How to say "malicious" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

悪質あくしつCommon
na-adjective, nounCovers malicious acts that are objectively harmful or underhanded, such as pranks, scams, or crime described as serious in kind. The nuance is judgment of the act's badness rather than personal spite.
悪質あくしつなドライバーは免許証めんきょしょうを取り上とりあげるべきだ。↗
Bad drivers should have their licenses taken away from them.
陰湿いんしつCommon
na-adjective, nounCovers malicious behavior that is covert, sneaky, and sustained, such as spiteful bullying carried out behind someone's back. The nuance is dark, underhanded nastiness directed at a person.
中学ちゅうがく・高校こうこうでは陰湿いんしつないじめが増ふえる傾向けいこうにあるという。↗
In junior high and high schools, they say insidious forms of bullying are on the rise.
意地悪いじわるJLPT N2approx.Common
na-adjective, nounCovers malicious in the mild everyday sense of mean or unkind, like teasing or deliberately making things difficult for someone. It suggests ill temper rather than truly vicious intent.
彼女かのじょの意地悪いじわるな言葉ことばは結局けっきょく自分じぶんの身みに跳ね返はねかえってきた。↗
Her unkind words boomeranged.

Choose 悪質 for objectively harmful or underhanded acts, 陰湿 for covert, spiteful nastiness, and 意地悪 for everyday teasing meanness toward people.

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

Japanese equivalents

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