Japanese word

不機嫌

Pronunciation

Romajifukigen

Meaning

  • na-adjectivein a bad mood

Example

父は今日は不機嫌な様子です。chichi wa kyō wa fu ki gen na yō su de su

My father seems to be in a bad mood today.

Illustration for 不機嫌 (in a bad mood)

More examples

会議が長引くと、彼はすぐに不機嫌になります。kai gi ga naga bi ku to kare wa su gu ni fu ki gen ni na ri ma su

When the meeting runs long, he quickly gets in a bad mood.

Core concept

The word 不機嫌 (fukigen) describes a mood that is not at ease and tends to color a person's face and manner.

Common phrases

  • 不機嫌になるfu ki gen ni na ru

    get in a bad mood

  • 不機嫌な顔fu ki gen na kao

    a sullen face

  • 不機嫌な態度fu ki gen na tai do

    a sullen attitude

Similar words

不満fuman: A state of dissatisfaction with a person, thing, or situation.
不愉快fuyukai: A feeling of discomfort or displeasure caused by something unwelcome.
不愛想fuaiso: A cold manner that shows little friendliness or willingness to engage.

Definition in Japanese

気分が晴れず、いら立ちや不満が表情や態度に表れている状態。ki bun ga ha re zu i ra da chi ya fu man ga hyō jō ya tai do ni arawa re te i ru jō tai

Word origin

不機嫌 (fukigen) combines 不 (fu, "not") with 機嫌 (kigen, "mood or temper"), so its form presents a mood as unfavorable rather than pleasant.

Usage tips

  • The phrase "a bad mood" is broad enough for irritation, sadness, or frustration, so it does not always imply the silent unfriendliness associated with "sullen."

Other meanings

  • sullenna-adjective

Opposites

  • 上機嫌jōkigencheerfulna-adjective

Related words

  • 不機嫌さfukigensasullennessnoun

Word lists with this word