Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 地獄 | jigoku | [d͡ʑiɡo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 奈落 | naraku | [na̠ɾa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
地獄 is the standard term for the abode of the condemned and can also be used metaphorically to describe an extremely unpleasant or painful situation in daily life, much like the English word 'hell'.
Which one should you use?
While 地獄 is the standard term for the Buddhist concept of hell, 奈落 often carries a more literary or dramatic connotation of an inescapable abyss or a bottomless pit. 奈落 also carries the meaning of hell in a more abstract sense, referring to the Buddhist concept of the underworld.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
奈落 is used in a more formal or abstract sense, whereas ヘル is a transliteration of the English word and is often used in informal settings such as anime and manga. For harsh exclamations, 畜生 and 糞 are considered informal and vulgar.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
jigoku
When do people say it?
In terms of interjections, 畜生 can be used as a harsh exclamation to express frustration or to insult someone's character and 糞 is a common vulgarity used to express anger or annoyance.
Did you know?
- In the world of traditional Japanese theater like Kabuki, the word 奈落 is used to refer to the space beneath the stage.
- The term 畜生 is used as a curse word, but its literal meaning refers to 'beasts' or 'animals', reflecting the Buddhist belief that humans can be reborn as animals for their sins.
- In Japanese culture, there are many specific types of 地獄 for different sins, such as the 'Hell of Ice' or the 'Hell of Fire', rather than just one single place.
Examples in context
- 地獄だった。It was hell.This sentence is useful for describing a terrible experience using 地獄.Tatoeba #8533869 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #8533242 by Amastan
- 地獄へようこそ。Welcome to hell!This sentence is useful for a welcoming phrase using 地獄.Tatoeba #1723894 by tommy_san, translation #435946 by Clavain
- 今宵、奈落の王が復活する。Tonight, the King of Hell returns.This sentence is useful for a dramatic or literary context using 奈落.Tatoeba #172337 by KK_kaku_, translation #242138 by pip
- この授業は地獄みたいに難しい。This class is as difficult as hell.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a scary movie together.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの映画の地獄の描写はすごいね。Kono eiga no jigoku no byousha wa sugoi ne.The depiction of hell in this movie is amazing.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね、ちょっと怖すぎるよ。Hontou da ne, chotto kowasugiru yo.True, it is a little too scary.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、そんなに怖がらなくて大丈夫だよ。Himari, sonna ni kowagaranakute daijoubu da yo.Himari, it is okay, you don't have to be so scared.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔が横にいてくれるから安心かな。Hiroto ga yoko ni ite kureru kara anshin kana.I feel safe because you are here by my side, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hell” translations and entries 地獄, 奈落, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
