Meaning and Usage
"残酷" (ざんこく) means cruelty or harshness, often describing actions, situations, or realities that are merciless or brutal. It is a formal and somewhat strong word used in serious contexts such as describing violence, war, or harsh treatment.
Common Collocations
- 残酷な行動 (ざんこくなこうどう): cruel behavior
- 残酷な現実 (ざんこくなげんじつ): cruel reality
- 戦争の残酷さ (せんそうのざんこくさ): cruelty of war
These collocations emphasize the merciless or harsh nature of the subject.
Usage Notes
"残酷" is typically used in written or formal spoken Japanese rather than casual conversation. It often conveys a strong emotional judgment about the severity or inhumanity of something.
Learners sometimes confuse "残酷" with "ひどい" (terrible) or "怖い" (scary), but "残酷" specifically highlights cruelty or mercilessness rather than general badness or fear.
Use "残酷" when you want to emphasize the harshness or brutality of an action or situation, especially in serious or moral contexts.