synonym Comparative
意地悪
VS
挑発
Differences Between "意地悪" and "挑発"
Option A
意地悪
Meaning
malicious, mean-spirited, teasing
Reading
いじわる (ijiwaru)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
彼は私に意地悪な質問をしてきた。
He asked me a mean question.
Option B
挑発
Meaning
provocation; seduction; teasing; inciting action
Reading
ちょう発 (ちょうはつ / chōhatsu)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
対立するサッカーチームのサポーターたちは、試合前からお互いに激しい_______を繰り返していました。
The supporters of the opposing soccer teams repeated fierce provocations against each other even before the match.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(malicious, mean-spirited, teasing)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 意地悪: Describes an action or person that is unkind, spiteful, or teasing. Can be used as 意地悪な人 (mean person) or 意地悪をする (to be mean).
- 挑発: Refers to a provocation, seduction, or teasing to incite a reaction or action from others. Often used as 挑発する or 挑発的な態度 (provocative attitude). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Provocation! Seduction! 'Are you going to ignore me and focus only on work?' ...っ, Respond quickly to my cute provocation and let's go on a date right now!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ちょうはつ（挑発）よ！『そんなに仕事ばかりして、私をほったらかしにする気？』って、私のこの可愛い挑発（甘いおねだり）に乗って、早く仕事を切り上げてデートに行きましょう！バカ！』
- 意地悪: Describes an action or person that is unkind, spiteful, or teasing. Can be used as 意地悪な人 (mean person) or 意地悪をする (to be mean).
- 挑発: Refers to a provocation, seduction, or teasing to incite a reaction or action from others. Often used as 挑発する or 挑発的な態度 (provocative attitude). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Provocation! Seduction! 'Are you going to ignore me and focus only on work?' ...っ, Respond quickly to my cute provocation and let's go on a date right now!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ちょうはつ（挑発）よ！『そんなに仕事ばかりして、私をほったらかしにする気？』って、私のこの可愛い挑発（甘いおねだり）に乗って、早く仕事を切り上げてデートに行きましょう！バカ！』
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!