Translation guide
The English word "vicious" covers several distinct meanings: cruel/violent behavior, aggressive animals, severe criticism, and intense/destructive natural forces. Japanese uses different words for each nuance.
Describing a person, action, or behavior that is deliberately cruel, violent, or brutal.
The most direct equivalent for 'vicious' in the sense of cruel and brutal. Used for people, acts, or nature.
彼は残忍な犯罪者だ。
He is a vicious criminal.
The attack was vicious.
Emphasizes heinousness and wickedness, often used for crimes or criminals.
凶悪な事件が発生した。
A vicious crime occurred.
Fierce and brutal, often used for animals or primitive violence. Can sound literary.
獰猛な獣が村を襲った。
A vicious beast attacked the village.
Describing an animal that is prone to attacking or biting.
Commonly used for animals that are wild, aggressive, and dangerous.
あの犬は狂暴だから近づかないで。
That dog is vicious, so don't go near it.
Fierce and ferocious, often for wild animals. Slightly more formal/literary than 狂暴な.
獰猛な熊に遭遇した。
We encountered a vicious bear.
Describing words, criticism, or verbal attacks that are extremely harsh, cruel, or intended to hurt.
Implies malicious intent and harmful nature. Used for criticism, rumors, or attacks.
彼は悪質な噂を流した。
He spread vicious rumors.
悪質な批判を受けた。
I received vicious criticism.
Sharp, biting, and severe criticism. Focuses on the harshness of the words.
彼の辛辣な言葉に傷ついた。
I was hurt by his vicious words.
Describing something like a storm, wind, or cycle that is extremely intense and destructive.
Very intense, violent, or severe. Commonly used for storms, heat, or attacks.
猛烈な嵐が街を襲った。
A vicious storm hit the town.
Violent, intense, fierce. A versatile word for natural forces, emotions, or competition.
激しい風が吹いている。
A vicious wind is blowing.
The English phrase 'vicious cycle' is a fixed expression. Do not translate it word-for-word as 残忍な循環 or similar. Use the set phrase 悪循環 (あくじゅんかん).
残忍 (ざんにん) is for cruel, brutal acts by people. 狂暴 (きょうぼう) is for aggressive, dangerous animals. 悪質 (あくしつ) is for malicious, harmful words or actions. Choose based on the target of the viciousness.
Literally 'poisonous', used for venomous, spiteful language. Strongly negative.
毒々しい悪口を言う。
To say vicious insults.
Literally 'vicious cycle/circle'. A set phrase for a self-reinforcing negative situation.
貧困と病気の悪循環に陥っている。
They are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and disease.