How to say "gross" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 総そうprefixThis is the 'gross' of totals: whole, total, entire — an amount taken as one figure, as in a gross total. It never means 'disgusting'; that sense belongs to 気持ち悪い and キモイ.
- i-adjectiveThe slangy, abbreviated way to say 'gross' in the disgusting sense — a casual shortening of 気持ち悪い. It fits casual conversation but is out of place in formal speech or writing.
- 気持ち悪いきもちわるいi-adjectiveThe everyday word for 'gross' as disgusting or revolting; it also covers unpleasant things and feeling sick. Unlike the slang キモイ, it is not slang, so it suits careful speech and writing.
For 'gross' meaning total or whole, use 総; for 'gross' meaning disgusting, use 「気持ち悪い」, or its slang shortening 「キモイ」 in casual conversation.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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