How to say 'Irony' or 'Sarcasm' in Japanese | 皮肉

word

Meaning

Irony, Sarcasm

Reading

Kanji

皮Skin 肉Meat

Explanation

The Japanese adjectival noun '皮肉 (ひにく)' can mean both 'sarcasm' and 'irony'. It is used to describe situations, remarks, or expressions that convey a meaning opposite to what is literally stated, often with a mocking or critical tone. For example: His sarcastic remark hurt her feelings「彼の皮肉な発言は彼女の気持ちを傷つけた」(かれのひにくなはつげんはかのじょのきもちをきずつけた). It's ironic that the firefighter's house burned down「消防士の家が燃えたのは皮肉だ」(しょうぼうしのいえがもえたのはひにくだ). The word can also be used to describe situations where the outcome is contrary to what was expected, highlighting a twist of fate or unexpected result.

Part Of Speech

adjectival noun

Kanji JLPT

N2

Kanji Grade

3

Frequency

7305

Composition

kanji

Handwriting