Bad taste and texture

Say food tastes bad, is tough, or is tender.

Mix-ups mazui also means 'uh-oh, that's bad', not just bad taste.

mazui

polite mazui desu

tastes bad; bad, awkward (situation)

mazui! alone means 'uh-oh, this is bad'.

Blunt about food someone made for you; say amari oishiku nai instead.

casual

kono raamen, honto ni mazui.

This ramen is really bad.

このラーメン、ほんとにまずい。

polite

kono raamen wa chotto mazui desu ne.

This ramen isn't very good.

このラーメンはちょっとまずいですね。

Written まずい · まずいですRank #922 in 3,030 TV dramas

polite katai desu

hard; tough; stiff

For food, beds and bodies; also stiff or formal (katai hanashi).

atama ga katai = stubborn, set in their ways.

casual

kono niku, chotto katai ne.

This meat's a bit tough.

この肉、ちょっと硬いね。

polite

kono niku wa sukoshi katai desu ne.

This meat is a little tough.

この肉は少し硬いですね。

Written 硬い · かたい · 硬いですRank #3207 in 3,030 TV dramas

polite yawarakai desu

soft; tender

For food, cushions and skin; also a gentle manner.

casual

kono niku, sugoi yawarakai!

This meat is so tender!

この肉、すごい柔らかい！

polite

kono niku wa totemo yawarakai desu ne.

This meat is very tender.

この肉はとても柔らかいですね。

Written 柔らかい · やわらかい · 柔らかいですRank #5315 in 3,030 TV dramas