Struggling to find the perfect way to describe UGLY in different languages?? You’re not alone! Many language learners and culture enthusiasts want to know how this word, symbolizing unattractiveness or displeasing aesthetics, is expressed in other languages.
Here’s the good news: I have you covered with translations, pronunciations, and cultural insights that make this word universal yet unique.
UGLY is a term used to describe something visually unappealing or lacking beauty. Across cultures and languages, this term reflects the universal human perceptions of aesthetics, beauty standards, and sometimes even moral judgments.
In this post, we’ll explore the translations of “ugly” in various languages, its cultural significance, and its role in different contexts worldwide.
Why Is It Important to Know UGLY in Different Languages?
1. Expressing Descriptions Globally
Whether discussing art, fashion, or personal experiences, knowing how to say “ugly” in different languages helps you accurately convey your thoughts in multicultural settings.
2. Cultural Appreciation
Every culture has its unique standards of beauty and ugliness. Learning these terms connects you with diverse traditions and perspectives on aesthetics.
3. Practical Usage
From critiquing a design to discussing societal issues, “ugly” is a versatile word frequently used in conversations across various fields, including art, literature, and social commentary.
Saying “UGLY” in European Languages
Western European Languages
- English: Ugly (pronounced UHG-lee)
- French: Laid (pronounced leh)
- German: Hässlich (pronounced HESS-likh)
- Spanish: Feo (pronounced FEH-oh)
- Italian: Brutto (pronounced BROO-toh)
- Portuguese: Feio (pronounced FEH-yoo)
- Dutch: Lelijk (pronounced LAY-lik)
- Catalan: Lleig (pronounced lyetch)
Northern European Languages
- Swedish: Ful (pronounced fool)
- Danish: Grim (pronounced grim)
- Norwegian: Stygg (pronounced stig)
- Finnish: Ruma (pronounced ROO-mah)
- Icelandic: Ljótur (pronounced LYOH-tur)
Eastern European Languages
- Russian: Некрасивый (pronounced nye-kra-SEE-viy)
- Polish: Brzydki (pronounced BZHID-kee)
- Czech: Ošklivý (pronounced OSH-klee-vee)
- Hungarian: Csúnya (pronounced CHOO-nyah)
- Ukrainian: Потворний (pronounced pot-VOR-nih)
Saying “UGLY” in Asian Languages
East Asian Languages
- Chinese (Simplified): 丑陋 (pronounced chǒu lòu)
- Chinese (Traditional): 醜陋 (pronounced chǒu lòu)
- Japanese: 醜い (pronounced minikui)
- Korean: 못생긴 (pronounced mot-saeng-gin)
South Asian Languages
- Hindi: बदसूरत (pronounced bud-SOO-rut)
- Bengali: কুৎসিত (pronounced kut-si-to)
- Tamil: அசிங்கமான (pronounced a-sing-ga-maan)
- Urdu: بدصورت (pronounced bad-soo-rat)
Southeast Asian Languages
- Thai: น่าเกลียด (pronounced naa-gliat)
- Vietnamese: Xấu xí (pronounced so sew)
- Indonesian: Jelek (pronounced jeh-lek)
- Malay: Hodoh (pronounced ho-doh)
- Khmer (Cambodian): អាក្រក់ (pronounced a-krak)
Saying “UGLY” in Middle Eastern Languages
- Arabic: قبيح (pronounced qa-BEEH)
- Hebrew: מכוער (pronounced me-kho-AR)
- Persian (Farsi): زشت (pronounced zesht)
