Kanji 的 bull's eye, mark, target Related words サディスティック A direct loanword from English, often used in casual or modern contexts. 嗜虐的 is more formal and kanji-based, carrying a slightly more clinical or literary tone.
残ざん 酷こく Means 'cruel' or 'brutal' in a general sense, without necessarily implying pleasure in the cruelty. 嗜虐的 specifically includes the element of deriving enjoyment from others' suffering.
Etymology Compound of 嗜虐 (shigyaku, 'fondness for cruelty') + 的 (-teki, '-like'). 嗜虐 is itself composed of 嗜 (shi, 'to have a taste for') and 虐 (gyaku, 'oppress' or 'cruelty'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for forming adjectival nouns from Sino-Japanese compounds.
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
