Japanese word

冷酷

Pronunciation

Romajireikoku

Meaning

  • na-adjectivecruel

Example

その王は冷酷な人です。so no ō wa rei koku na hito de su

That king is cruel.

Illustration for 冷酷 (cruel)

More examples

その指導者は反対意見を述べた市民を冷酷に扱いました。so no shi dō sha wa han tai i ken o no be ta shi min o rei koku ni atsuka i ma shi ta

The leader treated the citizens who voiced opposing opinions cruelly.

Core concept

Expresses a lack of human warmth that makes a person or action seem merciless.

Common phrases

  • 冷酷な仕打ちrei koku na shi u chi

    cruel treatment

  • 冷酷な判断rei koku na han dan

    ruthless decision

  • 冷酷に扱うrei koku ni atsuka u

    treat cruelly

Similar words

残酷zankoku: Causes severe suffering or shows a willingness to cause it.
無慈悲mujihi: Shows no mercy or compassion toward those who suffer.
非情hijō: Lacks human feeling when judging or treating others.
冷淡reitan: Shows little emotional warmth or concern for others.

Definition in Japanese

相手の苦しみを顧慮せず、情け容赦のないさま。ai te no kuru shi mi o ko ryo se zu nasa ke yō sha no na i sa ma

Word origin

冷酷 (reikoku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 冷 (rei, "cold") and 酷 (koku, "severe"), which together suggest merciless severity.

Usage tips

  • 冷酷 (reikoku) is a formal word that can describe both a person's character and the way an action or decision treats others.

Other meanings

  • coldheartedna-adjective
  • ruthlessna-adjective
  • crueltynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 冷酷さreikokusacrueltynoun

Word lists with this word