How to say "irony" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 皮肉ひにくna-adjective, no-adjectiveIrony in everyday speech: a sarcastic or cynical remark that says the opposite of what the speaker means, typically to mock or criticize. This is the word for ironic banter and pointed personal comments.
- 風刺ふうしsuru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveChiefly the word for satire: irony that ridicules society, politics, or public folly, as in satirical writing and cartoons. For an ordinary sarcastic remark in conversation it is seldom what you want.
Use 皮肉 for irony in everyday remarks — saying the opposite of what you mean, with a sarcastic or cynical edge — and 風刺 when the irony amounts to satire, ridiculing society, politics, or institutions.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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