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酷い
hidoi
terrible
彼の扱いは酷かった。
His treatment was terrible.
informal
extremely bad or unpleasant; causing great suffering or distress
この天気は酷いですね。
This weather is terrible, isn't it?
彼の態度は本当に酷い。
His attitude is really terrible.
Used to describe situations, behavior, or conditions that are harsh, cruel, or unbearable. Often conveys strong emotional disapproval.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 酷い vs. ひどい
'酷い' is slightly more formal and literary than 'ひどい', though both mean 'terrible'. '酷い' often implies a sense of cruelty or injustice, while 'ひどい' is more general. For example, '酷い扱い' (terrible treatment) suggests deliberate cruelty, while 'ひどい扱い' could mean simply poor treatment.
Gold Rule
Avoid overusing 酷い
While '酷い' is a strong word, avoid using it for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for truly severe or cruel situations to maintain its impact.
Word Origin
The word '酷い' (hidoi) originates from the kanji '酷' meaning 'cruel' or 'harsh'. It evolved from classical Japanese usage to describe extreme severity or harshness, eventually taking on the broader meaning of 'terrible' or 'awful' in modern Japanese.
Usage Notes
While '酷い' can describe anything extremely negative, it often carries a connotation of cruelty or injustice when referring to people's actions. It is a strong word and should be used with caution in formal contexts.
Word Breakdown
酷
harsh, cruel
rootい
adjectival suffix
suffix和英辞典