ずるい
zurui[d͡zɨɾɯ̟i]
The Japanese word for "sneaky" is ずるい (zurui).
ずるい is an adjective meaning dishonest or deceitful. While the English word "sneaky" often implies physical stealth or hiding, ずるい focuses more on a lack of integrity or the unfairness of a person's actions or logic.
Meaning: dishonest, deceitful (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this adjective as a noun phrase meaning "a sneaky person", place it directly before the noun hito (person) to form ずるい人.
How do you pronounce it?
zurui
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, ずるい! can be used as a flirtatious exclamation when a partner does something unexpectedly romantic or bold.
- Japanese has a distinct difference between ずるい, which refers to unfairness or cunning, and こっそり, which refers to the actual physical act of being sneaky or secretive.
- Using ずるい toward a superior, such as a boss or teacher, is a massive social faux pas, as it attacks their moral integrity rather than just their tactics.
Examples in context
- 彼女はずるい手で勝利をつかんだ。She achieved victory with a sneaky trick.
- そんなの、ずるいよ。Sonna no, zurui yo.That's sneaky.
- 彼はずるい方法で勝った。Kare wa zurui houhou de katta.He won using a deceitful method.
- ずるいことはやめなさい。Zurui koto wa yamena sai.Stop being dishonest.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are playing a board game at home.
- 健太 Kentaえっ、今のルールは知らないよ！E, ima no ruuru wa shiranai yo!What, I didn't know that rule!
- 結衣 Yui健太くん、それはずるいよ。Kenta-kun, sore wa zurui yo.Kenta, that's sneaky.
- 健太 Kentaごめん、わざとじゃないんだ。Gomen, wazato janai n da.Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose.
- 結衣 Yui次はちゃんとルールを守ってね。Tsugi wa chanto ruuru o mamotte ne.Follow the rules properly next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ずるい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
