Translation guide
The English phrase "ill will" refers to hostile feelings, resentment, or malice toward someone. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on whether you are describing a general feeling of animosity, a specific grudge, or malicious intent behind an action.
Expressing a general feeling of hostility, unfriendliness, or malice toward someone.
The most direct and common translation for "ill will" as a general concept of malice or spite. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼の発言には悪意が感じられた。
I sensed ill will in his remarks.
悪意のない冗談だった。
It was a joke without ill will.
Focuses on hostility or enmity, often implying a more active antagonism. Common in both speech and writing.
彼は私に対して敵意を持っているようだ。
He seems to harbor ill will toward me.
Refers to antipathy or resentment, often a reaction to someone's actions. Slightly less strong than 敵意.
彼の態度に反感を持った。
I felt ill will toward his attitude.
Describing a lingering feeling of resentment or a grudge against someone for a past wrong.
A grudge or deep-seated resentment. Often used in the phrase 恨みを持つ (to hold a grudge).
彼は私に恨みを持っている。
He bears ill will against me.
恨みを晴らす。
To satisfy one's ill will (take revenge).
A lingering grudge, often from a past conflict or defeat. More literary or formal than 恨み.
Indicating that an action was done with ill will or malicious intent, often in legal or formal contexts.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'with ill will' or 'maliciously'. Used when describing the intent behind an action.
彼は悪意を持って嘘を広めた。
He spread lies with ill will.
Means 'intentional' or 'deliberate', often implying ill will in legal contexts. Not inherently malicious, but used in contrast to negligence.
彼は故意に私の邪魔をした。
He deliberately obstructed me (with ill will).
悪意 is the broadest term for ill will or malice. 敵意 emphasizes active hostility or enmity. 恨み is a personal grudge or resentment, often over a long period.
Do not translate 'ill will' literally as 悪い意志. This is unnatural and not used in Japanese.
Ill will remains between the two parties.