意地悪
ijiwaru[iʑiβ̞a̠ɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, the word for mean is 意地悪 (ijiwaru).
The term 意地悪 is used to convey the meaning of someone being mean or malicious. While it often refers to petty or unkind behavior, it is distinct from terms like 冷酷 (cold-hearted or merciless) or 嫌味 (mean-spirited comments or sarcastic remarks).
Meaning: of a word: to signify (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 意地悪 often refers to petty or unkind behavior, the related form 腹黒い describes someone who is fundamentally deceitful or has a 'black heart' hidden behind a polite exterior.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 意地悪 as an adjective to describe a noun, such as 'a mean person', you must add the particle な to form 意地悪な (for example, 意地悪な人).
How do you pronounce it?
ijiwaru
Did you know?
- The term 腹黒い (black-bellied) used for deceitful people reflects a cultural belief that the stomach 腹 is the seat of a person's true intentions.
- While 意地悪 refers to being mean, the word 意地 by itself can actually be a positive trait, meaning 'willpower' or 'tenacity'.
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, the 意地悪 character trope is often used to signal a 'tsundere' personality, where meanness is a mask for affection.
Examples in context
- 意地悪しないで。Don't be mean.This sentence shows how to use 意地悪 to tell someone not to be mean.Tatoeba #2125059 by bunbuku, translation #1860514 by CK
- 人に意地悪して楽しい？Do you enjoy being mean to everyone?This sentence uses 意地悪 to ask if someone enjoys being mean to others.Tatoeba #9930943 by small_snow, translation #10204052 by terrywallwork
- そんな意地悪な顔しないでよ。Don't make such a mean face.This sentence uses 意地悪 to describe a mean face.Tatoeba #2665215 by tommy_san, translation #2665304 by WestofEden
- 彼女はいつも意地悪なことを言う。She always says mean things.
- 彼の冷酷な態度に驚いた。I was surprised by his mean attitude.
- 彼は嫌味な発言をすることが多い。He frequently makes mean comments.
- 彼は意地が悪い性格だ。He has a mean personality.
- 君は本当にひどいよ！You are really mean!
- いつも私をからかわないでよ！Stop teasing me all the time!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 意地悪, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
