残酷(ざんこく)な

Describes cruelty that is deliberate or inherent in a situation, often involving pain or suffering imposed on others. Stronger and more visceral than simply being unkind.

Common collocations

• 残酷(ざんこく)な仕打(しう)ち: cruel treatment
• 残酷(ざんこく)な運命(うんめい): cruel fate
• 残酷(ざんこく)な現実(げんじつ): harsh reality
• 残酷(ざんこく)な刑罰(けいばつ): cruel punishment

Similar words

• 酷(ひど)い: mean, terrible — more general and colloquial, covers a wider range from bad weather to unfair treatment
• 非情(ひじょう)な: heartless, cold-blooded — emphasizes lack of emotion rather than active cruelty
• 無慈悲(むじひ)な: merciless — focuses specifically on showing no mercy or compassion

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Used in both written and spoken Japanese. Common in news, literature, and discussions about social issues. The noun form 残酷(ざんこく) can also be used directly.