- Turkish: Çirkin (pronounced CHEER-kin)
Saying “UGLY” in African Languages
- Swahili: Mbaya (pronounced mm-BA-ya)
- Zulu: Mbi (pronounced m-bi)
- Afrikaans: Lelik (pronounced LAY-lik)
- Amharic: አስከፊ (pronounced as-ke-fi)
- Hausa: Mummuna (pronounced moom-MOO-na)
- Igbo: Ọjọ (pronounced o-jo)
- Yoruba: Búburú (pronounced boo-boo-roo)
Saying “UGLY” in Austronesian Languages
- Filipino (Tagalog): Pangit (pronounced PANG-it)
- Cebuano: Batí (pronounced ba-TEE)
- Maori: Weriweri (pronounced weh-ree-weh-ree)
- Hawaiian: Pupuka (pronounced poo-POO-kah)
Saying “UGLY” in Indigenous Languages
Native American Languages
- Navajo: Hóyééʼ (pronounced ho-yeh)
Australian Aboriginal Languages
- Pitjantjatjara: Wiya-kanyini (used to signify something unpleasant)
More Translations of UGLY in Different Languages with Pronunciations
| Language | Word for Ugly | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Ugly | /ˈʌɡ.li/ |
| Spanish | Feo | /ˈfe.o/ |
| French | Laid | /lɛ/ |
| German | Hässlich | /ˈhɛs.lɪç/ |
| Italian | Brutto | /ˈbrut.to/ |
| Portuguese | Feio | /ˈfe.ju/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 丑陋 (Chǒulòu) | /tʂʰòu.lòu/ |
| Japanese | 醜い (Minikui) | /mi.ni.ku.i/ |
| Korean | 못생긴 (Mot Saenggin) | /moːt sɛŋ.ɡin/ |
| Arabic | قبيح (Qabīḥ) | /qa.biːħ/ |
| Hindi | बदसूरत (Badsūrat) | /bəd.suː.rət̪/ |
| Russian | Некрасивый (Nekrasivyy) | /nʲɪ.krɐ.ˈsʲi.vɨj/ |
| Swahili | Mbaya | /m.ba.ya/ |
| Zulu | Mbi | /m̩.bi/ |
| Yoruba | Búburú | /bu.bu.ru/ |
| Hausa | Mummuna | /mum.mu.na/ |
| Igbo | Ọjọ | /ɔ.dʒɔ/ |
| Dutch | Lelijk | /ˈleː.lək/ |
| Greek | Άσχημος (Áschimos) | /ˈa.sçi.mos/ |
| Hebrew | מכוער (Mechoar) | /me.xo.ar/ |
| Turkish | Çirkin | /tʃir.ˈcin/ |
| Polish | Brzydki | /ˈbʐɨt.ki/ |
| Vietnamese | Xấu xí | /səw̌˦˥ si˧˦/ |
| Bengali | কুৎসিত (Kutsit) | /kut.sit̪/ |
| Thai | น่าเกลียด (Nâa-gliàt) | /nâː.klìat/ |
| Urdu | بدصورت (Badsoorat) | /bəd.suː.rət̪/ |
| Malay/Indonesian | Jelek | /dʒə.lɛk/ |
| Tagalog | Pangit | /ˈpaŋ.ɪt/ |
| Tamil | அசிங்கமான (Asingamāna) | /a.siŋ.ɡa.maː.na/ |
| Telugu | చెడ్డ (Chedda) | /tʃeɖ.ɖa/ |
| Malayalam | കഴ്പ്പ് (Kazhuppu) | /kaɻupːɨ/ |
| Kannada | ಕೆಟ್ಟ (Ketta) | /keʈ.ʈa/ |
| Nepali | कुरूप (Kurup) | /ku.ɾup/ |
| Sinhala | කුරූපි (Kurūpi) | /ku.ruː.pi/ |
| Persian (Farsi) | زشت (Zesht) | /zeʃt/ |
| Pashto | بدرنګه (Badranga) | /bad.raŋ.ɡa/ |
| Romanian | Urât | /uˈrɨt/ |
| Hungarian | Csúnya | /ˈtʃuː.ɲɒ/ |
| Czech | Ošklivý | /ˈoʃ.kli.viː/ |
| Slovak | Škaredý | /ˈʃka.re.diː/ |
| Finnish | Ruma | /ˈru.mɑ/ |
| Swedish | Ful | /fʉːl/ |
| Danish | Grim | /ɡ̊ʁɛm/ |
| Norwegian | Stygg | /styɡ/ |
| Estonian | Inetu | /ˈi.ne.tu/ |
| Latvian | Neglīts | /nɛ.ɡliːts/ |
| Lithuanian | Bjaurus | /bʲauˈrus/ |
| Mongolian | Муухай (Muukhai) | /muːxai/ |
| Georgian | უშნო (Ushno) | /uʃ.nɔ/ |
| Uzbek | Xunuk | /xu.nuk/ |
| Kazakh | Сұрықсыз (Suryqsız) | /sʊ.rɯq.sɯz/ |
| Amharic | አስከፊ (Askefi) | /as.kə.fi/ |
The Cultural Significance of “Ugly”
1. Perceptions of Beauty
Symbol of Aesthetics: The concept of ugliness varies widely across cultures, often reflecting societal beauty standards.
