Japanese word

気持ち悪い

Pronunciation

Romajikimochiwarui

Meaning

  • i-adjectivegross

Example

このにおいは気持ち悪いです。ko no ni o i wa ki mo chi waru i de su

This smell is gross.

Illustration for 気持ち悪い (gross)

More examples

その料理は見た目が気持ち悪いです。so no ryō ri wa mi ta me ga ki mo chi waru i de su

That dish looks gross.

Core concept

It centers on a reaction in which the mind or body feels uncomfortable because something seems repellent or unsettling.

Common phrases

  • 気持ち悪いにおいki mo chi waru i ni o i

    gross smell

  • 気持ち悪い味ki mo chi waru i aji

    gross taste

Similar words

気味悪いkimiwarui: Making someone feel uneasy through a strange, unsettling, or eerie quality.

Definition in Japanese

不快感や嫌悪感を覚えるさま。fu kai kan ya ken o kan o obo e ru sa ma

Word origin

The phrase 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui) is formed from 気持ち (kimochi, "feeling") and 悪い (warui, "bad"), with the adjective describing the feeling as bad.

Usage tips

  • The same expression can cover a nauseating smell and an unsettling atmosphere, so context determines whether gross or creepy is the natural English choice.

Other meanings

  • creepyi-adjective
  • unpleasanti-adjective

Opposites

  • 気持ちいいkimochiiipleasanti-adjective

Related words

  • 気持ち悪さkimochiwarusagrossnessnoun
  • 気持ち悪がるkimochiwarugarufind grossverb

Word lists with this word