憤慨

ふんがい

indignation, resentment

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"憤慨" (ふんがい) expresses a strong feeling of indignation or resentment, often in response to injustice or unfairness. It is a formal and somewhat literary word, commonly used in written language or formal speech rather than casual conversation.

Common Contexts

You will often see "憤慨" used when describing reactions to unethical behavior, unfair treatment, or social issues that provoke moral outrage. It conveys a deeper emotional response than simple annoyance.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 憤慨する: to feel indignation or resentment
  • 憤慨のあまり: so indignant that...
  • 憤慨を覚える: to feel indignation

These patterns emphasize the emotional intensity and are often used in news reports, essays, or formal discussions.

Usage Tips

Because "憤慨" is formal, in everyday conversation, people might use words like "怒る" (to get angry) or "腹が立つ" (to be upset) instead. Avoid using "憤慨" in casual settings to sound natural.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "憤慨" with simple anger words. Remember, "憤慨" implies a moral or ethical dimension to the anger, often linked to injustice or unfairness, not just any anger.

Example Sentences

かれのふせいこういにおおくのひとがふんがいした。

Many people were indignant about his misconduct.

ふんがいのあまりこえをあらげてしまった。

I raised my voice out of indignation.

かのじょはふこうへいなあつかいにふんがいしている。

She is indignant about the unfair treatment.