卑怯(ひきょう)

ひきょう
na-adjective, noun
cowardly, unfair
See also: 秘境(ひきょう) (unexplored region)
1. cowardly, unfair, mean, sneaky
Lacking courage or acting in a dishonest, underhanded way that takes unfair advantage.
卑怯(ひきょう)な手(て)を使(つか)うな。
Don't use underhanded tactics.
後(うし)ろから襲(おそ)うなんて卑怯(ひきょう)だ。
Attacking from behind is cowardly.
相手(あいて)がいないところで悪口(わるぐち)を言(い)うのは卑怯(ひきょう)なやり方(かた)だ。
Talking badly about someone behind their back is a cowardly way to act.

USAGE: 卑怯(ひきょう) carries a strong moral judgment, implying not just cowardice but also unfairness and lack of honor.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 卑怯(ひきょう)な + noun (cowardly/unfair ~)
  • 卑怯(ひきょう)だ (is cowardly)
  • 卑怯(ひきょう)な手(て)/やり方(かた) (underhanded tactics)
  • 卑怯者(ひきょうもの) (coward)

NUANCE: 卑怯(ひきょう) is stronger than 臆病(おくびょう) (timid). 臆病(おくびょう) simply means being fearful, while 卑怯(ひきょう) implies moral failing - being unfair, sneaky, or dishonorable.

SIMILAR WORDS:

Related Words

Contrast: 臆病(おくびょう) (timid, fearful)
Synonym: 狡(ずる)い (sly, cunning (milder))
general
Added 2026.1.14 9:58 · Revised 2026.5.31 6:10
04000/04345_hikyou