Entry
くさくさ
kusakusa
Describes a nagging sense of depression or gloominess caused by minor frustrations or worries.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term captures a state of having 'the blues' where one feels mentally heavy or downcast. It is often used when small things aren't going well, leading to a lingering feeling of irritation or a lack of cheerfulness.
- Mental gloom from frustration
- Dull and uncheerful mood
Sense Map
Emotional State
A condition where someone feels unmotivated or sad due to nagging thoughts.
仕事の失敗でくさくさする。
Atmospheric Mood
A gloomy feeling that makes someone feel uneasy or easily annoyed.
くさくさした気分を晴らしたい。
Usage Note
How to Use
くさくさする
The verb form used to state that the subject is currently experiencing this gloomy state.
くさくさした気分
Uses the past tense of the verb to function as an adjective describing a state of mood.
気分がくさくさする
A complete sentence structure to emphasize that the feeling of gloominess applies specifically to the mood.
How to Use
Common Phrases
気分がくさくさする
feeling gloomy in spirit
くさくさした毎日
days filled with gloom
くさくさして晴れない
feeling down and unable to cheer up
一日中くさくさする
feeling out of sorts all day long
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Work issues | Negative | Perfect for when you are irritated because work isn't going as planned. |
| Bad weather | Negative | Used when the overcast sky makes you feel unenthusiastic and low. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もやもや もやもや / nearby | Used when you have a hazy, lingering feeling of worry or dissatisfaction that you can't quite pinpoint. | Kusakusa focuses more on the depressed or irritable mood rather than just uncertainty. | 心がもやもやする。 |
どんより どんより / nearby | Used to describe an atmosphere that is very heavy, dark, and lacks energy. | Kusakusa contains an element of irritation, whereas donyori leans more towards a leaden, overcast feeling. | 気分がどんよりしている。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Thinking it refers to smell because kusa can mean grass/stink.
While it sounds similar, it has no relation to odor; it is purely about emotions and mood.
Using it for physical illness like nausea.
This word is reserved for mental or emotional states, not physical symptoms.
Examples
Examples
仕事で大きな失敗をして、一日中くさくさしていた。
しごとでおおきなしっぱいをして、いちにちじゅうくさくさしていた。
I made a big mistake at work and felt gloomy all day long.
LiteralExpressing gloominess resulting from a failure.
雨が続いて、なんとなくくさくさした気分だ。
あめがつづいて、なんとなくくさくさしたきぶんだ。
The continuous rain is making me feel somewhat gloomy.
LiteralExpressing a mood influenced by the weather.
彼はくさくさした気持ちを晴らすために散歩に出た。
かれはくさくさしたきもちをはらすためにさんぽにでた。
He went for a walk to clear his gloomy feelings.
LiteralDescribing an attempt to change one's mood.
思い通りにいかないことが多く、ずっとくさくさしている。
おもいどおりにいかないことがおおく、ずっとくさくさしている。
Many things aren't going as planned, and I've been feeling gloomy the whole time.
LiteralCumulative frustration.
そんなにくさくさしないで、美味しいものでも食べよう。
そんなにくさくさしないで、おいしいものでもたべよう。
Don't be so gloomy; let's eat something delicious.
LiteralEncouraging words for someone.
Similar Words
もやもや
moyamoya
Describes a state of physical haziness or a cloudy, uncertain, and gloomy state of mind. Expressing hazy or uncertain thoughts.
どんより
donyori
Describes a heavy, dark, and gloomy state, such as overcast skies, lifeless eyes, or a depressed mood. A heavy and dark atmosphere.
がっかり
gakkari
To feel disappointed or lose spirit when things don't turn out as expected.
Questions
How is kusakusa different from gakkari?
Gakkari is used for specific disappointment when hopes are dashed, while kusakusa is a more general, nagging gloom.
Is this a formal word?
No, it is a casual word used in daily conversations with friends or family.
Can I use kusakusa for other people?
Yes, you can describe someone else's appearance if they look down or uncheerful.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003690
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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