Translation guide
The English phrase "ill will" refers to hostile feelings, resentment, or malice toward someone. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on whether you are describing a general feeling of animosity, a specific grudge, or malicious intent behind an action.
Expressing a general feeling of hostility, unfriendliness, or malice toward someone.
I sensed ill will in his remarks.
It was a joke without ill will.
Focuses on hostility or enmity, often implying a more active antagonism. Common in both speech and writing.
He seems to harbor ill will toward me.
Refers to antipathy or resentment, often a reaction to someone's actions. Slightly less strong than 敵意.
I felt ill will toward his attitude.
Describing a lingering feeling of resentment or a grudge against someone for a past wrong.
Indicating that an action was done with ill will or malicious intent, often in legal or formal contexts.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'with ill will' or 'maliciously'. Used when describing the intent behind an action.
He spread lies with ill will.
Means 'intentional' or 'deliberate', often implying ill will in legal contexts. Not inherently malicious, but used in contrast to negligence.
悪意 is the broadest term for ill will or malice. 敵意 emphasizes active hostility or enmity. 恨み is a personal grudge or resentment, often over a long period.
Do not translate 'ill will' literally as 悪い意志. This is unnatural and not used in Japanese.
To satisfy one's ill will (take revenge).
両者の間には遺恨が残っている。
Ill will remains between the two parties.
He deliberately obstructed me (with ill will).