Translation guide
The English word "savage" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean fierce, brutal, primitive, or harshly critical.
Describing someone or something as extremely violent, aggressive, or ferocious.
A standard adjective meaning ferocious or brutal. Used for people, animals, or behavior.
その犬は凶暴だった。
That dog was savage.
Emphasizes cruelty and lack of mercy. Often used for brutal acts.
彼は残忍な方法で敵を殺した。
He killed his enemy in a savage way.
Literary or formal term for ferocious, often used for wild animals.
獰猛な狼が森に現れた。
A savage wolf appeared in the forest.
Referring to a group or culture as lacking civilization, often with a negative or outdated connotation.
Means uncivilized or primitive. Can be used neutrally but may carry colonial overtones.
その探検家は未開の地を訪れた。
The explorer visited a savage land.
Barbaric or savage; often used to criticize behavior as uncultured.
彼らの習慣は野蛮だと思われている。
Their customs are considered savage.
Describing a comment or criticism that is extremely severe and unkind.
Means merciless or relentless. Commonly used for harsh criticism.
彼の批評は容赦なかった。
His review was savage.
Sharp, biting, or acerbic. Often used for pointed remarks.
彼女は辛辣なコメントを残した。
She left a savage comment.
Severe or harsh, often used for criticism or scolding.
Modern slang use where 'savage' means cool, fearless, or brutally honest in an admirable way.
Younger Japanese speakers sometimes use the English loanword サベージ (sabēji) in casual contexts, but it's not universally understood. Often better to describe the action as 大胆 (daring) or 容赦ない (merciless) depending on nuance.
あの返信、サベージだったね。
That reply was savage.
彼の大胆な行動はすごかった。
His savage move was amazing.
The slang meaning of 'savage' (cool, ruthless) does not have a direct Japanese equivalent. Using 野蛮 or 凶暴 would sound like you're calling someone violent or uncivilized, not complimenting them.
凶暴 is the most general for ferocity. 残忍 emphasizes cruelty and moral judgment. 獰猛 is literary and often used for wild animals.
上司から手厳しい評価を受けた。
I received a savage evaluation from my boss.