Translation guide
Describes actions, conditions, or treatment that lack compassion, mercy, or basic human decency, often causing extreme suffering.
Describing actions, treatment, or conditions that are merciless and cause suffering.
The most direct equivalent, used for actions or policies that violate human dignity. Common in formal and written contexts.
The inhumane treatment at that prison became an issue.
Means 'cruel' or 'brutal'. Emphasizes the harshness of an act. Often used for physical cruelty.
Cruel acts toward animals are unforgivable.
Describes something pitiless, harsh, or tragic. Often used for situations that evoke a strong emotional response.
I cried when I heard about his cruel death.
Means 'heartless' or 'cold-blooded'. Implies a lack of emotion or mercy. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
I had to make a heartless decision.
Describing living or working conditions that strip away human dignity.
Literally 'not treated as a human'. Conveys the sense of being denied basic dignity.
In the refugee camp, they are forced to live in inhumane conditions.
Means 'cannot live a life worthy of a human'. Used for conditions lacking basic necessities or dignity.
非人道的 is the most formal and directly corresponds to 'inhumane', often used in legal or social contexts. 残酷 emphasizes cruelty and brutality, while むごい is more emotional and often used in everyday speech for tragic or pitiless situations.
inhumane policy
brutal murder
a cruel story
非人間的 (ひにんげんてき) exists but is less common and can sound unnatural. Stick to 非人道的 for most contexts.
With this salary, I can't live a decent human life.