How to say "horrid" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 忌まわしいいまわしいCommon
    i-adjectiveCovers horrid at its strongest: abhorrent, abominable, detestable. Use it for things that inspire real disgust or loathing — an abhorrent deed, a detestable episode one shudders to recall.
    考かんがえるだけでも忌いまわしい。↗
    The very thought is abhorrent to me.
  • 最悪さいあくCommon
    na-adjective, interjectionThis colloquial word covers horrid in the everyday 'awful, terrible' sense — a horrid day, a horrid experience. It is the natural spoken choice when horrid simply means something awful.
  • ずいぶんJLPT N4approx.Common
    na-adjectiveUse it for horrid as contemptible or reprehensible — a horrid thing to do or say. Otherwise a marginal match: the word really means 'terrible' or 'contemptible', and is usually written in kana alone.

Use 「忌まわしい」 for horrid in the strong sense of abhorrent or detestable, 最悪 for the colloquial 'awful, terrible' sense, and 「ずいぶん」 when horrid means contemptible or reprehensible, especially of behavior.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android