Translation and Meaning of: 汚らわしい - kegarawashii

The Japanese word 汚らわしい (けがらわしい) carries an emotional and cultural weight that goes beyond its literal translation. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how to use it in daily life, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. Let's dive into the details of this expression, from its writing in kanji to the context in which Japanese people use it, whether in everyday conversations or in media works.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 汚らわしい, let's analyze how it is perceived in Japan, its frequency of use, and even tips for memorizing it correctly. If you study Japanese or simply have an interest in the language, understanding words like this is essential to avoid misunderstandings and communicate accurately. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides this information so you can learn reliably and directly.

Meaning and translation of 汚らわしい

汚らわしい (kegarawashii) is an adjective that expresses strong revulsion or disgust, often associated with something considered impure, despicable, or morally tainted. The closest translation in English would be "disgusting," "repugnant," or "filthy," but with a connotation that can include disdain or moral indignation. Unlike words like 汚い (kitanai), which refers to physical dirt, 汚らわしい carries a more subjective value judgment.

The use of this word reveals a lot about Japanese cultural sensitivity. It appears in contexts where there is a violation of ethical principles or purity, whether in social discussions, criticism of behaviors, or even in dramatic narratives. For example, in mangas or dramas, characters may use 汚らわしい to condemn actions deemed treacherous or vile.

Origin and writing of kanji

The word 汚らわしい is composed of the kanji 汚 (dirt, contamination) followed by the suffix らわしい, which intensifies the feeling of disgust. The radical of 汚 is 氵 (three drops of water), common in characters related to liquids or fluids, while the rest of the kanji (亏) suggests an idea of deterioration. This visual combination semantically reinforces the concept of corruption or desecration.

Interestingly, the reading けがらわしい (kegarawashii) is one of the few ways in which this kanji appears with that pronunciation. In most cases, 汚 is read as お (o), as in 汚い (kitanai) or 汚染 (osen, pollution). This particularity helps to distinguish the more emotional and subjective tone of 汚らわしい compared to more neutral .

Cultural usage and frequency

In Japan, 汚らわしい is not a word used casually. It appears with moderation, usually in situations that demand dramatic emphasis or strong disapproval. Its excessive use would sound artificial or exaggerated, as everyday Japanese tends to avoid expressions that are so loaded with emotion. In lexical frequency studies, it occupies intermediate positions, being more common in literary texts or ionate speeches.

It is worth noting that 汚らわしい frequently arises in discussions about social or political themes, especially when there is a sense of betrayal or corruption of values. During public scandals, for example, it can be found in headlines or heated comments. Outside of these contexts, Japanese people generally choose less intense , such as 嫌な (iya na) or 不快な (fukai na).

Tips for memorization

An effective way to memorize 汚らわしい is to associate it with extreme situations that provoke moral repulsion. Imagine a scene where someone commits an action deemed unacceptable by Japanese society, such as breaking a code of honor. The kanji 汚, with its water radical "dirty," can be visualized as a stain that spreads, symbolizing the contamination of what was pure.

Another strategy is to contrast it with words of opposite meaning, such as 清らか (kiyoraka, pure) or 神聖 (shinsei, sacred). This game of antonyms helps create stronger mental connections. To practice, try to identify uses of 汚らわしい in series or books, observing how characters use it in moments of ethical conflict.