Translation guide
The English word 'cruel' describes causing pain or suffering deliberately, or showing indifference to others' suffering. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 残酷な (zankoku na), but other words like ひどい (hidoi) and むごい (mugoi) are used depending on the nuance. This guide covers the main ways to express 'cruel' in Japanese, from describing cruel acts and people to expressing that something is harsh or merciless.
Describing an act, person, or situation that intentionally inflicts physical or emotional pain.
The most direct translation for 'cruel' in the sense of willfully causing suffering. Used for both people and actions. Often appears as 残酷な + noun or 残酷だ at the end of a sentence.
He treated the animal in a cruel way.
That story is too cruel.
Similar to 残酷な but often implies a more visceral, brutal cruelty. Can be used for acts that are shockingly harsh or merciless.
Emphasizes brutality and a lack of mercy. Often used for violent, savage cruelty.
The cruel criminal has not been caught yet.
Expressing that someone's words or actions are mean, harsh, or unkind, often in personal relationships.
The most common word for 'cruel' in casual, everyday contexts. It can mean 'terrible', 'awful', or 'mean'. Often used when someone is treated unfairly or spoken to harshly.
Describing something that is harsh and unforgiving, like fate, weather, or a system.
Means 'severe', 'harsh', or 'rigorous'. Often used for cruel conditions, environments, or treatment that is extremely difficult to endure.
Referring to someone who is cruel by nature.
It was cruel of him to ignore her.
A cruel murder case occurred.
It's cruel of you to say that.
I did something cruel to her.
Means cold-hearted or ruthless. Used when someone shows no emotion or sympathy while being cruel.
I was hurt by his cruel attitude.
Specifically means 'mean-spirited' or 'malicious'. Often used for petty cruelty, like teasing or bullying.
He gave a cruel smile.
They were toyed with by a cruel fate.
I can't endure the cruel working conditions.
Means 'heartless' or 'pitiless'. Often used for fate, nature, or rules that show no mercy.
I was confronted with the cruel reality.
Similar to 無情な, meaning 'merciless' or 'cold-hearted'. Often used in literary contexts.
I had to make a cruel decision.
He is a cruel person.
Literally 'demon' or 'ogre', but used metaphorically for a cruel, heartless person. Often in phrases like 鬼のような人 (a demon-like person).
That boss is cruel (a demon).
A cold-hearted, ruthless person.
She has a reputation for being a cruel person.
terrible rain (not 'cruel' in the literal sense)
In English, 'cruel' can be used lightly ('That's so cruel!'). In Japanese, 残酷な is quite strong and often implies real suffering. For minor meanness, use ひどい or 意地悪な instead.
The dictator was known for his cruel treatment of prisoners.
Fate can be cruel.