly about to throw up, use 'Hakike ga suru' or 'Hakiso-u'. 'Kimochi warui' can sometimes be interpreted as just feeling a bit 'off,' so be specific if it's an emergency.
The 'Ki' Connection
Connect 'Ki' to 'Energy.' If your energy is 'Warui' (bad), you are 'Kimochi warui.' This helps you remember that it's an internal feeling.
Uncanny Valley
Use this word when something looks 'almost' right but is actually creepy. It's the perfect term for weird CGI or robots that look too human.
Avoid for People
Unless you are trying to end a relationship or express extreme discomfort, avoid calling people 'Kimochi warui.' It is one of the most hurtful things you can say to someone in Japanese.
Tone Matters
Listen to the pitch. A high-pitched 'Kimochi warui!' usually indicates surprise and disgust at an object, while a low, muttered one often indicates physical illness.
Related Words
Learn 'Kimochi ii' at the same time. Having the positive and negative pair in your head makes it easier to remember both.
记住它
记忆技巧
Imagine a **Key** (Ki) in your **Mo**uth (Mo) that tastes **Chee**sy (Chi) and **Why** (Wa) is it **Roo**ten (Ru) and **I**cky (i)? Kimochi Warui!
视觉联想
Picture a green emoji face that is about to vomit while looking at a giant, hairy spider.
Word Web
挑战
Try to say 'Kimochi warui' five times fast while imagining the grossest thing you can think of. Then try to say 'Kimochi ii' while imagining a massage.
词源
A compound of 'Ki' (energy/spirit/mind) and 'Mochi' (holding/having), followed by 'Warui' (bad). It literally means 'having a bad feeling' or 'the state of one's spirit is bad.'
原始含义: Originally referred to a general sense of being unwell or having an unlucky premonition.
Japonic文化背景
Calling a person 'Kimochi warui' or 'Kimoi' is a form of verbal abuse in Japan and should be avoided in most social contexts.
English speakers often use 'gross' or 'creepy' separately. 'Kimochi warui' covers both, which can be confusing at first.
在生活中练习
真实语境
Physical Illness
- 吐き気がする
- 胃がムカムカする
- 車に酔った
- 顔色が悪い
Seeing Insects/Pests
- こっちに来ないで
- どこかに捨てて
- 触りたくない
- 鳥肌が立った
Social Creepiness
- ジロジロ見ないで
- 距離が近い
- 馴れ馴れしい
- 関わりたくない
Bad Smells/Tastes
- 変なにおいがする
- 腐っているかも
- 鼻をつまむ
- 換気して
Horror/Suspense
- ゾッとする
- 何か嫌な予感がする
- 幽霊が出そう
- 不気味な笑い声
对话开场白
"「あの映画、ちょっと気持ち悪くなかった?」 (Wasn't that movie a bit gross?)"
"「最近、バスに乗ると気持ち悪くなるんだ。」 (Lately, I get sick when I ride the bus.)"
"「うわ、あの虫、気持ち悪いね!見ないほうがいいよ。」 (Ugh, that bug is gross! Better not look.)"
"「納豆の見た目、最初は気持ち悪いと思った?」 (Did you think natto looked gross at first?)"
"「気持ち悪い夢を見たんだけど、話してもいい?」 (I had a disturbing dream, can I tell you about it?)"
日记主题
今日、何か気持ち悪いものを見ましたか? (Did you see anything gross today?)
あなたが一番「気持ち悪い」と思う虫は何ですか? (What insect do you find the most disgusting?)
体調が悪くて気持ち悪い時、どうやって治しますか? (When you feel nauseous, how do you fix it?)
「気持ち悪い」けど面白い映画を知っていますか? (Do you know any movies that are gross but interesting?)
誰かに「気持ち悪い」と言われたら、どう感じますか? (How would you feel if someone called you 'creepy'?)
人混みで気持ち悪くなった経験はありますか? (Have you ever felt sick in a crowd?)
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, but only if the food looks disgusting or has a gross texture. If you just don't like the taste, use 'mazui' (bad tasting) or 'nigate' (not my thing). Saying 'Kore wa kimochi warui' about a host's cooking would be extremely insulting.
Mostly, yes. It's a very blunt way of saying someone or something is creepy. Friends might use it jokingly with each other, but it's risky for a learner. Stick to the full form unless you're certain of the social dynamics.
You can say 'Kimochi warui desu,' but it's even clearer to say 'Hakike ga shimasu' (I feel like vomiting). This sounds more professional and clinical in a hospital setting.
