(なか)(わる)

なかがわるい
expression
on bad terms; not getting along
1. on bad terms; not getting along
Describes a relationship where two or more people do not get along well, whether due to conflict, personality clashes, or long-standing friction.
あの二人(ふたり)(なか)(わる)い。
Those two don't get along.
兄弟(きょうだい)なのに子供(こども)(ころ)から(なか)(わる)かった。
Even though they're siblings, they haven't gotten along since childhood.
(となり)部署(ぶしょ)とは(なか)(わる)くて、会議(かいぎ)のたびに意見(いけん)対立(たいりつ)する。
We're on bad terms with the neighboring department, and opinions clash at every meeting.

The opposite of (なか)がいい (to be on good terms). (なか) refers to the quality of a relationship between people. This expression is used for any kind of interpersonal friction — between individuals, groups, organizations, or even countries.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (なか)(わる)くなる: to become estranged
  • (なか)(わる)そう: they seem to not get along
  • 犬猿(けんえん)(なか): like cats and dogs (lit. dog-monkey relationship)

USAGE:
Can be used for both temporary conflicts and deep-seated animosity. The degree of the bad relationship depends on context. In formal contexts, 関係(かんけい)()くない or ()()いが(わる)い may be preferred.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 不仲(ふなか): discord, estrangement — a noun form meaning the same thing, slightly more formal
  • 険悪(けんあく): hostile, strained — describes a more seriously deteriorated atmosphere
  • (なか)がいい: on good terms — the direct antonym