🦅 Project Eagle
synonym Comparative
荒い
VS
手荒い

Differences Between "荒い" and "手荒い"

Option A
荒い
Meaning
rough; coarse; wild; violent
Reading
あらい (arai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
今朝は波が荒い。
The waves are rough this morning.
Option B
手荒い
Meaning
rough, violent, harsh, crude
Reading
てあらい (tearai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は手荒い方法でドアを開けた。
He opened the door using a rough method.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(rough; coarse; wild; violent)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 荒い: Often used to describe something physically rough (e.g., waves, texture) or a person's temperament/actions (e.g., rough breathing, violent temper).
- 手荒い: 扱い方ややり方が乱暴で、穏やかでないこと。物理的な暴力だけでなく、言葉や対応がぞんざいな場合にも使われます。(Describes a way of handling or doing things that is rough and not gentle. It can be used not only for physical violence but also for rude words or responses.)
🦅

Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?

Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!

💡 Practice with AI! Live

Don't just read. Practice speaking this grammar with our interactive AI coach for free!

Try AI Speaking 👉