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
意地悪
いじわる (ijiwaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mean" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 意地悪な and 意地悪.
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, 意地悪 (いじわる (ijiwaru)) maps to "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. 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 "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.
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.". "意地悪" represents "mean; tease; spiteful; malicious".