'Kimochi warui' is very common and covers nausea + creepy things. 'Kimi ga warui' is slightly more literary and specifically means 'eerie' or 'ominous.' You use 'Kimi ga warui' for a haunted house, but not for being carsick.
Not usually in the sense of a hard chair. For physical discomfort like that, use 'itai' (painful) or 'suwari-nikui' (hard to sit in). 'Kimochi warui' is for visceral or psychological discomfort.
Both are correct! 'Kimochi warui' is more common as a set phrase. Adding 'ga' makes it slightly more descriptive of the 'feeling' itself. At A1, either is fine, but 'Kimochi warui' is easier to say.
Yes, if you find their behavior 'creepy' or 'slimy.' However, it's a very strong judgment. It's better to use more specific words like 'narenare-shii' (overly familiar) if you want to be less aggressive.
No. For a bad mood, use 'Kibun ga warui' or 'Kigen ga warui.' 'Kimochi warui' is almost always about disgust or nausea.
Yes, it's a very common reaction. If you see a cockroach, saying 'Uwa! Kimochi warui!' is perfectly normal and expected.
The opposite is 'Kimochi ii' (feels good). It's used for things like a nice breeze, a hot bath, or a massage. Be careful not to mix them up!
自我测试 200 个问题
Write a sentence saying 'Bugs are gross.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I felt sick yesterday.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I feel sick because I ate too much.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'That person is a bit creepy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I get sick when I ride the bus.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'This smell is disgusting.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'It's gross, so throw it away.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'Don't say such creepy things.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'The movie was gross and scary.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I woke up after a gross dream.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'His way of laughing is creepy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I don't think it's gross.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'It was so gross I couldn't look.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I feel sick from the alcohol.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'That fish looks disgusting.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'Just looking at it makes me sick.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'It's creepy how quiet it is.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I instinctively find it gross.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'Please don't look at me like that, it's creepy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'I feel a bit nauseous today.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'I feel a bit sick.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'That's gross!'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'Bugs are disgusting.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'I feel sick because of the car.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'Don't say such creepy things.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'It looks gross.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'The smell was disgusting.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'I suddenly felt sick.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'That person is creepy.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'I had a gross dream.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'I don't feel sick at all.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'It's so gross I can't look.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'It's a creepy color.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'His laugh is creepy.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'I feel sick from overeating.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'It's creepy how quiet it is.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'I instinctively hate it.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'It's not gross, is it?'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'I feel a bit sick from the alcohol.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Say: 'Please stop, it's creepy.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Listen to the audio and write down the word used for 'disgusting'.
Listen to the sentence: 'Basu ni yotte kimochi warui.' What is the cause of the sickness?
Listen to the speaker's tone. Are they sick or creeped out?
Identify the adjective: 'Ano hito wa chotto kimochi warui desu ne.'
Does the speaker say it WAS gross or IS gross?
What object are they describing as 'kimochi warui'?
Did the speaker say 'Kimochi warui' or 'Kimoi'?
Translate the heard sentence: 'Tabesugite kimochi warui.'
Identify the negation in the heard sentence.
Is the speaker talking about themselves or someone else?
Listen for the particle: 'Kimochi waru_ naru.'
What is the degree? (e.g., sukoshi, totemo, maji de)
Translate: 'Nioi ga kimochi warui desu.'
Is the sentence polite or casual?
Does the speaker sound angry, sick, or scared?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Kimochi warui is your go-to word for any 'bad feeling,' whether it's coming from your stomach or from looking at something gross. For example: 'Mushi ga kimochi warui' means 'Bugs are gross.'
- Used for physical nausea like motion sickness.
- Describes things that are visually gross or disgusting.
- Used for 'creepy' people or unsettling situations.
- Often shortened to the slang 'Kimoi' by young people.
Soften the blow
If you need to say something is gross but don't want to be too harsh, add 'chotto' (a little) before it: 'Chotto kimochi warui desu ne.' This makes it sound like a shared observation rather than a blunt attack.
I-Adjective Rule
Remember that 'Kimochi warui' is an i-adjective. To link it to another adjective, use the 'te' form: 'Kimochi warukute, kowai' (It's gross and scary). Never use 'da' directly after it.
The 'Uwa' Factor
In Japan, visceral reactions are often preceded by 'Uwa!' or 'Ge!'. Practicing these interjections along with the word will make your Japanese sound much more natural.
Kimoi vs. Kimochi Warui
Think of 'Kimoi' as 'Eww, gross!' and 'Kimochi warui' as 'I feel sick' or 'That is disgusting.' Use 'Kimoi' only with very close friends or when you are intentionally being rude.
例句
この虫は気持ち悪い。