Meaning and Usage
"卑怯" (ひきょう) refers to cowardice, meanness, or unfairness. It often describes actions or behavior that lack honor or fairness, such as cheating or attacking someone unfairly.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used to criticize someone's behavior in competitive or confrontational situations, like sports, arguments, or conflicts. It carries a negative judgment about the person's character or tactics.
Collocations and Patterns
- 卑怯な行為 (ひきょうなこうい): cowardly or unfair act
- 卑怯な手を使う (ひきょうなてをつかう): to use unfair tricks
- 卑怯にも + verb: to do something in a cowardly or unfair way
Register and Nuance
"卑怯" is a strong negative word and is usually used in informal or semi-formal contexts to express disapproval. It is not a polite term and can sound harsh if used directly to someone.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "卑怯" with simple fear or shyness, but it specifically implies unfairness or dishonorable cowardice rather than just being scared.