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
卑劣
ひれつ (hiretsu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mean" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 意地悪な and 卑劣.
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, 卑劣 (ひれつ (hiretsu)) maps to "mean, base, cowardly, despicable" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes an act or person's character as contemptibly low, unfair, cowardly, or morally degenerate. Carries a strong negative connotation.. 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 "卑劣"
彼の卑劣な行為は許されるべきではない。
His despicable act should not be forgiven.
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.". "卑劣" represents "mean, base, cowardly, despicable".