How to say "ferocious" in Japanese

• 凶暴きょうぼうCommon
  na-adjective, nounThe most common choice for the sense of violently savage or brutal, describing animals or people that attack or behave dangerously. If you mean a ferocious dog, beast, or temper, this is usually the word you want.
• 獰猛どうもう
  na-adjective, nounCovers fierce, ferocious wildness, especially of animals. A literary-flavored alternative to 凶暴; since it is less common, learners will meet it in reading more than they need it in speech.
  どう猛もうな犬いぬが女の子おんなのこに飛とびかかった。↗

  A fierce dog attacked the girl.
• 猛々しいたけだけしい
  i-adjectiveDescribes a fierce or ferocious look or bearing — something that appears intimidatingly wild. Less common and somewhat literary; suited to describing an aggressive, daunting appearance rather than habitual violence.
• 獅子奮迅ししふんじん
  no-adjectiveA four-character idiom whose primary meaning is furious or frenzied energy in battle or work. For 'ferocious' in the sense of savage or brutal it is seldom the word you want — think of it as describing whirlwind vigor instead.
  今回こんかいの成果せいかはひとえに彼かれの獅子しし奮迅ふんじんの働はたらきの賜物たまものでしょう。↗

  Our latest results are the fruit of his furious efforts.
• 猛悪もうあく
  na-adjective, nounMeans savage, ferocious, or atrocious, often for a menacing nature or expression. It is less common, and for everyday descriptions of ferocious behavior 凶暴 is the safer default; use 猛悪 when emphasizing a wicked, threatening character.

Use 凶暴 for violent, dangerous savagery (people or animals); 獰猛 and 「猛々しい」 for fierce animals or looks; 猛悪 for savage appearance or nature; 獅子奮迅 mostly means furious, frenzied activity rather than 'ferocious'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 凶暴きょうぼうferocious
• 獰猛どうもうferocious
• 猛々しいたけだけしいferocious
• 獅子奮迅ししふんじんfurious (energy, battle, etc.)
• 猛悪もうあくsavage
• 猛きたけきvaliant
• 猛もうferocious
• 虎豹こひょうdaring person (animal, etc.)