Conclusion (Quick Answer)
“Kimochi warui (気持ち悪い)” means “disgusting,” “gross,” or “creepy,” but in modern Japanese—especially among young people—it can also be used more broadly, sometimes even similar to “yabai.”
If you’re learning Japanese through anime, you’ve probably heard expressions like “yabai,” “maji,” and “yare yare.”
Like “kimochi warui,” these words express strong emotions and reactions.
What “Kimochi Warui” really means
“Kimochi warui” literally means:
- “feels bad”
However, in real usage, it expresses:
- Disgust
- Discomfort
- Creepiness
Common English equivalents:
- “That’s gross”
- “That’s disgusting”
- “That’s creepy”
Core Meaning (Important Explanation)
“Kimochi warui” is used when something makes you feel physically or emotionally uncomfortable.
- It can describe:
- Smells
- Behavior
- Situations
- People
- However, “kimochi warui” may be too hurtful to use toward people in real life, so you should be careful.
Modern Usage (Very Important)
- It may be written as “kimochiwarui,” but it is more commonly shortened to “kimoi,” “kimo,” or even spelled casually like “kimotiwaru.”
- Among young people in Japan, it is often used with a broader meaning.
- Like “yabai,” it can describe things that are far from normal—either in a good way or a bad way.
Examples:
- Kono eizou, kimoi (positive shock)
→ This video is insanely weird (in a striking way) - Sono idea, kimoi (negative)
→ That idea is creepy
Context determines whether it feels positive or negative.
Anime Usage (Famous Examples)
“Kimochi warui” is often used in intense emotional or shocking scenes.
Example 1
“Kimochi warui.”
Source: The End of Evangelion (character: Asuka Langley Soryu)
Meaning: “Disgusting.”
One of the most famous lines in anime, expressing deep rejection and discomfort.
Example 2
“Kimochi warui na…”
Source: Tokyo Ghoul (character: Ken Kaneki)
Meaning: “This feels disgusting…”
Used to express inner unease and conflict.
Example 3
“Kimochi warui yatsu da na”
Source: Death Note (character: Light Yagami)
Meaning: “What a creepy guy.”
Used when judging someone negatively.
Example 4
“Kimochi warui…”
Source: Jujutsu Kaisen (character: Yuji Itadori)
Meaning: “This is gross…”
Used when reacting to disturbing or abnormal situations.
These examples show that “kimochi warui” is often used when characters:
- Feel strong disgust
- Reject something emotionally
- Encounter something unnatural or disturbing
If you enjoy learning Japanese through anime, you’ll often hear expressions like:
Daily Conversation Examples
- Kono nioi, kimochi warui
→ This smell is disgusting - Ano hito, chotto kimoi
→ That person is kind of creepy - Kimochi warui kara yamete
→ Stop, it’s gross - Kono douga, kimoi kedo sugoi
→ This video is weird but impressive
Important Nuance
“Kimochi warui” can sound:
- Very direct
- Harsh
- Offensive
Especially when directed at people.
Common Mistakes
1. Using it casually toward people
It can easily hurt someone’s feelings.
2. Thinking it is always negative
In modern slang, it can sometimes be:
- Positive surprise
- Strong reaction (like “yabai”)
Comparison with Similar Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Kimochi warui | Gross / creepy | Strong, emotional |
| Kimoi | Short slang | Casual, common |
| Yabai | Crazy / intense | Positive or negative |
“Kimochi warui” and “yabai” can overlap in modern usage, especially among younger speakers.
Want to understand more emotional expressions in Japanese?
You might also like:
When should you use “Kimochi Warui”?
Use it when:
- Something feels physically unpleasant
- You react strongly to something unusual
- You are speaking casually with close people
Avoid using it toward people in formal or sensitive situations.
Final Takeaway
“Kimochi warui” is a strong expression meaning:
- “Gross”
- “Disgusting”
- “Creepy”
However, in modern Japanese, it is also used more flexibly—sometimes even like “yabai,” to describe things that are far from normal in either a good or bad way.
Understanding this word helps you grasp both emotional reactions and modern slang in Japanese.
Continue learning common Japanese expressions used in anime and real conversations:
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