Translation guide
Describes words or actions that are not kind, ranging from mildly inconsiderate to deliberately cruel. Japanese often uses specific adjectives or verbs depending on the nuance.
Describing someone's words or behavior as unkind, mean, or harsh.
The most common word for 'unkind' in the sense of being mean or spiteful. Can describe a person or an action.
He said something unkind.
Don't be so unkind.
Literally 'cold', used for unkind behavior that is emotionally cold, distant, or lacking warmth.
I was hurt by her unkind attitude.
Means 'terrible' or 'cruel', often used for unkind actions that are especially harsh.
That's an unkind way to put it.
Describing behavior that shows a lack of consideration for others' feelings.
Literally 'lacking consideration/thoughtfulness'. A natural way to say someone is unkind in a thoughtless way.
His reply was unkind (lacked consideration).
Means 'unkind' in the sense of being unhelpful or not obliging. Often used for service or assistance.
Describing unkindness that is intentionally cruel or malicious.
意地悪 implies active meanness or spite. 冷たい suggests emotional coldness or indifference. ひどい is a general word for 'terrible' and can describe unkind actions that are severe or shocking.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'unkind'. Avoid literal translations like 不親切 for personal meanness; it sounds like 'unhelpful' rather than 'mean'.
I was disappointed by the staff's unkind (unhelpful) response.
彼の無慈悲な決断に皆が驚いた。
Everyone was shocked by his merciless decision.