Translation guide
The English word 'hatred' covers intense dislike, loathing, and animosity. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is 憎しみ (nikushimi), but other terms like 憎悪 (zouo) and 嫌悪 (ken'o) carry different nuances and intensities. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on context, formality, and the nature of the hatred.
Expressing a strong feeling of hatred toward a person, group, or thing.
The most common and versatile noun for 'hatred'. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese, and covers a wide range of intensity from strong dislike to deep loathing.
My hatred for him won't go away.
Hatred breeds nothing.
A more intense and often more formal or literary term for 'hatred', implying deep-seated animosity or abhorrence. Commonly used in written contexts or serious discussions.
His heart was filled with hatred.
An adjective meaning 'hate' or 'detest'. Very common in casual speech. It expresses strong dislike, but is less intense and more everyday than 憎しみ.
I hate liars.
Means 'disgust' or 'loathing', often with a physical or moral revulsion. More about repulsion than pure hatred. Used in formal or psychological contexts.
I felt disgust at his behavior.
Expressing the action of hating someone or something.
The standard verb meaning 'to hate'. It implies a deep, often long-lasting hatred. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
He hates the friend who betrayed him.
I don't hate anyone.
Means 'to dislike' or 'to hate', but is generally less intense than 憎む. Often used for personal aversions or preferences.
The adjectival form used as a predicate meaning 'hate'. Very common in casual conversation. Less formal than 憎む.
I hate getting up early.
Expressing a deep-seated, often long-term hatred or grudge.
Means 'grudge', 'resentment', or 'bitter hatred'. It implies a feeling of having been wronged and desiring revenge or justice. Often used in the phrase 恨みを晴らす (to avenge a grudge).
He seems to hold a grudge against me.
A very strong, almost supernatural grudge or deep-seated hatred, often associated with vengeful spirits in folklore. Used in dramatic or literary contexts.
Describing hatred as a trait, ideology, or social phenomenon.
Used in compounds like 憎悪犯罪 (hate crime) or 自己憎悪 (self-hatred). It conveys a systematic or ideological hatred.
Hate crimes are unforgivable.
Loanword from English 'hate', used in modern contexts like ヘイトスピーチ (hate speech). Common in news and social discussions.
憎しみ (nikushimi) is the general term for hatred. 憎悪 (zouo) is stronger and more formal, often used in written or serious contexts. 嫌悪 (ken'o) leans toward disgust or loathing, often with a physical or moral dimension. For everyday 'hate', 大嫌い (daikirai) is more natural in speech.
My hatred for him has faded, but my animosity remains.
Directly saying あなたを憎んでいます (anata wo nikundeimasu) is very strong and dramatic. In most everyday situations, it's more natural to use 大嫌い (daikirai) or express the reason for dislike. For example, あなたのそういうところが大嫌い (I hate that side of you).
She hates speaking in public.
It's hard to forget a grudge.
彼の怨念がこの地に残っている。
His vengeful spirit lingers in this place.
Hate speech is a social problem.