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B1 noun #7,000 most common 8 min read

復讐

fukushu Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 復讐 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 復讐 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '復讐' (fukushuu) is generally too advanced to use in daily conversation, but you might encounter it in simple anime titles or manga. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to distinguish it from the very common word '復習' (fukushuu), which means 'to review.' At this level, you should focus on the sound and the idea that it means 'revenge.' You don't need to worry about the complex kanji yet. Just remember: if you are talking to a teacher about your homework, you want 'review' (復習), not 'revenge' (復讐)! Simple sentences would look like 'That is revenge' (それは復讐です).

For A2 learners, you can start to recognize '復讐' as a noun used in stories. You might see it in sentences like 'He wants revenge' (彼は復讐したいです). You should learn that this word is 'heavy' and not for small things like a friend taking your pen. You should also be aware of the verb form '復讐する' (to take revenge). At this level, you can begin to notice the word in movie descriptions or simple news headlines. It's helpful to know that 'fukushuu' is the word for the big, dramatic revenge you see on TV.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '復讐' correctly in context. This includes knowing the common verb pairings like '復讐を誓う' (to vow revenge) and '復讐を果たす' (to achieve revenge). You should understand the difference between '復讐' and '仕返し' (shikaeshi), using the former for serious grievances and the latter for minor ones. You are also expected to recognize the kanji: 復 (return) and 讐 (enemy). You can discuss the plot of a book or movie using this word and understand its emotional weight in Japanese culture.

B2 learners should have a nuanced understanding of '復讐.' You should be able to use it in passive constructions (復讐される) and understand compound words like '復讐心' (vengeful heart) or '復讐劇' (revenge drama). You should also be able to distinguish '復讐' from more formal terms like '報復' (houfuku - retaliation) used in news and politics. At this level, you can analyze characters' motivations in literature or film using the word and discuss the moral implications of revenge versus forgiveness in Japanese.

At the C1 level, you should understand the historical and literary depth of '復讐.' This includes its relationship with '仇討ち' (adauchi) and the legal/social history of revenge in the Edo period. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated writing and debate, exploring themes of justice, retribution, and the psychological effects of 'fukushuushin.' Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions and rare collocations. You should also be comfortable reading complex kanji associated with the word in classical or academic texts.

C2 proficiency implies a near-native grasp of '復讐' in all its forms. You can appreciate the word's use in high literature, such as the works of Mishima or Natsume Soseki, where revenge is often a subtle or philosophical theme. You understand the phonetic and rhythmic impact of the word in poetry or dramatic monologues. You can switch effortlessly between 'fukushuu,' 'houfuku,' 'henpou,' and other synonyms depending on the precise register and nuance required. You are also aware of how the concept of revenge has evolved in the Japanese legal system and modern social consciousness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

復讐 in 30 Seconds

Fukushuu (復讐) is the Japanese word for 'revenge' or 'vengeance,' typically used for serious, life-altering grievances rather than minor daily slights or pranks.
It functions as a noun or a 'suru' verb (復讐する) and often appears in dramatic contexts like anime, movies, and historical samurai stories.
Commonly confused with its homophone 'fukushuu' (復習), which means 'to review' or 'study,' making kanji recognition essential for clear communication.
The word carries a heavy, dark nuance and is associated with terms like 'fukushuushin' (vengeful heart) and 'fukushuugeki' (revenge drama or tragedy).

The Japanese word 復讐 (ふくしゅう - fukushuu) is a powerful and heavy noun that translates to 'revenge,' 'vengeance,' or 'retaliation.' It represents a deeply emotional and often calculated response to a perceived wrong, injury, or insult. Unlike simple pettiness, fukushuu often implies a significant scale of grievance, often seen in the context of life-altering events, family honor, or long-held grudges. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, this word carries a certain cinematic or literary weight, frequently appearing in historical dramas, anime, and suspense novels where the protagonist seeks justice outside the legal system.

Etymological Nuance: The first kanji, 復 (fuku), means 'to return,' 'to restore,' or 'to repeat.' The second kanji, 讐 (shuu), is a complex character meaning 'enemy' or 'adversary.' Together, they literally mean 'returning [something] to an enemy.' This suggests a cycle of action and reaction, a balancing of scales.
Social Context: In modern Japanese society, while the concept of 'fukushuu' is a staple of entertainment, it is socially discouraged in favor of harmony (wa) and legal resolution. However, the emotional resonance of the word remains strong, representing the primal human desire to see wrongdoers punished in kind.

彼は家族のために復讐を誓った。
(He vowed revenge for the sake of his family.)

When using this word, it is often paired with the verb する (suru) to become 'to take revenge.' It is distinct from the more common shikaeshi (仕返し), which can refer to smaller, everyday acts of getting back at someone, like a child hitting back after being teased. Fukushuu is the 'heavyweight' version of this concept.

その映画は復讐の物語だ。
(That movie is a story of revenge.)

Register and Tone: The word is formal and serious. You won't hear it in lighthearted banter unless it's being used hyperbolically or jokingly (e.g., 'I'll get revenge for you eating my pudding!'). In political or international contexts, the synonym 報復 (houfuku - retaliation) is more common.

In summary, fukushuu is a word of dark passion, justice, and cyclical conflict. It describes a deep-seated drive to repay pain with pain, often serving as the central engine for some of the world's most compelling narratives.

