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.
昨日は死ぬほど疲れた。
I was tired as hell yesterday.
死ぬほど勉強した。
I studied like hell.
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.
A: 彼が勝ったんだって。B: そんなわけない！
A: I heard he won. B: Like hell he did!
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.
An adverb meaning 'absurdly', 'extremely'. Used in casual conversation to intensify verbs and adjectives.
めちゃくちゃ走った。
I ran like hell.
めちゃくちゃ痛い。
It hurts like hell.
A very common intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely'. Less emphatic than 'like hell' but widely used.
すごく急いだ。
I hurried like hell.
Literally 'like a demon', used as an intensifier for actions done with extreme intensity. Slangy and vivid.
鬼のように働いた。
I worked like hell.
Means 'impossible' or 'unbelievable'. Used to strongly reject an idea.
A: 明日までに終わる？B: ありえない！
A: Can you finish by tomorrow? B: Like hell I can!
Literally 'absolutely no'. A strong refusal, equivalent to 'like hell I will'.
A: 謝れよ。B: 絶対に嫌だ。
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.
ふざけるな！そんなこと許さない。
Like hell! I won't allow that.