狡猾
The English word "guile" translates to Japanese as 狡猾.
This term refers to deceptiveness, deceit, fraud, duplicity or dishonesty. It is often used in literary or formal contexts to describe deceitful methods or behaviors, such as in the phrase 狡猾な手段, which means "guileful means" or "deceitful methods".
Meaning: deceptiveness, deceit, fraud, duplicity, dishonesty (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the adjective into a pure noun meaning "the quality of being guileful", you can add さ (sa) to form 狡猾さ.
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term 腹黒い ('haraguroi'), meaning 'black-bellied', to describe a person who hides their guile behind a friendly face.
- The first character in 狡猾, 『狡』, is a component of the word for 'fox' in many East Asian contexts, a creature often used in folklore to represent trickery and guile.
- If you call someone 狡猾 directly to their face, it is a heavy insult that implies they lack 'makoto' or 'sincerity', a core virtue in Japanese social ethics.
Examples in context
- 彼女の悪賢さには驚きました。I was surprised by her guile.
- 彼は狡猾さを持って相手をだました。He deceived his opponent with guile.
- 彼のずるさには腹立たしさを感じる。I feel annoyed by his guile.
- 彼の狡猾なやり方に騙された。Kare no koukatsu na yarikata ni damasareta.I was deceived by his guile.
- 政治の世界には狡猾な人が多い。Seiji no sekai ni wa koukatsu na hito ga ooi.There are many guileful people in politics.
- そんな狡猾な計画は通用しない。Sonna koukatsu na keikaku wa tsuuyou shinai.Such a deceitful plan will not work.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a dishonest business rival.
- 陽葵 Himariあの取引先は本当に狡猾ですね。Ano torihikisaki wa hontou ni koukatsu desu ne.That client is truly deceitful, isn't he?
- 健太 Kentaはい、いつも裏で動いています。Hai, itsumo ura de ugoite imasu.Yes, he is always working behind the scenes.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんは気をつけたほうがいいですよ。Kenta-san wa ki o tsuketa hou ga ii desu yo.Kenta, you should be careful.
- 健太 Kenta分かりました。注意しておきます。Wakarimashita. Chuui shite okimasu.I understand. I will be cautious.
