Japanese Conversation · Level 25
90 words
Japanese word
ずるい
Pronunciation
Romajizurui
Meaning
- i-adjectiveunfair
Example
その勝ち方はずるいです。so no ka chi kata wa zu ru i de su
That way of winning is unfair.
More examples
人の答えを盗み見るのはずるいです。hito no kota e o nusu mi mi ru no wa zu ru i de su
It is unfair to peek at someone else's answers.
Core concept
Describes taking or keeping an advantage by ignoring fairness, honesty, or expected rules.
Common phrases
ずるいことをするzu ru i ko to o su ru
do something unfair
ずるいやり方zu ru i ya ri kata
a sneaky way
ずるい手を使うzu ru i te o tsuka u
use a dirty trick
ずるい人zu ru i hito
a dishonest person
Similar words
汚いkitanai: Describes a method or action that breaks accepted rules or uses an unfair advantage.
せこいsekoi: Describes a petty or mean way of gaining an advantage through a small trick.
悪賢いwarugashikoi: Describes cleverness used to deceive others or gain an advantage.
Definition in Japanese
不公平なやり方で自分に有利な結果を得ようとするさま。fu kō hei na ya ri kata de ji bun ni yū ri na kek ka o e yō to su ru sa ma
Word origin
The native Japanese adjective ずるい (zurui, "unfair") is formed from ずる (zuru, "dishonest conduct") and い (i), an adjective ending.
Usage tips
- Among native speakers, ずるい (zurui) often works as a playful complaint about someone else's advantage, so it can sound lighter than a direct accusation of dishonesty.