不 味(まず)い

まずい

adjective (i-adjective)

bad-tasting, unappetizing

1. bad-tasting, unappetizing

Describes food or drink that tastes bad. The opposite of おいしい (delicious). Use with caution as it can be rude if directed at someone's cooking.

これは不味(まず)いです。

This tastes bad.

Be careful saying this to the cook!

The fish at this restaurant is bad, so I won't go there anymore.

I don't want to eat anything that tastes bad.

This coffee tastes bad. Even adding sugar doesn't help.

If you think it tastes bad, you don't have to eat it.

2. awkward, unfavorable

Can also describe a situation that is problematic, inconvenient, or in bad shape. This sense is common in casual conversation.

それは不味(まず)いですね。

That's a bad situation.

Using the 'problematic' sense

Oh no, there's no time!

Casual exclamation meaning 'this is bad'

It would be bad if the teacher heard us.

This conversation is risky, so let's stop here.

Things have gotten bad. I need to call my parents. What should I do?

不味(まず)い describes something unpleasant, either in taste or situation.

SENSE 1 - BAD-TASTING:
The direct opposite of おいしい. Considered blunt and potentially rude when referring to someone's cooking.

SENSE 2 - PROBLEMATIC:
Very common in casual speech to describe awkward or bad situations.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

WRITING:
Usually written in hiragana (まずい). The kanji 不味(まず)い is less common.

CONTRAST:

basic

Added 2026.1.7 21:04 · Revised 2026.2.16 12:47

00500/00733_mazui