Translation guide
The English word 'evil' covers profound moral wickedness, harmful supernatural forces, and colloquial expressions for something unpleasant or undesirable. Japanese expresses these ideas through different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
To describe profound immorality, malevolence, or the philosophical concept of evil.
The most direct and common translation for 'evil' as a moral or philosophical concept. Often used in compounds.
the battle between good and evil
the root of all evil
Emphasizes wickedness and malevolence, often used for people or acts.
an evil plan
He has an evil heart.
Literally 'demonic', used for acts or qualities that are diabolically evil.
an evil act (demonic in nature)
To refer to evil spirits, demons, or the devil.
Devil, demon, Satan. The standard term for a malevolent supernatural being.
sell one's soul to the devil
exorcism (driving out evil spirits)
Evil spirit, often used in religious or occult contexts.
be possessed by an evil spirit
Oni, a Japanese ogre/demon. Often translated as 'evil spirit' in folklore contexts, but culturally specific.
To express that something is very bad, unpleasant, or undesirable in a casual way.
Terrible, awful, cruel. Often used in everyday speech to describe bad situations or mean behavior.
I had an awful experience. / Something evil happened to me.
That's evil! / That's terrible!
The worst, despicable. Stronger than ひどい, often used for people or actions.
Malicious, vicious, of bad quality. Used for harmful acts or defective products.
To refer to evil as a source of suffering or spiritual defilement.
Buddhist term for earthly desires, passions, or the 'three poisons' that cause suffering. Sometimes translated as 'evil' in religious contexts.
eradicate evil desires
Directly translating 'evil' as 悪い (warui) often sounds weak or childish. 悪い usually means 'bad' in a general sense (e.g., bad weather, bad person). For profound evil, use 悪 or 邪悪. For colloquial 'evil', use ひどい or 最低.
悪 is the broad concept of evil, often used in abstract or philosophical discussions. 邪悪 emphasizes active malevolence and wickedness, and is more common in describing people or their deeds.
Money is the root of all evil.
Uses 悪 in a compound.
He gave me an evil look.
邪悪 is appropriate for a malevolent glare.
That was an evil thing to say.
Colloquial use; ひどい fits better than 悪い.
exterminating evil demons (in folklore)
あいつは最低だ。
That guy is evil. / He's the worst.
悪質な嫌がらせ
evil harassment