Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Dislike" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "dislike", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
嫌がる
いやがる (iyagaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
厭う
いとう (itou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "dislike" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 嫌がる and 厭う.
In Japanese, 嫌がる (いやがる (iyagaru)) is typically associated with "to dislike; to hate; to be unwilling; to show unwillingness" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe someone *showing* their dislike or unwillingness, often observable from their actions or expressions, rather than just feeling it internally.
On the other hand, 厭う (いとう (itou)) maps to "to dislike; to be unwilling to do; to grudge" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in a negative construction like 「～を厭わない」. A literal translation of "dislike" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "嫌がる"
彼は納豆を嫌がって、全く食べなかった。
He disliked natto and didn't eat it at all.
Bilingual Context for "厭う"
彼は苦労を厭わず、研究に没頭した。
He immersed himself in research, not shying away from hardship.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は納豆を嫌がって、全く食べなかった。" (Meaning: "He disliked natto and didn't eat it at all.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "嫌がる" fits here because it means "to dislike; to hate; to be unwilling; to show unwillingness" in the context of: "He disliked natto and didn't eat it at all.". "厭う" represents "to dislike; to be unwilling to do; to grudge".