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.
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.
His cruel actions are unforgivable.
Implies cold-heartedness, lack of emotion or mercy. Often used for calculated cruelty.
It was a cold-hearted decision.
Literally 'like a demon/ogre'. A common metaphorical phrase for someone acting inhumanly cruel.
I was yelled at by my demon-like boss.
Means 'heartless' or 'merciless'. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
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.
They were working in inhuman heat.
Means 'severe', 'harsh', or 'grueling'. Commonly used for extreme working conditions or environments.
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.
He has inhuman strength.
Directly means 'superhuman'. Often used in sports, fiction, or describing extraordinary effort.
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.
Rumor has it that inhuman beings live in that forest.
Simple, direct phrase meaning 'not human'. Can be used in any context.
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.
過酷な労働条件に抗議した。
They protested against the inhuman working conditions.
むごい仕打ちを受けた。
I received inhuman treatment.
With superhuman effort, they made the project a success.
その職人の技は神業だ。
That craftsman's skill is inhuman.
That creature was clearly inhuman.
異形の怪物が現れた。
An inhuman monster appeared.