noun
Abstract moral evil, often contrasted with 善 (good). Used in philosophical, religious, and everyday contexts.
Antonyms: 善
善と悪の区別を教える。
Teach the distinction between good and evil.
彼は悪の道に進んでしまった。
He went down the path of evil.
noun
Refers to the role of the antagonist in stories, plays, or movies. Often used in phrases like 悪役 (villain role).
この映画では彼が悪を演じている。
He plays the villain in this movie.
物語には必ず悪が必要だ。
A story always needs a villain.
The kanji 悪 is composed of 心 (heart) and 亞 (subordinate), originally suggesting a twisted or inferior heart. The reading あく is the on'yomi, derived from Middle Chinese.