Translation guide
The English word 'grudge' refers to a persistent feeling of resentment or ill will, often stemming from a past wrong. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on whether you're talking about the emotional state, the act of holding it, or the specific grievance.
Describing the feeling of resentment or ill will that one harbors over time.
The most common and direct noun for a grudge or deep-seated resentment. Often used in phrases like 'to hold a grudge'.
彼は私に恨みを持っているようだ。
He seems to hold a grudge against me.
長年の恨みが爆発した。
Years of resentment finally exploded.
A very common idiomatic phrase meaning 'to hold a grudge' or 'to bear a grudge,' emphasizing that the person doesn't forget past wrongs.
彼女はいつまでも根に持つタイプだ。
She's the type who holds grudges forever.
そんな小さなことを根に持たないで。
Don't hold a grudge over such a small thing.
A more formal or literary term for a deep-seated grudge, often implying a long-standing feud or lingering resentment from the past.
両家の間には深い遺恨がある。
There is a deep grudge between the two families.
A very strong, almost supernatural grudge or deep-seated malice, often associated with curses or vengeful spirits. Rare in everyday conversation.
彼の怨念がこの世に残っている。
His vengeful spirit remains in this world.
Expressing the act of holding or harboring a grudge against someone.
The verb form meaning 'to bear a grudge' or 'to resent.' Often used in the passive or continuous form to describe an ongoing state.
彼は上司を恨んでいる。
He bears a grudge against his boss.
恨まれるようなことはしていない。
I haven't done anything to make people hold a grudge against me.
An alternative kanji for 恨む, often carrying a stronger, more literary or dramatic nuance of deep resentment or cursing. Rarely used in modern writing.
Referring to the reason or incident that caused the grudge.
A compound word listing accumulated grievances and bitter feelings, often used when someone airs all their past resentments.
彼は酔うと恨みつらみを言い始める。
When he gets drunk, he starts airing all his grievances.
Can also refer to the specific grudge or feud itself, especially in historical or dramatic contexts.
English phrases like 'I have a grudge' are not directly translated as '私は恨みがある.' Instead, use natural patterns like '恨みを持っている' or '根に持っている.'
恨み is a noun for the grudge itself, while 根に持つ is a verb phrase focusing on the act of not forgetting and holding onto resentment. 根に持つ is more colloquial and common in daily speech.
彼女はあの口論をまだ根に持っている。
She still holds a grudge from that argument.
He died resenting the world.
The match became an opportunity to settle the grudge from last time.