Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mean" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mean", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
意地悪
いじわる (ijiwaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さもしい
さもしい (samoshii)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mean" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 意地悪 and さもしい.
In Japanese, 意地悪 (いじわる (ijiwaru)) is typically associated with "mean; tease; spiteful; malicious" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to acting mean, spiteful, or teasing someone. Can be used as a noun, Na-adjective, or verb as 意地悪をする.
On the other hand, さもしい (さもしい (samoshii)) maps to "mean, sordid, ignoble, greedy, petty, small-minded" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes behavior or character that is despicable, greedy, petty, or ignoble, often driven by self-interest or a lack of integrity. It's a strong negative term. 自分の利益ばかりを追求したり、品性がなく下劣な振る舞いを表す。強い否定的な意味合いを持つ。. A literal translation of "mean" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "意地悪"
好きな女の子にわざと意地悪なことを言ってしまう男の子は多いです。
There are many boys who purposely say mean things to the girls they like.
Bilingual Context for "さもしい"
彼の金儲けに対するさもしい考え方にはうんざりする。
I'm fed up with his sordid way of thinking about making money.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "好きな女の子にわざと ＿＿＿ なことを言ってしまう男の子は多いです。" (Meaning: "There are many boys who purposely say mean things to the girls they like.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "意地悪" fits here because it means "mean; tease; spiteful; malicious" in the context of: "There are many boys who purposely say mean things to the girls they like.". "さもしい" represents "mean, sordid, ignoble, greedy, petty, small-minded".