How to say "wicked" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 邪悪じゃあくna-adjective, nounThe most direct equivalent for wicked in the sense of morally evil. It describes evil in character or nature, as in a wicked heart, deed, or spirit.
- 邪よこしまna-adjective, nounCovers wicked and evil but shades into wrong and crooked, often for intentions or ways of thinking that are twisted rather than openly villainous.
- 極道ごくどうna-adjective, nounMatches wicked chiefly in the sense of profligate and immoral — a dissolute, lawless way of life. A person called this lives wickedly rather than doing one wicked act.
- 陰湿いんしつna-adjective, nounNot the general word for wicked; it is really malicious, spiteful, or vicious. Use it when the wickedness takes the form of mean, underhanded behaviour.
Choose 邪悪 for morally evil in general, 邪 for crooked or wicked intentions, 極道 for a life of vice and lawlessness, and 陰湿 for wickedness that is sneaky and spiteful.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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