Translation guide
The English word "inhuman" describes something that lacks human qualities like kindness, compassion, or natural human limits. It can refer to cruelty, extreme conditions, or superhuman traits. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
Describing actions, treatment, or behavior that is extremely cruel, merciless, or lacking basic human kindness.
Most direct equivalent for 'inhumane' or 'inhuman' in the sense of cruel treatment. Often used in formal contexts like human rights discussions.
その刑務所では非人道的な扱いが報告された。
Inhuman treatment was reported at that prison.
Common word for 'cruel' or 'brutal'. Covers a wide range of cruel acts, from physical violence to emotional cruelty.
彼の残酷な行為は許せない。
His cruel actions are unforgivable.
Implies cold-heartedness, lack of emotion or mercy. Often used for calculated cruelty.
冷酷な決断だった。
It was a cold-hearted decision.
Literally 'like a demon/ogre'. A common metaphorical phrase for someone acting inhumanly cruel.
鬼のような上司に怒鳴られた。
I was yelled at by my demon-like boss.
Means 'heartless' or 'merciless'. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
非情な運命に翻弄された。
They were toyed with by a heartless fate.
Describing conditions, environments, or schedules that are so harsh they seem beyond human endurance.
Literally 'separated from human'. Used for conditions or abilities that are beyond normal human limits, both positive and negative.
人間離れした暑さの中で働いていた。
They were working in inhuman heat.
Means 'severe', 'harsh', or 'grueling'. Commonly used for extreme working conditions or environments.
過酷な労働条件に抗議した。
They protested against the inhuman working conditions.
Means 'cruel', 'merciless', or 'terrible'. Often used for pitiless treatment or situations.
Describing strength, speed, intelligence, or other traits that exceed normal human limits, often in a neutral or positive sense.
Same phrase as above, but here it means 'superhuman' or 'extraordinary'. Context determines whether it's positive or negative.
彼は人間離れした力を持っている。
He has inhuman strength.
Directly means 'superhuman'. Often used in sports, fiction, or describing extraordinary effort.
超人的な努力でプロジェクトを成功させた。
With superhuman effort, they made the project a success.
Literally 'godly work'. Used for an incredible feat or skill that seems beyond human capability.
Describing something that is literally not human, such as a monster, alien, or robot, often with a sense of being frightening or unnatural.
Means 'non-human', 'inhuman', or 'monstrous'. Used in fantasy, horror, or to describe something that is not human.
その森には人外の者が住んでいるという噂だ。
Rumor has it that inhuman beings live in that forest.
Simple, direct phrase meaning 'not human'. Can be used in any context.
その生き物は明らかに人間ではなかった。
That creature was clearly inhuman.
Means 'grotesque', 'monstrous', or 'unnatural shape'. Often used for deformed or monstrous beings.
非人道的 (hijindōteki) is formal and often used in contexts of human rights or systemic cruelty. 残酷 (zankoku) is the most general word for 'cruel' and can be used in everyday speech. 冷酷 (reikoku) emphasizes cold-heartedness and lack of emotion, often implying a calculated cruelty.
The word 非人間的 (hiningenteki) exists but is rarely used and can sound unnatural. Instead, use 非人道的 for cruel treatment, or 人間離れした for superhuman/extraordinary traits.
I received inhuman treatment.
その職人の技は神業だ。
That craftsman's skill is inhuman.
An inhuman monster appeared.