How to say "scandalous" in Japanese

• スキャンダラスCommon
  na-adjectiveCovers the core sense of 'scandalous': behavior, affairs, or reporting that involves or causes a public scandal. A direct loanword with a sensational flavor, typical of news and gossip about public figures.
• 言語道断ごんごどうだんCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveMatches 'scandalous' in the sense of morally outrageous conduct that defies excuse or description; it condemns behavior as beyond the pale rather than labeling it newsworthy. Typical of strong moral criticism of someone's actions.
  きみの言語げんご道断どうだんな行おこないを恥はずかしいと思おもう。↗

  I am ashamed of your despicable deed.
• 苦々しいにがにがしいCommon
  i-adjectiveSeldom the word you want for 'scandalous': it describes the speaker's own bitter disgust at shameful, contemptible behavior, not a quality of the behavior itself. Use it to voice personal indignation.
  私はそれをとても苦々にがにがしく思おもう。↗

  I'm very bitter about that.

Choose 「スキャンダラス」 for something that actually involves or causes a public scandal, 言語道断 for conduct so outrageous it is beyond excuse, and reserve 「苦々しい」 for the speaker's bitter disgust at shameful behavior rather than 'scandalous' itself.

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

• スキャンダラスscandalous
• 言語道断ごんごどうだんoutrageous
• 苦々しいにがにがしいunpleasant
• けしからんoutrageous
• 人聞きの悪いひとぎきのわるいdisreputable
• けしからぬoutrageous
• 不祥ふしょうdisgraceful