Translation guide
The quality of being cruel, unfeeling, or lacking compassion. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases that convey coldness, cruelty, or emotional detachment.
Describing a person, action, or attitude that is cruel and unfeeling.
A common noun/adjective meaning 'cruelty' or 'cold-heartedness'. It implies a lack of emotion or mercy.
I was shocked by his heartless attitude.
That decision is heartless.
Means 'heartlessness' or 'pitilessness'. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
I was hurt by her heartless words.
Means 'heartless' or 'cold-hearted', often implying a lack of loyalty or affection.
He's a heartless friend.
Means 'heartless' or 'merciless', often used in formal or literary contexts.
We have no choice but to accept the heartless reality.
Describing someone who is emotionally distant or unfeeling.
Emphasizing the cruel or brutal aspect of heartlessness.
Describing an action or decision that shows a lack of compassion.
冷酷 (reikoku) is a stronger, more formal word for 'heartless' or 'cruel', while 冷たい (tsumetai) is an everyday word for 'cold' that can also describe a person's attitude. Use 冷たい for casual situations and 冷酷 for serious condemnation.
The English word 'heartless' is often translated as 心がない (kokoro ga nai), but this can sound childish or overly dramatic in some contexts. For most situations, 冷たい or 冷酷 are more natural.
Don't be so cold.
彼の冷淡な返事にがっかりした。
I was disappointed by his heartless reply.
He says cruel things without batting an eye.
無慈悲な運命に翻弄された。
They were toyed with by a heartless fate.