Translation guide
A sharp, hurtful comment intended to wound someone's feelings. Japanese has many nuanced expressions depending on the tone and context.
To express a remark that is intentionally cruel or wounding.
A general term for harsh, biting words. '辛辣' means 'bitter' or 'caustic'.
彼の辛辣な言葉に傷ついた。
I was hurt by his cutting remarks.
A single, sharply critical remark. '痛烈' means 'severe' or 'scathing'.
彼女の痛烈な一言で会議の雰囲気が変わった。
Her cutting remark changed the atmosphere of the meeting.
Literally 'poison tongue'. Refers to a sharp, often witty but hurtful way of speaking. Can be used for a person's trait.
Literally 'words with thorns'. Implies a remark that is barbed or stinging.
彼女はいつもとげのある言葉を言う。
She always makes cutting remarks.
A remark that is cutting through sarcasm or irony, often in a more casual or humorous context.
辛辣 (shinratsu) is a formal, written-style word for harsh criticism. 毒舌 (dokuzetsu) often implies a witty, sharp-tongued personality. 嫌味 (iyami) is the most common for everyday sarcastic or spiteful remarks.
彼の辛辣な批評は的を射ていた。
His cutting criticism was on point.
あの芸人は毒舌で人気がある。
That comedian is popular for his cutting remarks.
彼は毒舌で有名だ。
He is famous for his cutting remarks.
A sarcastic or spiteful remark. Very common in everyday speech.
彼の嫌味にはもう慣れた。
I've gotten used to his cutting remarks.
A sarcastic or ironic comment. '皮肉' means 'sarcasm' or 'irony'.
彼はいつも皮肉なコメントを言う。
He always makes cutting remarks.
I got another cutting remark.
I got another cutting remark.