- In European Languages: Words like “laid” in French or “hässlich” in German describe something aesthetically displeasing.
- In Asian Languages: Japanese terms like 醜い (minikui) carry physical and sometimes moral connotations.
2. Moral and Ethical Connotations
In some cultures, “ugly” isn’t just about physical appearance but can describe actions or behaviors.
- In Arabic: قبيح (qabīḥ) can refer to something morally wrong or shameful.
- In Hindi: बदसूरत (badsūrat) can sometimes imply an inner ugliness.
3. Artistic Expression
Artists and writers often explore the concept of ugliness to challenge beauty norms and provoke thought.
- In Russian Literature: The term некрасивый (nekrasivyy) is used to delve into complex characters.
- In African Art: Expressions of “ugly” can be a powerful statement on social issues.
Practical Uses of “Ugly”
1. Describing Experiences
How to say “ugly” allows you to express negative experiences or opinions.
- Spanish: “Es un edificio feo” means “It’s an ugly building.”
- French: “C’est une situation laide” translates to “It’s an ugly situation.”
2. Social Commentary
The term is often used in discussions about societal issues.
- English: “The ugly truth” refers to unpleasant realities.
- German: “Die hässliche Wahrheit” carries the same meaning.
3. Literary and Artistic Critique
“Ugly” is frequently used to critique or analyze works in art and literature.
- Italian: “Un dipinto brutto” means “An ugly painting.”
- Japanese: “醜いデザイン (minikui dezain)” translates to “Ugly design.”
How to Learn “Ugly” in Different Languages
Use Language Learning Apps
Apps like Duolingo or Babbel can help you learn vocabulary, including adjectives like “ugly.”
Practice Contextual Phrases
Use “ugly” in sentences relevant to your experiences.
- “This is an ugly situation.”
- Spanish: “Esta es una situación fea.”
- Swahili: “Hii ni hali mbaya.”
Engage with Media
Watch movies, read books, or listen to songs that discuss themes of beauty and ugliness to understand cultural contexts.
Fun Facts About “Ugly”
Etymological Roots
- English “Ugly” comes from the Old Norse word “uggligr,” meaning “to be feared or dreaded.”
Cultural Expressions
- Japanese Proverb: “醜いアヒルの子 (Minikui ahiru no ko)” translates to “The ugly duckling,” similar to the Western fairy tale.
Idioms and Sayings
- French: “Laid comme un pou” means “As ugly as a louse,” which describes someone unattractive.
- Spanish: “Feo como el pecado” translates to “Ugly as sin.”
Why Learn “Ugly” in Different Languages?
Cultural Appreciation
Understanding how different cultures perceive and discuss ugliness can deepen your appreciation for global diversity in aesthetics.
Practical Relevance
Whether traveling or engaging in international discussions, knowing this term enhances your descriptive abilities.
Broader Vocabulary
Learning adjectives like “ugly” enriches your language skills, allowing for more nuanced conversations.
Pronunciation Guide and Cultural Insights for “Ugly”
Tips for Proper Pronunciation
- Listen and Repeat: Use online resources or language apps to hear native speakers pronounce the word.
- Phonetic Spelling: Pay attention to the phonetic guides provided.
- Practice with Native Speakers: Engage in language exchange communities.
Cultural Significance
- Aesthetics and Values: Ugliness is deeply tied to cultural values and societal norms.
- Art and Literature: “Ugly” is a powerful descriptor in creative fields, often challenging or highlighting certain themes.
- Moral Implications: In some languages, the word carries moral weight, not just physical descriptions.
Usage Examples of “Ugly” in Different Languages
Amharic (Ethiopia): አስከፊ (Askefi)
- Usage: ይህ ስደተኛ አስከፊ ነው። (Yih sidetegna askefi new.)
