Translation guide
Satire uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock people, ideas, or society. Japanese has several words for satire, ranging from direct criticism to parody.
To refer to satire as a genre or work that uses wit to expose folly or vice.
The most common and direct translation for satire. Used for literary, artistic, or political satire.
この小説は社会風刺が効いている。
This novel has biting social satire.
彼の漫画は政治風刺で知られている。
His comics are known for political satire.
An alternative kanji for 風刺, often used in literary contexts. Same meaning and reading.
この作品は鋭い諷刺を含んでいる。
This work contains sharp satire.
To describe a specific piece of satire, often humorous and exaggerated.
A parody or spoof; often used for satirical imitations of a specific work or style.
その映画はホラー映画のパロディーだ。
That movie is a parody of horror films.
Literally 'satirical work'; a more formal term for a piece of satire.
この風刺作品は政府を批判している。
This satirical work criticizes the government.
To express satire through a witty, ironic, or sarcastic comment.
Sarcasm or irony; often used for remarks that are satirical in tone. Can be used for a satirical comment.
彼の皮肉なコメントが会議を和ませた。
His sarcastic comment lightened the meeting.
その記事は皮肉たっぷりに書かれている。
The article is written with heavy irony.
A loanword for 'irony', used in literary or academic contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
To refer to a comedic performance that satirizes something.
A satirical play or drama.
その劇団は風刺劇で有名だ。
The theater troupe is famous for satirical plays.
A short comic sketch, often satirical. Similar to a skit.
お笑い番組で政治を風刺するコントを見た。
I saw a skit on a comedy show that satirized politics.
風刺 (satire) is a broader concept of using humor to criticize society or politics. 皮肉 (sarcasm/irony) is a tone or remark that says the opposite of what is meant, often used within satire. A satirical work may contain 皮肉, but 皮肉 alone is not necessarily satire.
この風刺漫画は皮肉が効いている。
This satirical cartoon has biting sarcasm.
While パロディー can be satirical, it specifically imitates a style or work for comic effect. Satire (風刺) has a critical purpose. Use 風刺 for works that aim to expose flaws, not just imitate.
それはただのパロディーで、風刺ではない。
That's just a parody, not satire.
This novel makes extensive use of irony.