卑 怯(ひきょう)

ひきょう

na-adjective, noun

cowardly, unfair

descriptive

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

臆病(おくびょう) - timid, fearful (no moral judgment)
狡(ずる)い - sly, cunning
意気地(いくじ)なし - spineless

Related Words

Compare: 臆病(おくびょう) (timid, fearful)

Synonym: 狡(ずる)い (sly, cunning (milder))

Compare: 意気地(いくじ)なし (spineless)

Compare: 姑息(こそく) (stopgap)

general

Added 2026.1.14 9:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02

04000/04345_hikyou