Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Malicious" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "malicious", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
意地悪
いじわる (ijiwaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
陰湿
いんしつ (inshitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "malicious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 意地悪 and 陰湿.
In Japanese, 意地悪 (いじわる (ijiwaru)) is typically associated with "malicious, mean-spirited, teasing" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Describes an action or person that is unkind, spiteful, or teasing. Can be used as 意地悪な人.
On the other hand, 陰湿 (いんしつ (inshitsu)) maps to "malicious, insidious, mean, underhanded" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a person's character or actions that are subtly cruel, malicious, or harmful. It carries a strong negative connotation.. A literal translation of "malicious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "意地悪"
彼は私に意地悪な質問をしてきた。
He asked me a mean question.
Bilingual Context for "陰湿"
彼の陰湿なやり方には誰もがうんざりしていた。
Everyone was fed up with his insidious methods.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は私に ＿＿＿ な質問をしてきた。" (Meaning: "He asked me a mean question.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "意地悪" fits here because it means "malicious, mean-spirited, teasing" in the context of: "He asked me a mean question.". "陰湿" represents "malicious, insidious, mean, underhanded".