How to say "sneaky" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- i-adjectiveCovers sneaky in the sense of sly, cunning, or crafty: someone who gets their way by clever tricks or cheating. Often said with a tone of half-exasperated complaint at such behavior.
- 卑怯ひきょうna-adjective, nounCovers sneaky as a term of strong condemnation: an unfair, mean, or dirty move that breaks the rules of fair play, such as striking an opponent who cannot defend themselves.
Use 「ずるい」 for sneaky meaning sly, cunning, or crafty cleverness, and 卑怯 when the sneaky behavior is condemned as unfair, mean, or dirty — an underhanded move rather than mere cleverness.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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