Translation guide
Describes a person who lacks empathy, kindness, or emotional warmth; often implies cruelty or indifference to others' feelings.
Describing a person who is emotionally cold, unfeeling, or indifferent to others' suffering.
Emphasizing intentional cruelty or harshness in actions or words.
Describing someone who is unresponsive to emotional appeals or seems unaffected by others' feelings.
冷たい is the most general and can range from 'unfriendly' to 'cold-hearted'. 冷酷 implies cruelty and ruthlessness, often in decisions or actions. 薄情 focuses on a lack of human warmth and loyalty, often in personal relationships.
There is no single exact equivalent. Using 冷たい心 (cold heart) is not idiomatic. Instead, choose an adjective that matches the nuance: 冷たい for general coldness, 冷酷 for cruelty, 薄情 for heartlessness in relationships.
The most common and versatile word for 'cold' in personality. Can describe someone who is unfriendly, indifferent, or unkind.
彼は冷たい人だ。
He is a cold-hearted person.
彼女の冷たい態度に傷ついた。
I was hurt by her cold attitude.
Means 'cruel' or 'ruthless'; stronger than 冷たい. Implies a deliberate lack of mercy or compassion.
彼は冷酷な決断を下した。
He made a cold-hearted decision.
Literally 'thin emotions'; implies being unfeeling, heartless, or lacking in human warmth. Often used for someone who abandons others.
薄情な男だ。
He's a cold-hearted man.
Means 'heartless' or 'pitiless'. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
無情な仕打ちを受けた。
I received cold-hearted treatment.
Similar to 無情, meaning 'heartless' or 'unfeeling'. Often used in formal or written language.
非情な社会。
A cold-hearted society.
Means 'cruel' or 'brutal'. Focuses on the act or nature of being cruel, often with a sense of violence or harshness.
彼の言葉は残酷だった。
His words were cold-hearted.
A common word for 'terrible' or 'cruel'. Can describe actions, words, or treatment that is heartless.
酷いことを言うね。
You say cold-hearted things.
Means 'indifferent' or 'apathetic'. Highlights a lack of interest or concern, which can come across as cold-hearted.
彼は他人に無関心だ。
He is cold-hearted toward others.