Translation guide
The English word "fierce" covers intensity, aggression, and strength. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean a fierce animal, a fierce battle, fierce heat, or a fierce determination. This guide breaks down the main meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something or someone that is violently aggressive, savage, or prone to attack.
The most common word for a fierce animal or person; implies savagery and ferocity.
That dog is fierce, so be careful.
Emphasizes brutal violence; often used for criminals or dangerous animals.
A fierce bear attacked the village.
Can mean fierce in the sense of violent intensity, but more commonly used for non-living things like heat or opposition.
We faced fierce opposition.
Describing something that is very strong in degree, such as heat, competition, or criticism.
The most versatile word for 'fierce' in the sense of intense or violent. Works for battles, competition, emotions, weather, etc.
Fierce competition is unfolding.
Often used for heat, opposition, or a fierce attack. Stronger than 激しい in some contexts.
Used for extremely fierce battles or competition; somewhat literary.
Describing a person's strong will, determination, or intense expression.
Often used for a fierce look or glare; literally 'sharp'.
He glared with fierce eyes.
Describes a fierce, almost demonic intensity in expression or atmosphere.
He approached with a fierce expression.
Full of fighting spirit; fierce determination.
He faced the match with fierce determination.
Describing strong, passionate loyalty or dedication.
激しい (hageshii) is the most general and can be used for many types of intensity. 猛烈 (mōretsu) is stronger and often used for heat, speed, or attacks. 獰猛 (dōmō) is specifically for the ferocity of animals or people.
獰猛 (dōmō) implies a living creature's savagery. Using it for heat or competition would sound unnatural. Use 激しい or 猛烈 instead.
The sunlight is fierce today.
猛烈な暑さで倒れそうだ。
I feel like I'm going to collapse from the fierce heat.
A fierce battle continues.
熱烈なファンに支えられている。
Supported by fierce fans.