気持ち悪い (kimochi warui)
What does 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui) mean? 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui) is a Japanese moderate that translates to “gross / disgusting / creepy” in English.
Literal Translation
feeling-bad
Meaning & Usage
"gross / disgusting / creepy"
Something feels bad physically or emotionally; disgusting.
Examples in the Wild
気持ち悪い！(Kimochi warui! - Gross!) / キモい (Kimoi - creepy/gross)
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Shortened to 'kimoi' in slang. Describes anything from rotten food to creepy behavior. Calling a person 'kimochi warui' is serious insult to their character/appearance. 'Kimoi' is casual; full phrase is stronger.
More in Japanese 🇯🇵
View all →スケベ (sukebe)
“lech / pervert / horny bastard”
Person with excessive sexual interest, lecherous person.
まんこ (manko)
“cunt / pussy”
Crude slang for female genitalia.
クズ (kuzu)
“trash / scum / piece of shit”
Denotes moral worthlessness. 'Kuzu otoko' (scum man) describes cheating, lying men.
嘘つき (usotsuki)
“liar”
Person who tells lies.
黙れ (damare)
“shut up / shut the fuck up”
Imperative form of 'damaru' (to be silent). Direct command to stop talking.
ばばあ (babaa) / じじい (jijii)
“old hag / old fart / geezer”
Derogatory terms for elderly women (babaa) and men (jijii).
馬鹿 (baka)
“idiot / stupid / fool”
The most famous Japanese insult. Derived from Chinese legend where calling a deer a horse tested loyalty; those who spoke truth were 'fools.'
野郎 (yarou)
“bastard / jerk / guy (derogatory)”
Originally meant 'fellow' or 'guy,' now derogatory masculine suffix.