見苦しい

• Reading: みぐるしい
• Romaji: migurushii
• Kanji breakdown: 見 (ken/mi) — see, look; 苦 (ku/kuru) — painful, distressing
• Pronunciation: /mi.ɡɯ.ɾɯ.ɕi.i/

Meaning

Unsightly; ugly; shameful; unbecoming. Describes an appearance or behaviour that is embarrassing or offensive to witness.

An i-adjective formed from 見る (miru — to see) + 苦しい (kurushii — painful, distressing). Something 見苦しい causes discomfort or embarrassment in the observer. Covers both visual ugliness (messy appearance, cluttered space) and behavioural indignity (arguing in public, undignified conduct). Often used to admonish or criticise.

Examples

1. 大人があんな見苦しい言い訳をするなんて、呆れてしまった。 I was appalled that an adult would make such an unsightly excuse.
2. 試合に負けた後の見苦しい態度が、ファンの失望を招いた。 The undignified behaviour after losing the match invited disappointment from the fans.
3. 見苦しい部屋に人を招くわけにはいかないと、慌てて掃除した。 Saying I couldn't invite people into such an unsightly room, I hurriedly cleaned up.

Usage Guide

Context: appearance, behaviour, social criticism, etiquette

Tone: critical, disapproving

Origin & History

Compound of 見る (miru — to see) + 苦しい (kurushii — painful, distressing). The combination means 'painful to look at' or 'shameful to observe'.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: General