Translation guide
The English phrase 'like hell' has two main uses: as an intensifier meaning 'very much' or 'extremely', and as an exclamation expressing strong disagreement or denial. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To emphasize the degree or intensity of an action or state, similar to 'like crazy' or 'like mad'.
Literally 'to the point of dying', used as an intensifier meaning 'like hell' or 'like crazy'. Very common in casual speech.
I was tired as hell yesterday.
To express vehement disagreement or refusal, often in response to a statement or suggestion.
Literally 'there's no way that's true'. A common, natural way to say 'like hell' or 'no way' in casual speech.
Do not translate 'like hell' literally as 地獄のように (jigoku no you ni) for the intensifier meaning. While it can be understood, it sounds unnatural and is not idiomatic. Use the options above instead.
死ぬほど勉強した。
I studied like hell.
An adverb meaning 'absurdly', 'extremely'. Used in casual conversation to intensify verbs and adjectives.
I ran like hell.
It hurts like hell.
A very common intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely'. Less emphatic than 'like hell' but widely used.
I hurried like hell.
Literally 'like a demon', used as an intensifier for actions done with extreme intensity. Slangy and vivid.
I worked like hell.
A: I heard he won. B: Like hell he did!
Means 'impossible' or 'unbelievable'. Used to strongly reject an idea.
A: Can you finish by tomorrow? B: Like hell I can!
Literally 'absolutely no'. A strong refusal, equivalent to 'like hell I will'.
A: Apologize. B: Like hell I will.
A strong, rude expression meaning 'don't mess with me' or 'you've got to be kidding'. Can convey 'like hell' in angry denial.
Can be offensive; use only in very informal, heated situations.
Like hell! I won't allow that.