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How to Say ‘Not good at / don't like’ in Japanese

苦手です

nigate desu

[nee-gah-teh dess]

💬 Usage Tip: [苦手です] is softer than directly saying you dislike something. It often means "I'm not good with it" or "it doesn't agree with me," so it's useful for food preferences and mild sensitivities.

Phrase Breakdown

苦手

nigate

[nee-gah-teh]

not good with / dislike

A gentle way to say you do not like something or it does not suit you well.

Example

牛乳は苦手です。

I'm not good with regular milk.

です

desu

[dess]

is / am (polite)

The polite copula used to end statements politely.

Example

豆乳なら大丈夫です。

Soy milk is okay for me.

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