Translation guide
This adjective describes a tough, practical, and unsentimental attitude. It can refer to a person who is realistic and determined, or to an approach that is uncompromising and businesslike.
Describing a person who is realistic, determined, and not swayed by emotions.
Means 'realistic' and is the most direct and common way to describe a hard-nosed person who deals with things as they are.
彼はとても現実的なビジネスマンだ。
He is a very hard-nosed businessman.
Describing an approach, decision, or attitude that is strictly practical and without sentiment.
Means 'uncompromising,' often used for a hard-nosed stance in negotiations or policies.
会社は妥協しない方針を取った。
The company took a hard-nosed stance.
Direct translations like '鼻が硬い' (hana ga katai) are nonsensical in Japanese. Use the suggested adjectives or phrases instead.
Literally 'severe-handed,' this implies a tough, uncompromising attitude, often in criticism or judgment.
彼女は手厳しい交渉者だ。
She is a hard-nosed negotiator.
A loanword from English 'dry,' used to describe a person who is unsentimental and businesslike.
彼はドライな性格だ。
He has a hard-nosed personality.
Means 'not swayed by emotions,' capturing the unsentimental aspect of being hard-nosed.
彼女は感情に流されない決断をする。
She makes hard-nosed decisions.
Means 'cold-hearted' or 'ruthless,' emphasizing the lack of sentiment in a hard-nosed approach.
彼は非情な決断を下した。
He made a hard-nosed decision.
Means 'utilitarian' or 'pragmatic,' focusing on practical benefits, often used in business contexts.
その政策は実利主義の観点から決められた。
The policy was decided from a hard-nosed perspective.