サイコパス
saikopasu[sa̠iko̞pa̠sɨ]
The English phrase 'psycho' is translated into Japanese as サイコパス (saikopasu).
In Japanese, サイコパス is more frequently used to refer to the clinical concept of a psychopath. This differs from the English use of 'psycho,' which is often a slang insult.
Meaning: person acting in a bizarre or dangerous manner (noun)
Which one should you use?
While サイコパス refers to the clinical concept, the shortened form サイコ can be used as slang for 'psycho.' However, サイコ is also frequently used as shorthand for 'psychic' or 'psychological,' which can lead to ambiguity.
How do you pronounce it?
saikopasu
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, サイコパス is often used to describe a 'cool' or calculating character who is hyper-rational and devoid of emotion, rather than someone who is merely erratic.
- Because サイコ is common shorthand for 'psychic' in gaming and anime, calling someone a サイコ might lead a listener to think they have supernatural powers instead of being mentally unstable.
- The word サイコパス is written in katakana, which visually signals to a Japanese reader that the concept is an imported Western idea.
Examples in context
- 彼は精神異常者だと思われます。He is believed to be a psycho.
- あの人、サイコすぎ！That person is way too psycho!
- あの人はサイコパスかもしれない。Ano hito wa saikopasu kamoshirenai.That person might be a psycho.
- サイコパスのような行動は怖い。Saikopasu no you na koudou wa kowai.Acting like a psycho is scary.
- 彼はサイコパスではないようだ。Kare wa saikopasu de wa nai you da.He doesn't seem to be a psycho.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about a scary person they met.
- 美咲 Misakiさっきの人、本当に怖かったよね。Sakki no hito, hontou ni kowakatta yo ne.That person from earlier was really scary, wasn't he?
- 健太 Kentaああ、完全にサイコパスだったよ。Aa, kanzen ni saikopasu datta yo.Yeah, he was a total psycho.
- 美咲 Misakiもう二度と会いたくないわ。Mou nido to aitakunai wa.I never want to see him again.
- 健太 Kenta僕も同感だよ。Boku mo doukan da yo.I feel the same way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry サイコパス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
