Describes a person or behavior that is morally corrupt, depraved, or profligate. Often used in a dramatic or literary context.
He led a wicked life.
That man is a scoundrel.
organized crime; yakuza; underworld
Specifically refers to the yakuza or organized crime syndicates. Often used in news or crime-related contexts.
See also: やくざ
He stepped into the world of organized crime.
scoundrel; rake; villain
Standard kanji form; used in news and common writing.
Rarely used kanji form.
The term 極道 (ごくどう) originally comes from Buddhist terminology meaning 'the extreme path' or 'the ultimate way,' but in modern Japanese it has taken on the meaning of 'wickedness' or 'villainy.' The exact semantic shift is uncertain.