Translation guide
Cynicism in English can refer to a general distrust of people's motives, a belief that people are selfish, or a sarcastic, mocking attitude. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent. The best choice depends on whether you mean a personality trait, a philosophical stance, or a specific remark.
Expressing a general belief that people act only out of self-interest, not from genuine kindness or ideals.
Often used for a cynical attitude or remark that points out the gap between ideals and reality. Can be a noun or na-adjective.
彼の皮肉な笑いが忘れられない。
I can't forget his cynical laugh.
彼女は政治に対して皮肉な見方をしている。
She has a cynical view of politics.
Direct loanword from English 'cynicism'. Used mainly in academic or philosophical contexts, or to describe a modern cynical attitude. Less common in daily conversation.
現代社会にはシニシズムが広がっている。
Cynicism is spreading in modern society.
Literally 'cold laugh'; implies a sneering, cynical attitude. Often used in written language.
彼の提案は冷笑をもって迎えられた。
His proposal was met with cynicism.
Means a suspicious or distrustful mindset. Closer to 'suspicion' but can overlap with cynicism when referring to a deep distrust of others' motives.
彼の猜疑心が強いので、誰も信用しない。
His cynicism is so strong that he trusts no one.
A specific statement that shows disbelief in sincerity or mocks idealism.
Also used for a sarcastic or cynical remark. Very common.
それは皮肉ですか？
Is that cynicism? / Are you being sarcastic?
彼はいつも皮肉ばかり言う。
He always makes cynical remarks.
A snide or spiteful remark, often with a cynical undertone. More negative and personal than 皮肉.
Referring to the Cynic philosophers like Diogenes, who rejected social conventions.
The specific term for ancient Greek Cynicism. Rarely used outside academic contexts.
ディオゲネスは犬儒主義の代表的な哲学者だ。
Diogenes is a representative philosopher of Cynicism.
Another term for the Cynic school, from Greek 'kynikos'. Very specialized.
キュニコス派の思想はストア派に影響を与えた。
Cynicism influenced Stoicism.
皮肉 is the most common and versatile word for everyday cynicism or sarcasm. シニシズム is a loanword used for the abstract concept, often in sociology or criticism. 冷笑 emphasizes a cold, mocking attitude and is more literary.
English 'cynicism' and 'sarcasm' overlap, but in Japanese 皮肉 covers both. If you specifically mean a sharp, ironic remark, 皮肉 is fine. For a general distrustful outlook, 皮肉 or シニシズム work depending on context.
彼女の嫌味にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with her cynicism.