Translation and Meaning of: 意地悪 - ijiwaru

The Japanese word 意地悪 (いじわる) is one that you hear in dramas, mangas, or even in everyday life when someone is being "malicious" or "grumpy." If you’ve come across this term and are curious about its meaning, origin, or how to use it, this article will guide you through all of that — and even give you tips to memorize the kanji and ready-made phrases to practice in Anki. Here, in addition to unveiling the etymology and the pictogram, you will understand why the Japanese use this expression to describe everything from childhood teasing to genuinely cruel attitudes.

Etymology and Kanji: What does 意地悪 hide?

The term 意地悪 is composed of three kanji: 意 (intention), 地 (ground, nature), and 悪 (evil). Together, they paint the picture of someone who "puts malice in their way of being" — almost as if the person has a "bad mental ground." It's no wonder that the first kanji, 意, appears in words like 意思 (will) and 意見 (opinion), reinforcing the idea that the malice here is intentional.

An interesting detail is that, although 悪 alone means "evil," the combination with other kanji changes the tone. While 悪い (warui) is a generic adjective for "bad," 意地悪 carries a more personal, almost psychological nuance. It's as if it describes not an isolated act but a character trait. Anyone who has heard a Japanese person say "あの子、いじわるだね" (that kid is mean, huh?) knows that the word can sound even cute — or quite critical, depending on the context.

Everyday lies: When do the Japanese play a いじわる?

In Japan, 意地悪 is used for situations ranging from light ones—like a child hiding their sibling's snack—to more serious cases, like workplace bullying. A teacher from Kyoto told me that, in schools, students often use the verb いじわるする (to do mean things) for bad taste jokes, but also to accuse classmates of bullying. The line between "teasing" and "cruelty" here is thin, and the tone of voice makes all the difference.

Another common use is in relationships. A friend from Osaka once complained about his girlfriend with a "今日は意地悪だよ" (she's in a bad mood today), showing how the word can describe a temporary mood. In animes like "Chibi Maruko-chan," the protagonist often calls her sister 意地悪 when she is contradicted — proof that the term is versatile and even commonplace.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

If you want to remember いじわる, one tactic is to associate the kanji 意 with "hidden intention" (as in 意味, "meaning"). Meanwhile, 地悪 can be seen as "bad ground," a metaphor for "rotten character." A Japanese friend jokes that it's easy to remember because "those who are いじわる always have an 意地 (stubbornness) to do 悪 (evil)." It works like a semantic puzzle.

In Google, many people search for "意地悪類語" (synonyms) or "意地悪英語" (translation to English), but a less obvious curiosity is that the term appears in searches like "意地悪好き" (liking to be mean) — a fetish quite common in Japanese romances. And if you want to practice, write down this phrase for Anki: 意地悪をやめて！ (Stop being mean!). It sounds natural and fits well in romantic comedy fights.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

意地悪 (ijiwaru) - Malevolent, cruel, someone who enjoys harming others.
悪意ある (akui aru) - With bad intention, dishonest.
悪質な (akushitsu na) - Malicious, harmful, of bad nature.
陰湿な (inshitsu na) - Subtly malicious, attacking in a hidden way.
ひねくれた (hinekurita) - Contrary, bitter, opposing; it can indicate a negative personality.
陰険な (inken na) - Sly, treacherous, someone who acts in a surreptitious manner.
ひねくれた性格の (hinekurita seikaku no) - With a contrary, negative personality.
陰湿な性格の (inshitsu na seikaku no) - With a subtly mischievous personality.
悪質な性格の (akushitsu na seikaku no) - With a mischievous and harmful personality.
ひねくれた性格の持ち主の (hinekurita seikaku no mochinushi no) - Owner of a bitter or contrary personality.
陰湿な性格の持ち主の (inshitsu na seikaku no mochinushi no) - Owner of a subtly malicious personality.