Translation guide
A person who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on others. In Japanese, the loanword サディスト is common, but native terms like 加虐者 exist. Context determines whether it refers to a personality trait, sexual preference, or casual label.
Referring to someone who enjoys causing suffering, in a psychological or everyday sense.
The most direct and widely understood loanword from English. Used in both casual and formal contexts, including psychology.
Specifically referring to someone who derives sexual pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation.
Same loanword, but context makes the sexual meaning clear. Often used in discussions of BDSM.
Describing actions or traits that are sadistic, rather than labeling a person.
Adjectival form of the loanword, used to describe behavior, jokes, or personality. Very common.
In English, 'sadist' can be used lightly (e.g., 'You're such a sadist for making me run!'). In Japanese, サディスト carries a heavier, often sexual or psychological connotation. For light teasing, use phrases like いじわる (mean) or ひどい (cruel) instead.
You're so mean! (light teasing)
He is a sadist.
A native Japanese term meaning 'one who inflicts harm'. More formal and less common in everyday speech, but precise.
He is known as a sadist.
Abbreviation of サディスト, often used in BDSM contexts or casual conversation. Can sound slangy.
That person is a sadist, right?
He is a sexual sadist.
A clinical or formal term for a sexual sadist. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
Sexual sadists require specialized treatment.
His sadistic smile was scary.
Native Japanese adjectival form, meaning 'inflicting harm'. More formal and less common than サディスティックな.
Sadistic acts are unforgivable.