地 獄(じごく)

じごく

noun

hell, inferno

1. hell, the underworld

In Buddhist cosmology, the realm of suffering where the wicked are sent after death to atone for their sins. Governed by 閻魔(えんま) (King Yama).

地獄(じごく)に落(お)ちる。

To fall into hell.

地獄(じごく)の絵(え)が寺(てら)の壁(かべ)に描(えが)かれていた。

Paintings of hell were depicted on the temple walls.

嘘(うそ)をつくと地獄(じごく)で閻魔(えんま)さまに舌(した)を抜(ぬ)かれるよ。

If you lie, King Yama will pull out your tongue in hell.

2. hell, nightmare, terrible situation

A situation of extreme suffering, hardship, or misery. Used figuratively for any unbearable experience.

毎日(まいにち)残業(ざんぎょう)で地獄(じごく)だ。

Working overtime every day is hell.

試験(しけん)前(まえ)の一週間(いっしゅうかん)は地獄(じごく)のようだった。

The week before the exam was like hell.

満員(まんいん)電車(でんしゃ)の通勤(つうきん)ラッシュはまさに地獄(じごく)だ。

The commuter rush on packed trains is truly hell.

Cultural note

In Japanese Buddhist tradition, 地獄(じごく) consists of multiple layers with different punishments. Children are often told that liars will have their tongues pulled out by 閻魔(えんま)大王(だいおう) (King Yama). 地獄(じごく)絵(え) (hell paintings) in temples served as moral warnings.

Common expressions

地獄(じごく)に仏(ほとけ): lit. "a Buddha in hell" — finding unexpected help in a desperate situation
地獄(じごく)の沙汰(さた)も金(かね)次第(しだい): lit. "even hell's judgment depends on money" — money talks

Common collocations

地獄(じごく)に落(お)ちる: to fall into hell
地獄(じごく)のような: hellish, like hell
地獄(じごく)絵図(えず): hellish scene

Related Words

Antonym: 天国(てんごく) (heaven)

Compare: 冥土(めいど) (the underworld)

general

Added 2026.2.19 22:40 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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