- Translation: “This situation is ugly.”
Georgian: უშნო (Ushno)
- Usage: ეს შენობა უშნოია. (Es shenoba ushnoia.)
- Translation: “This building is ugly.”
Mongolian: Муухай (Muukhai)
- Usage: Тэр муухай ааштай. (Ter muukhai aashtai.)
- Translation: “He has an ugly temper.”
Nepali: कुरूप (Kurup)
- Usage: त्यो कुरूप दृश्य हो। (Tyo kurup drishya ho.)
- Translation: “That is an ugly scene.”
Sinhala (Sri Lanka): කුරූපි (Kurūpi)
- Usage: කුරූපි ඇඳුමක්. (Kurūpi andumak.)
- Translation: “An ugly dress.”
Estonian: Inetu
- Usage: See on inetu käitumine. (See on inetu käitumine.)
- Translation: “That is ugly behavior.”
Latvian: Neglīts
- Usage: Tā ir neglīta ēka. (Tā ir neglīta ēka.)
- Translation: “That is an ugly building.”
Lithuanian: Bjaurus
- Usage: Oras yra bjaurus. (Oras yra bjaurus.)
- Translation: “The weather is ugly.”
Macedonian: Грд (Grd)
- Usage: Тоа е грда вистина. (Toa e grda vistina.)
- Translation: “That is the ugly truth.”
Armenian: տգեղ (Tgegh)
- Usage: Սա տգեղ նկար է։ (Sa tgegh nkar e.)
- Translation: “This is an ugly picture.”
Bosnian: Ružan
- Usage: Ružan dan. (Ružan dan.)
- Translation: “An ugly day.”
Albanian: I shëmtuar
- Usage: Ai ka një fytyrë të shëmtuar. (Ai ka një fytyrë të shëmtuar.)
- Translation: “He has an ugly face.”
French: Laid
- Usage: C’est un tableau laid. (C’est un tableau laid.)
- Translation: “It’s an ugly painting.”
German: Hässlich
- Usage: Das ist ein hässliches Gerücht. (Das ist ein hässliches Gerücht.)
- Translation: “That is an ugly rumor.”
Spanish: Feo
- Usage: Esa es una verdad fea. (Esa es una verdad fea.)
- Translation: “That’s an ugly truth.”
Italian: Brutto
- Usage: Che brutto tempo! (Che brutto tempo!)
- Translation: “What ugly weather!”
Portuguese: Feio
- Usage: Ele tem um hábito feio. (Ele tem um hábito feio.)
- Translation: “He has an ugly habit.”
Dutch: Lelijk
- Usage: Dat is een lelijke kleur. (Dat is een lelijke kleur.)
- Translation: “That is an ugly color.”
Catalan: Lleig
- Usage: Un edifici lleig. (Un edifici lleig.)
- Translation: “An ugly building.”
Swedish: Ful
- Usage: En ful sanning. (En ful sanning.)
- Translation: “An ugly truth.”
Danish: Grim
- Usage: Det er en grim situation. (Det er en grim situation.)
- Translation: “That’s an ugly situation.”
Norwegian: Stygg
- Usage: En stygg hendelse. (En stygg hendelse.)
- Translation: “An ugly incident.”
Finnish: Ruma
- Usage: Ruma totuus. (Ruma totuus.)
- Translation: “The ugly truth.”
Icelandic: Ljótur
- Usage: Þetta er ljót mynd. (Þetta er ljót mynd.)
- Translation: “This is an ugly picture.”
Russian: Некрасивый (Nekrasivyy)
- Usage: Некрасивое поведение. (Nekrasivoye povedeniye.)
- Translation: “Ugly behavior.”
Final Thoughts
The word “ugly” encapsulates a complex range of human perceptions—about aesthetics, moral judgments, or expressing unpleasant truths.
Learning to say “ugly” in different languages expands your vocabulary and deepens your understanding of cultural nuances surrounding beauty and ugliness.
Start practicing these translations today and embrace the rich tapestry of global languages in your learning journey!
Happy Learning!
Reference: BBC Languages
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