N3
れいこく (reikoku)
冷酷
cruel; cold-hearted; ruthless; heartless; merciless
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Refers to being extremely cruel, cold-hearted, ruthless, heartless, or merciless toward others, showing no warm human feelings. Often used as 冷酷な (cruel/heartless). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Cruel? Cold-hearted? My scoldings are NOT cold-hearted! It is 100% pure, premium warm love wrapped in a protective shell! Open your eyes and see!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『冷酷？！私の厳しい言葉を冷酷だなんて言わないでよ！全部あんたが可愛くて、もっと成長してほしいからこその温かい愛よ！鎧の裏にある深い優しさを見抜きなさい！』
📝 Example Sentences
捕らえた人々に対してあまりにも_______な仕打ちをしたその支配者は、歴史上悪名を残しました。
The ruler who did such cruel treatment toward the captured people left a notorious name in history.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "冷酷"!
現実の世界は時にあまりにも_______であり、努力が報われないことも多々あります。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 冷たく無慈悲な「冷酷（であり）」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『冷酷な現実！悲しいわね！でもね、私の両腕の中という「究極のオアシス」だけは、全宇宙で一番甘くて温かいんだから、早く避難しなさい！』
English: Since it represents being cold and merciless, 'cruel/heartless' (reikoku) is correct. Haruka: 'A cruel reality! Sad! But indeed, strictly inside my arms which is "the ultimate oasis" is the sweetest and warmest in the entire universe, so evacuate quickly!'
English: Since it represents being cold and merciless, 'cruel/heartless' (reikoku) is correct. Haruka: 'A cruel reality! Sad! But indeed, strictly inside my arms which is "the ultimate oasis" is the sweetest and warmest in the entire universe, so evacuate quickly!'
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