Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cunning" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cunning", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
狡猾
こうかつ (kōkatsu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
狡い
ずるい (zurui)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cunning" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 狡猾 and 狡い.
In Japanese, 狡猾 (こうかつ (kōkatsu)) is typically associated with "cunning, sly, crafty, artful" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes someone who is clever in a deceptive or tricky way, often for self-gain. It carries a negative connotation..
On the other hand, 狡い (ずるい (zurui)) maps to "cunning, sly" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "cunning" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "狡猾"
彼は狡猾な手口で他人を騙し、利益を得ていた。
He used cunning tricks to deceive others and gain profit.
Bilingual Context for "狡い"
これはとても狡いですね。
This is very cunning, sly, isn't it?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ な手口で他人を騙し、利益を得ていた。" (Meaning: "He used cunning tricks to deceive others and gain profit.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "狡猾" fits here because it means "cunning, sly, crafty, artful" in the context of: "He used cunning tricks to deceive others and gain profit.". "狡い" represents "cunning, sly".