Translation and Meaning of: 厭やらしい - iyarashii

If you have ever encountered unpleasant situations in Japan or in conversations with locals, you have probably heard the word 厭やらしい (いやらしい). It carries a strong emotional weight, describing something or someone that causes disgust, whether due to inappropriate behavior, unpleasant attitudes, or even an uncomfortable atmosphere. In this article, we will delve deeply into this Japanese expression, from its etymology and everyday use to tips for memorizing the kanji and avoiding confusion with similar terms. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find ready-made sentences to include in Anki and master vocabulary naturally.

Etymology and writing of the kanji 厭やらしい

The kanji 厭 (いや) is the key to understanding the essence of this word. It represents the idea of "tiredness," "repulsion," or "aversion," composed of the radicals 厂 (cliff) and 犬 (dog), suggesting a nearly physical image of something that "weighs" like a stone. The suffix らしい adds a tone of likelihood, as if saying: "this really looks like something unpleasant." Interestingly, in modern writing, many Japanese simplify it to いやらしい (just hiragana), but knowing the original kanji helps capture lost nuances.

A common mistake is to confuse it with 嫌らしい (also read as いやらしい), which also means "repulsive." The difference? While 厭 carries a more existential tone (like the weariness of life), 嫌 is more immediate, used for things that "get on your nerves." Imagine the difference between an intrusive coworker (嫌らしい) and the feeling of being trapped in a meaningless routine (厭やらしい).

Everyday lies and cultural traps

In Japan, calling something いやらしい is not a light insult. It can refer to double entendre jokes (like a "heavy" comment at work), but it can also describe situations that border on the disgusting — a dish with a sticky texture or subtle harassment on the subway. Recently, a friend told me how she complained about the いやらしい smell of a public restroom, and the attendant was horrified: the word sounded almost like an insult to the establishment's cleanliness.

Another crucial point: いやらしい frequently appears in discussions about harassment. If you search on Google, you will see terms like "いやらしいセクハラ" (repulsive sexual harassment) or "いやらしい視線" (indecent looks). It is one of those words that, in the wrong contexts, can escalate conflicts. Therefore, many opt for euphemisms like 気持ち悪い (kimochi warui) for less severe situations.

Tips to memorize and use like a native

To fix the kanji 厭, think of a scene where a dog (犬) is crushed by a cliff (厂) — macabre, but effective. As for its usage, remember: いやらしい is for things that make you wrinkle your nose, whether it’s a strong odor or an unwanted flirtation. A technique I use with my students is to associate the word with specific situations, like the discomfort of someone getting too close in the elevator.

Want to test your knowledge? Try translating this common phrase in Japanese dramas: "あの人の笑い方、いやらしいよね" ("The way that person laughs is disgusting, isn't it?"). Did you notice how the term goes beyond "unpleasant" in English? It captures that mental itch that certain behaviors provoke. Now that you master the secrets of 厭やらしい, how about practicing with scenes from movies or mangas?