Translation guide
The English word "violent" covers physical force intended to hurt, intense natural phenomena, strong emotions, and sudden changes. Japanese uses different words depending on the type of violence or intensity.
Describing a person, behavior, or act that uses physical force to hurt or damage.
The most common and general adjective for 'violent' in the sense of using physical force. Can describe people, actions, movies, etc.
He is a violent person.
I don't like violent movies.
Often implies rough, disorderly, or reckless violence. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
Reckless driving is dangerous.
He gets violent when he drinks.
Implies brutal, ferocious violence, often used for animals or extremely dangerous people.
A ferocious bear attacked the village.
Describing natural phenomena that are extremely strong, destructive, or severe.
The most versatile word for 'violent' when describing natural forces, emotions, or intense actions. Means 'fierce, intense, severe'.
A violent storm is approaching.
Emphasizes extreme intensity, often used for heat, speed, or storms. Stronger than 激しい.
Describing emotions that are extremely intense or uncontrollable.
Describing a change that is abrupt, severe, or dramatic.
Describing a death that is sudden, unnatural, or caused by force.
暴力的 is only for physical violence. For storms, emotions, or changes, use 激しい or other words. Saying 暴力的な嵐 sounds unnatural (it personifies the storm as a thug).
激しい is the most common and versatile for intensity. 猛烈 is stronger and often used in formal/written contexts for extreme natural forces. 荒々しい emphasizes wildness and roughness, often for natural elements or rough behavior.
He has a violent temper.
Natural Japanese often uses 'short-tempered' rather than a direct translation of 'violent temper'.
The movie was too violent for children.
There was a violent clash between protesters and police.
Many buildings collapsed in the violent earthquake.
猛烈な台風が上陸した。
A violent typhoon made landfall.
Describes something wild, rough, or violent in a natural, untamed way. Often used for seas, winds, or behavior.
Violent waves crashed against the rocks.
There was a violent hatred between them.
彼は激高して机を叩いた。
He flew into a violent rage and banged the table.
Please be careful of violent changes in temperature.
急激な円高が輸出企業を苦しめた。
The violent appreciation of the yen hurt exporters.
He died a violent death in the accident.