Translation guide
The English word 'hostility' covers a range of negative attitudes and actions, from open aggression to deep-seated antagonism. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the specific nuance: whether it's a hostile act, a feeling of enmity, an antagonistic attitude, or a hostile environment.
Expressing active, often physical or verbal, hostility toward someone.
The most direct and common translation for 'hostility' as a feeling or attitude of enmity. Often used in phrases like 敵意を持つ (to have hostility) or 敵意を向ける (to direct hostility at).
He seems to harbor hostility toward me.
There was clear hostility in that remark.
Refers to antagonism or opposition, often between groups or in a more active, confrontational sense. Used in contexts like 敵対行為 (hostile act) or 敵対する (to be hostile toward).
The two countries have been in a state of hostility for years.
Means 'aggressive' or 'hostile' in behavior. Often used to describe a person's attitude or actions that are openly confrontational.
His attitude was very hostile.
Describing a long-standing feeling of hatred or opposition.
Strong hatred or animosity. More intense than 敵意, implying deep loathing. Often used in emotional or dramatic contexts.
His heart was filled with hostility.
Antipathy or ill will; a feeling of dislike or opposition. Less aggressive than 憎悪, often used for personal or social friction.
Describing a situation, atmosphere, or reception that is unwelcoming or antagonistic.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'hostile' (literally 'having hostility'). Used to describe looks, atmospheres, or environments.
He looked at me with hostility.
The meeting began in a hostile atmosphere.
Literally 'cold', but often used to describe an unfriendly or hostile reception. Common in everyday speech.
Describes a tense, hostile atmosphere or relationship. Often used for strained interpersonal dynamics.
Referring to acts of war, combat, or military opposition.
Hostilities in the sense of active warfare. Used in phrases like 交戦状態 (state of hostilities) or 交戦を開始する (to commence hostilities).
The two countries finally entered into hostilities.
Combat or battle; can be used to refer to hostile military actions. More concrete than 交戦.
敵意 (てきい) is the most general term for hostility as an attitude or feeling of enmity. 憎悪 (ぞうお) is stronger, implying deep hatred. 反感 (はんかん) is milder, often a reaction of antipathy or resentment. Choose based on intensity.
The English word 'hostile' is sometimes borrowed as ホスタイル, but it's not commonly used in natural Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
He showed open hostility.
There is growing hostility between the two communities.
彼の無礼な態度に反感を抱いた。
I felt hostility toward his rude attitude.
A literary or formal term for hostility or fighting spirit against an enemy. Rare in everyday speech.
The people's hostility toward the enemy grew.
新しい職場で冷たい態度を取られた。
I was met with hostility at my new workplace.
二人の間には険悪な空気が流れていた。
There was a hostile atmosphere between the two.
戦闘が激化した。
Hostilities intensified.