Translation guide
The English word "fierce" covers intensity, aggression, and strength. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean a fierce animal, a fierce battle, fierce heat, or a fierce determination. This guide breaks down the main meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something or someone that is violently aggressive, savage, or prone to attack.
The most common word for a fierce animal or person; implies savagery and ferocity.
あの犬は獰猛だから気をつけて。
That dog is fierce, so be careful.
Emphasizes brutal violence; often used for criminals or dangerous animals.
凶暴な熊が村を襲った。
A fierce bear attacked the village.
Can mean fierce in the sense of violent intensity, but more commonly used for non-living things like heat or opposition.
猛烈な反対に遭った。
We faced fierce opposition.
Describing something that is very strong in degree, such as heat, competition, or criticism.
The most versatile word for 'fierce' in the sense of intense or violent. Works for battles, competition, emotions, weather, etc.
激しい競争が繰り広げられている。
Fierce competition is unfolding.
今日は日差しが激しい。
The sunlight is fierce today.
Often used for heat, opposition, or a fierce attack. Stronger than 激しい in some contexts.
Used for extremely fierce battles or competition; somewhat literary.
Describing a person's strong will, determination, or intense expression.
Often used for a fierce look or glare; literally 'sharp'.
彼は鋭い目つきで睨んだ。
He glared with fierce eyes.
Describes a fierce, almost demonic intensity in expression or atmosphere.
鬼気迫る表情で迫ってきた。
He approached with a fierce expression.
Full of fighting spirit; fierce determination.
彼は闘志満々で試合に臨んだ。
He faced the match with fierce determination.
Describing strong, passionate loyalty or dedication.
Literally 'loyalty is thick'; a natural way to express fierce loyalty.
彼は会社に忠誠心が厚い。
He is fiercely loyal to the company.
Passionate, fervent; can describe fierce support or devotion.
熱烈なファンに支えられている。
Supported by fierce fans.
激しい (hageshii) is the most general and can be used for many types of intensity. 猛烈 (mōretsu) is stronger and often used for heat, speed, or attacks. 獰猛 (dōmō) is specifically for the ferocity of animals or people.
獰猛 (dōmō) implies a living creature's savagery. Using it for heat or competition would sound unnatural. Use 激しい or 猛烈 instead.
猛烈な暑さで倒れそうだ。
I feel like I'm going to collapse from the fierce heat.
A fierce battle continues.