Translation guide
The English word 'spiteful' describes behavior or remarks intended to hurt, annoy, or upset someone, often motivated by resentment or malice. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; instead, different words and phrases capture specific nuances of spitefulness, from malicious intent to petty meanness.
Describes a person or action that is deliberately cruel or harmful, often driven by deep resentment or ill will.
The most common and versatile word for spiteful behavior. It can describe a person, action, or remark that is mean or unkind, often in a petty way. Used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼女は意地悪なことを言った。
She said something spiteful.
あの子は意地悪だ。
That kid is spiteful.
Literally 'having malice'. Used to describe actions, remarks, or attitudes that are intentionally harmful. More formal and direct than 意地悪.
それは悪意のある発言だ。
That's a spiteful remark.
彼の行動は悪意に満ちていた。
His actions were full of spite.
An adjective phrase meaning 'ill-natured' or 'spiteful'. Similar to 意地悪 but used attributively. Slightly more emphatic.
意地の悪い笑みを浮かべた。
He gave a spiteful smile.
A stronger, more emphatic version meaning 'deeply spiteful' or 'fundamentally mean'. Used for someone whose character is thoroughly nasty.
彼は底意地の悪い人間だ。
He is a deeply spiteful person.
Focuses on small, unkind acts or words done out of pettiness rather than deep malice.
Refers to harassment or spiteful acts intended to annoy or bother someone. Often used for persistent, petty meanness.
彼は嫌がらせの手紙を送った。
He sent spiteful letters.
それはただの嫌がらせだ。
It's just spite.
Describes a sneaky, underhanded, and persistently mean-spirited attitude. Often used for bullying or harassment that is not overt.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to have a warped personality'. Implies a fundamentally spiteful and twisted nature.
あいつは根性が曲がっている。
That guy is spiteful by nature.
Describes actions taken to get back at someone, often with a desire to cause harm in return for a perceived wrong.
Specifically means 'spiteful retaliation' or 'getting even out of spite'. Used when someone does something mean purely to pay back a grudge.
彼は意趣返しに私の計画を台無しにした。
He ruined my plans out of spite.
A spiteful act or remark done to indirectly get at someone, often to make them feel bad or jealous. Implies passive-aggressive spite.
Focuses on words that are cutting, sarcastic, or intended to wound.
A sarcastic or spiteful remark, often disguised as a compliment or neutral statement. Very common for describing passive-aggressive spite.
彼はいつも嫌味を言う。
He always makes spiteful remarks.
その嫌味は聞き流した。
I ignored that spiteful comment.
Literally 'poison tongue'. Refers to sharp, spiteful, or vitriolic speech. Often used for someone who habitually says mean things.
Means 'biting' or 'acrimonious'. Describes criticism or remarks that are harsh and spiteful. More formal and often used in writing.
English often uses 'spiteful' as a simple adjective (e.g., 'a spiteful person'), but Japanese usually expresses this concept through phrases or specific nouns. Using 意地悪な is the closest adjectival form, but depending on context, a noun like 嫌がらせ or a verb phrase may be more natural.
意地悪 is more about petty meanness and is common in everyday speech. 悪意のある is stronger, implying genuine malice or intent to harm, and is used in more serious contexts.
彼は意地悪でそう言っただけだ。
He only said that to be spiteful.
そんなに意地悪しないで。
Don't be so spiteful.
彼女は私の悪質な噂を流した。
She spread spiteful rumors about me.
悪質な (malicious) is used here instead of a direct 'spiteful' equivalent.
陰湿ないじめが問題になった。
Spiteful bullying became a problem.
Refers to pent-up resentment and spite that fuels vindictive behavior. Often used when someone airs grievances in a spiteful manner.
彼女は恨みつらみを並べ立てた。
She listed off all her spiteful grievances.
彼女の結婚は元彼への当てつけだ。
Her marriage is just to spite her ex.
彼の毒舌には慣れている。
I'm used to his spiteful tongue.
辛辣な批判を受けた。
I received spiteful criticism.