Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mean" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mean", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
意地悪な
いじわるな (ijiwaru na)
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 意地悪な and さもしい.
In Japanese, 意地悪な (いじわるな (ijiwaru na)) is typically associated with "mean, nasty, ill-natured" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「な」adjective used to describe a person's unkind personality or actions. Implies malicious intent..
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 "意地悪な"
意地悪な人は嫌いです。
I dislike mean people.
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: " ＿＿＿ 人は嫌いです。" (Meaning: "I dislike mean people.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "意地悪な" fits here because it means "mean, nasty, ill-natured" in the context of: "I dislike mean people.". "さもしい" represents "mean, sordid, ignoble, greedy, petty, small-minded".