Dissatisfaction with 気に食わない
The idiom 気に食わない conveys a sense of disliking or being dissatisfied with something because it doesn’t align with one’s preferences or feelings. Similar idioms in English include “get on one’s nerves”, “make one sick”, and “rub the wrong way”.
Literal Meaning
The literal translation is something like “not eaten by the spirit” or “not to one’s taste”.
Usage
At its core, 気に食わない expresses displeasure or irritation toward a person, situation, or object that feels off or unsatisfactory. It’s not just simple dislike; it often implies a deeper mismatch with one’s expectations or mood. The word 食わない comes from 食う (to eat), but in this context, it metaphorically means “not preferable” rather than literally “not eating”. This idiom is the opposite of 気に入る, which means “to like” or “to be pleased with”.
This idiom is negative only. There is no affirmative counterpart. It is a rougher and more vulgar version of 気にいらない.
This phrase is frequently used to describe personal annoyances or frustrations. It conveys a sense of personal dissatisfaction, dislike, or irritation toward something or someone, often due to subjective reasons. In social situations, it’s often advised to manage such feelings to avoid conflict, as the idiom highlights how unmet expectations can lead to visible irritation.
Dictionary Definition
不満である。気にいらない。
To be dissatisfied. To not like.
Goo Dictionary
Further Reading
- 「気に食わない」 (kaku-navi.com)
- 【気に食わない】の意味と使い方や例文（慣用句） (proverb-encyclopedia.com)
Examples
Getting on one's nerves with 気に食わない
Following the death of their parents, Kanami’s big brother Kazutaka became secluded and abusive. Kanami begins to spend time with Makoto, a “rental big brother” whose advice gives her hope in restoring her brother’s former kindness. Kazutaka rebukes her attempts, suggesting that Makoto’s filling her with nonsense ideas.
- 一敬:
- 「気に食わないんだよ」
- “He gets on my nerves.”
- 「適当な甘い言葉で金を取り続けるような奴」
- “He's the kind of guy who keeps taking (rental) money while spouting alluring words.”