受動攻撃的
judō kōgekiteki
The English phrase "passive aggressive" is translated into Japanese as 受動攻撃的 (judō kōgekiteki).
受動攻撃的 describes showing indirect resistance to others through subtle insults or stubbornness instead of expressing anger openly. While this direct translation exists, it is often used in psychological or academic contexts rather than in casual daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase as an adjective to modify a noun, such as when saying "a passive aggressive person" (受動攻撃的な人), you must add the particle な (na) after it.
How do you pronounce it?
judō kōgekiteki
Did you know?
- In a casual setting, rather than using the clinical 受動攻撃的, people might describe such behavior as 陰湿 (inshitsu), which literally means 'gloomy and damp' to describe someone's treacherous character.
- While 受動攻撃的 is a direct translation, Japanese culture historically values honne (true feelings) and tatemae (public face). Much of what English speakers call 'passive aggression' is seen in Japan as the standard use of tatemae.
- The word 攻撃 (kōgeki) used in this phrase is the same word used in video games for 'attack' or 'strike', making the phrase sound much more combative in Japanese than it does in English.
Examples in context
- 彼は受動攻撃的な態度をとる。Kare wa judō kōgekiteki na taido o toru.He adopts a passive aggressive attitude.
- そんな受動攻撃的な言い方はやめて。Sonna judō kōgekiteki na iikata wa yamete.Stop using that passive aggressive way of speaking.
- 彼女の態度は少し受動攻撃的だ。Kanojo no taido wa sukoshi judō kōgekiteki da.Her attitude is a bit passive aggressive.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are discussing a coworker's behavior at the office.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さん、同僚のあの言い方、気になりますか？Hiroto-san, dōryō no ano iikata, ki ni narimasu ka?Hiroto, does that coworker's way of speaking bother you?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい。すごく受動攻撃的で疲れます。Hai. Sugoku judō kōgeki-teki de tsukaremasu.Yes. They are so passive aggressive that it's exhausting.
- 結衣 Yui直接言ってくれた方がいいですよね。Chokusetsu itte kureta hō ga ii desu yo ne.It would be better if they just said it directly, right?
- 大翔 Hiroto本当にそうだと思います。Hontō ni sō da to omoimasu.I really think so too.
