Translation and Meaning of: 冷酷 - reikoku

The Japanese word 「冷酷」 (reikoku) is often used to describe a person or behavior that is cold and insensitive. This word is composed of two kanji: 「冷」 (rei), which means "cold," and 「酷」 (koku), which means "cruel" or "severe." When combined, the kanji form an expression that denotes a quality of emotional coldness combined with cruelty.

The etymology of kanji is quite interesting. The kanji 「冷」 (rei) is composed of the radical 氷 ("ice") which suggests a low temperature or something that is cold to the touch. On the other hand, the kanji 「酷」 (koku) includes the radical 酉, which is related to fermentation and often connotes intensity or excess, thus implying something that is excessively harsh or relentless. This combination provides a clear understanding of the thrilling coldness that characterizes someone who is considered 「冷酷」.

In Japanese society, the word 「冷酷」 (reikoku) is often associated with people whose actions demonstrate a lack of empathy or compassion, and can be used in contexts ranging from fiction to personal confrontations in everyday life. In literary narratives, characters described as 「冷酷」 often play antagonist roles, enhancing the drama and conflict in the story. This nuance adds a rich cultural meaning to the word, highlighting its use to express disdain or disapproval.

In addition to its applicability regarding personal characteristics, the term 「冷酷」 can also describe events or actions that are perceived as ruthless or inhumane. For example, business decisions that ignore the well-being of employees in favor of profit can be considered 「冷酷」, reflecting the severity and insensitivity of those actions. Thus, the use of 「冷酷」 in everyday language offers a window to explore the complexity of human relationships through the lens of Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 冷淡 (Reitan) - Indifference; apathy.
• 無情 (Mujou) - Without compassion; cruel.
• 冷静 (Reisei) - Calm; emotional tranquility, often associated with a state of rational alertness.
• 冷血 (Reiketsu) - Cold heart; lack of emotion towards others.
• 冷酷無比 (Reikokubuhibi) - Incomparably cruel; extremely without emotions or compassion.

冷酷

Romaji: reikoku
Kana: れいこく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: cruelty; cold heart; relentless; relentless

Meaning in English: cruelty;coldheartedness;relentless;ruthless

Definition: Being insensitive and callous, disregarding the feelings and suffering of others.

Example Sentences - (冷酷) reikoku

See below some example sentences:

彼は冷酷な人間だ。

Kare wa reikoku na ningen da

He is a cruel person.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 冷酷 - Japanese adjective that means "cruel" or "ruthless".
• な - Japanese particle that functions as an adjective
• 人間 - Japanese noun that means "human being"
• だ - Japanese verb that means "to be"