腹黒(はらぐろ)い

はらぐろい
i-adjective
scheming; cunning; black-hearted
informalpersonality
Conjugation
AffirmativeNegative
Present腹黒(はらぐろ)い腹黒(はらぐろ)くない
Past腹黒(はらぐろ)かった腹黒(はらぐろ)くなかった
て form腹黒(はらぐろ)くて腹黒(はらぐろ)くなくて
Adverbial腹黒(はらぐろ)く—
Conditional ば腹黒(はらぐろ)ければ腹黒(はらぐろ)くなければ
Conditional たら腹黒(はらぐろ)かったら腹黒(はらぐろ)くなかったら
1. scheming; cunning; black-hearted; malicious
Having hidden malicious or selfish intentions while appearing friendly or innocent on the surface.
あの人(ひと)は腹黒(はらぐろ)い。
That person is scheming.
笑顔(えがお)の裏(うら)に腹黒(はらぐろ)い計算(けいさん)があった。
Behind the smile was cunning calculation.
腹黒(はらぐろ)いキャラクターが人気(にんき)だ。
The scheming character is popular.

Etymology

腹(はら) (belly, inner feelings) + 黒(くろ)い (black) - having a black belly, meaning dark hidden intentions.

Cultural note

In Japanese culture, the 腹(はら) (belly) is considered the seat of true feelings and intentions. A 'black belly' indicates hidden malice.

Usage

Strong negative term describing someone who:

  • Hides their true intentions
  • Manipulates others
  • Appears kind but is actually selfish

Common collocations

Related words

Related Words

Related: 裏表(うらおもて) (two-faced)
Synonym: 狡猾(こうかつ) (cunning, crafty)
Related: 打算的(ださんてき) (calculating)
general
Added 2026.1.21 9:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07500/07740_haraguroi