1.
incompatible; don't get along; not a good match
Describes people, things, or situations that do not work well together. Used for interpersonal relationships, food combinations, technology compatibility, and more.
あの二人は相性が悪い。
Those two don't get along well.
このソフトはうちのパソコンと相性が悪いみたいだ。
This software doesn't seem to be compatible with our computer.
上司と相性が悪くて毎日ストレスを感じているが、仕事だから仕方がない。
I don't get along with my boss and feel stressed every day, but since it's work, there's nothing I can do.
Composed of 相性 (compatibility, chemistry) + が + 悪い (bad). The opposite is 相性が良い/良い (compatible, a good match). This expression is very versatile and used beyond just people — it describes any pairing that doesn't work well.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- AとBは相性が悪い: A and B are incompatible
- 相性が悪いと感じる: to feel incompatible with
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 人と相性が悪い: not getting along with someone
- 食べ合わせの相性が悪い: food combination that doesn't go well together
- 機器の相性が悪い: hardware/device incompatibility
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 合わない: doesn't suit, doesn't match — more casual
- 馬が合わない: don't hit it off — specifically about interpersonal chemistry
- 不向き: unsuited — focuses on suitability rather than mutual chemistry