How to say "violence" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 暴力ぼうりょくnounThe word for violence itself: physical force used to hurt people, as in violent crime or mayhem. Choose this when you mean violence in the ordinary, physical sense.
- 乱暴らんぼうnoun, na-adjective, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers violence as rough, wild behavior — rowdiness, rough handling, or assault — rather than violence as an abstract idea. The nuance is roughness and lack of restraint more than deliberate force.
- 横暴おうぼうna-adjective, nounViolence in the sense of oppression or tyranny: high-handed, overbearing behavior by someone abusing power or authority. Use it for oppressive rule or domineering conduct, not for physical assault.
- 暴挙ぼうきょnounRefers to a specific violent or reckless act regarded as an outrage; the tone is condemnatory. It names an individual deed, not violence in general, so it is seldom the word for plain 'violence'.
- 激烈げきれつnoun, na-adjectiveViolence as intensity: vehemence, fury, or fervour in manner, feeling, or force, rather than physical assault. It is really about fierceness, so it is seldom the word you want for violence as an act.
Use 暴力 for violence as physical force in general, 乱暴 for rough or rowdy behavior, 横暴 for oppressive abuse of power, 暴挙 for a specific outrageous act, and 激烈 for violence as intensity or vehemence.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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