Translation guide
Describes an act that is shockingly evil or atrocious. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives and descriptive phrases emphasizing extreme wickedness, cruelty, or brutality.
To describe a crime, act, or behavior as shockingly evil and morally repugnant.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'heinous,' used for crimes and acts of extreme evil. Often appears in news and formal contexts.
彼は凶悪な犯罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for a heinous crime.
Emphasizes cruelty and brutality. Suitable for acts that are both evil and merciless.
その殺人事件は残忍な手口で行われた。
The murder was carried out in a heinous manner.
A strong, emphatic phrase meaning 'atrocious and inhuman.' Used for the most depraved acts, often in dramatic or literary contexts.
これは極悪非道な行為だ。
This is a heinous act.
Means 'malicious' or 'vicious.' Less intense than 'heinous' but can be used for deliberately harmful acts, especially in legal or formal contexts.
悪質ないたずらが多発している。
Heinous pranks are occurring frequently.
To emphasize the physical cruelty or violence of an act.
Focuses on cruelty and the infliction of suffering. Commonly used for violent acts.
残酷な拷問の跡があった。
There were signs of heinous torture.
An adjective meaning 'cruel,' 'brutal,' or 'merciless.' Often used in spoken language to express shock at violence.
むごい殺され方をした。
He was killed in a heinous way.
Describes a scene or act as gruesome and horrifying. Often used for crime scenes or accidents.
凄惨な現場だった。
It was a heinous scene.
To express strong moral condemnation, often beyond physical violence.
Means 'unforgivable.' Conveys the moral outrage associated with heinous acts.
彼の行為は許しがたい。
His actions are heinous.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'outrageous' or 'unspeakable.' Strongly condemns an act as beyond words.
それは言語道断な振る舞いだ。
That is heinous behavior.
Means 'detestable' or 'abominable.' Used for acts that inspire hatred.
憎むべき犯罪が増えている。
Heinous crimes are increasing.
English 'heinous' is a strong, somewhat formal word. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; instead, choose an adjective based on the specific nuance (evil, cruel, unforgivable). Using 凶悪な is the safest default for crimes.
凶悪な事件
a heinous incident
凶悪な (kyōaku na) emphasizes evil and threat, often used for criminals. 残忍な (zannin na) stresses cruelty and lack of mercy. 残酷な (zankoku na) focuses on the suffering caused. Choose based on the aspect you want to highlight.
彼は凶悪な犯罪を犯した。
He committed a heinous crime.
その行為の残忍さに皆が衝撃を受けた。
The heinous nature of the act shocked everyone.