How to say "hostile" in Japanese

• 敵対的てきたいてき
  na-adjectiveHostile in the sense of adversarial or antagonistic: an attitude of opposition that treats the other side as an enemy. A less common word, it describes opposing parties and antagonistic relations.
• とげとげしい
  i-adjectiveHostility as it shows in words and demeanor: sharp, stinging speech, a harsh tone or manner, a prickly mood or attitude. Usually written in kana alone; a less common word.
  そんなトゲトゲしい言い方いいかたしなくたっていいだろう。↗

  You don't have to use such a harsh tone with me.
• 険悪けんあくCommon
  na-adjective, nounHostile as an attitude or atmosphere: stern expressions, sharpness and harshness between people. The most common of the three, it suits relations or moods that have turned unfriendly and tense.

For hostile attitudes, stern expressions, and tense atmospheres, 険悪 is the common choice; 「とげとげしい」 expresses hostility through sharp words, tone, or manner; 敵対的 is for adversarial, antagonistic stances.

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

• 敵対的てきたいてきhostile
• とげとげしいsharp (words)
• 険悪けんあくstern (expression)