皮肉
Meanings
noun, na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Covers ironic or sarcastic remarks and also a satirical attitude toward society or a situation. 皮肉を言う is the ordinary pattern for making a sarcastic remark.
His sarcasm was so harsh it was not funny.
The novel contains satire directed at society.
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
ironically; unexpectedly contrary; not as planned
Used when an outcome turns out opposite to what was intended or expected, often in phrases such as 皮肉なことに or 皮肉にも. This is about an ironic twist of events, not necessarily a sarcastic remark.
Ironically, I got injured doing the exercise I had started for my health.
Ironically, the machine bought to save money ended up costing a lot in repairs.
surface only; superficial aspect
Uncommon sense referring to the outer or superficial part of something, as opposed to its deeper essence. It is not the usual modern meaning of sarcasm or irony.
In an old text, 教えの皮肉 can be read as meaning only the surface of the teaching.
skin and bone; body
Archaic literal sense. The modern reader will normally understand 皮肉 as irony or sarcasm unless the context is explicitly historical or explanatory.
In old documents, 皮肉 is sometimes used to mean 'skin and flesh,' that is, the body.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に皮肉を言うto make a sarcastic remark to someone
He made a sarcastic remark to his boss.
- 皮肉な笑みを浮かべるto give a wry, ironic smile
She answered with a wry, ironic smile.
- 皮肉を込めて〈動詞〉to say/do something with a touch of irony
He congratulated him on his success with a touch of irony.
- 皮肉な結果になるto end up with an ironic result
It ended up an ironic result, where trying to save money led to higher costs.