Translation and Meaning of: 嫌がる - iyagaru

If you have ever tried to express disappointment or aversion in Japanese, you have probably come across the verb 嫌がる (いやがる). This word goes beyond the simple "not liking" — it carries nuances of active resistance, almost like a physical rejection. In this article, we will unveil everything from its etymology to how it is used in everyday Japanese, including tips for memorizing the kanji and interesting facts about its application in real contexts. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and master this expression once and for all.

Etymology and Pictogram: What does the kanji 嫌 hide?

The verb 嫌がる is formed by the kanji 嫌 (ケン、いや) followed by the suffix がる, which indicates an external demonstration of a feeling. The character 嫌 by itself is an intriguing pictogram: it combines the radical 女 (woman) with 兼 (simultaneously), suggesting a duality of emotions. Historically, this composition dates back to ancient Chinese, where it represented conflicts or disharmony in relationships — something that resonates with the current meaning of "aversion."

A tip for memorization: imagine a person (represented by the radical 女) making an "X" with their arms (the lower stroke of 兼) to refuse something. This visual helps to fix both the writing and the meaning of rejection. Interestingly, 嫌 also appears in words like 嫌い (きらい, "hate") and 機嫌 (きげん, "mood"), showing its versatility.

Everyday Lies: When do the Japanese really use 嫌がる?

Unlike 嫌い (which describes a stable feeling), 嫌がる is used when someone actively shows displeasure. Think of a child who scrunches their nose at broccoli or a colleague who declines an invitation with a look of discomfort. It is common in situations where rejection is visible: animals that run away from baths (犬が水を嫌がる), people who avoid physical , or even reactions to strong odors.

A common mistake among learners is to use 嫌がる for simple preferences, such as "I don't like coffee." In these cases, 好きじゃない would be more natural. Reserve 嫌がる for moments involving action — something like "my cat always dodges when I try to brush him" (猫はブラシを嫌がる). This nuance is so pronounced that even in mangas, characters who "嫌がる" often appear with cold sweat or recoiling gestures.

Curiosities and Popular Searches on Google

Those who search for 嫌がる on Google often look for phrases like "how to say 'stop' in Japanese" or "difference between 嫌い and 嫌がる." This reveals a common question: the line between feeling and showing aversion. A cultural curiosity? Japanese people often use 嫌がる to describe animal behaviors — so much so that videos of pets "protesting" against baths or medications go viral with the hashtag #嫌がる.

To practice, try creating flashcards with everyday scenes: an image of someone covering their nose with their hand (臭いを嫌がる) or a child crying while eating vegetables. Associating the verb with vivid situations speeds up memorization. And if you want a challenge, try replacing 嫌がる with 拒む (こばむ, "to formally refuse") in more serious contexts — the difference in tone is a great exercise!