Using 復讐 (fukushuu) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a suru-verb. Because of its intense emotional weight, the surrounding grammar often emphasizes the duration, the intensity, or the finality of the act.

Common Verb Pairings

復讐を誓う (fukushuu o chikau): To vow/swear revenge.
復讐を果たす (fukushuu o hatasu): To achieve/carry out revenge.
復讐に燃える (fukushuu ni moeru): To be burning with a desire for revenge.
復讐を遂げる (fukushuu o togeru): To accomplish revenge (often after a long struggle).

彼は十年かけてついに復讐を果たした。
(He spent ten years and finally achieved his revenge.)

When used as a verb (復讐する), the target of the revenge is marked with the particle に (ni). This indicates the direction of the action. For example, 'to take revenge on the enemy' is teki ni fukushuu suru.

裏切った友人に復讐したいと思っている。
(I want to take revenge on the friend who betrayed me.)

Compound Nouns

復讐 is frequently combined with other nouns to create specific concepts:

復讐心 (fukushuushin): Vengeful spirit / desire for revenge.
復讐劇 (fukushuugeki): A revenge drama/story.
復讐鬼 (fukushuuki): A 'revenge demon' (someone obsessed with revenge).

In more abstract or academic discussions, fukushuu can be used to describe the concept of retribution. It is often contrasted with yurushi (forgiveness) in philosophical debates.

復讐は何も生まない。
(Revenge produces nothing.)

Finally, notice that fukushuu is rarely used in the plural in Japanese, as the noun itself represents the overarching concept or the specific act regardless of how many steps it takes. The intensity is conveyed through adjectives like 恐ろしい (osoroshii - terrifying) or 残酷な (zankoku na - cruel).

While you might not hear 復讐 (fukushuu) in a casual conversation at a Starbucks, it is ubiquitous in Japanese media and historical discourse. Understanding where it pops up will help you grasp its dramatic weight.

Anime and Manga: This is perhaps the most common place for learners to encounter the word. Think of characters like Sasuke Uchiha from 'Naruto' or Kurapika from 'Hunter x Hunter.' Their entire character arcs are defined by fukushuu. Phrases like 'Ore no mokuteki wa fukushuu da' (My goal is revenge) are iconic tropes of the shonen genre.
Historical Dramas (Jidaigeki): In stories about the Samurai era, fukushuu (or its historical counterpart adauchi) is a central theme. The concept of 'Katakiuchi' (avenging a master or parent) was a legalized and ritualized form of revenge that is still a popular subject for TV specials and movies.

「復讐こそが、俺が生きる唯一の理由だ。」
("Revenge is the only reason I live.") - A common dramatic line.

You will also find the word in the titles of countless books and movies. The Japanese title of the movie 'Oldboy' or various adaptations of 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (Gankutsuou) heavily feature the word fukushuu to signal the genre to the audience.

Video Games: In RPGs or action games, 'Revenge' is often a mechanic or a plot point. You might see a 'Fukushuu Meter' or a quest titled 'Fukushuu no Michi' (The Path of Revenge). It provides a strong, easy-to-understand motivation for players.

ラスボスは主人公への復讐を企てている。
(The final boss is planning revenge against the protagonist.)

While the word is 'cool' in fiction, remember that using it in real life about yourself can sound quite alarming. If you just want to say you'll get someone back for a small prank, use shikaeshi instead to avoid sounding like a villain.

Learning 復讐 (fukushuu) comes with several pitfalls, ranging from embarrassing homophone mix-ups to subtle nuances in social appropriateness.

1. The 'Review' vs 'Revenge' Disaster: The most common mistake for beginners is confusing 復讐 (fukushuu - revenge) with 復習 (fukushuu - review/study). They are pronounced exactly the same. Context usually clarifies the meaning, but in writing, the kanji are vital. Imagine telling your teacher 'I will take revenge tonight' (復讐します) when you meant 'I will review tonight' (復習します)!
2. Overusing the Word in Casual Settings: As mentioned, fukushuu is very heavy. Using it for minor inconveniences (like someone taking your seat) makes you sound overly dramatic or even unstable. For small things, use 仕返し (shikaeshi). Using fukushuu is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

❌ 宿題の復讐をしました。
✅ 宿題の復習をしました。
(I reviewed my homework, not took revenge on it!)

3. Particle Errors: When you take revenge ON someone, you must use the particle に (ni). Using を (o) makes it sound like you are doing the revenge 'to' the person in a way that doesn't quite fit Japanese grammar for this specific verb. A ni fukushuu suru is the standard pattern.

Lastly, remember that fukushuu is a noun. To use it as an adjective, you usually need の (no), as in fukushuu no hon (a book of revenge). Don't try to conjugate it like an i-adjective!

Japanese has several words for 'getting back at someone,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on the severity and the context.

仕返し (Shikaeshi): Nuance: Casual, everyday, often childish. It's the word you use when you want to get someone back for a prank or a minor slight. It doesn't carry the 'dark' or 'life-long' weight of fukushuu.
報復 (Houfuku): Nuance: Formal, political, or military. This is 'retaliation.' It's used in news reports about countries launching missiles or companies imposing tariffs in response to each other. It's more about 'logical' consequences than 'emotional' rage.
仇討ち (Adauchi): Nuance: Historical, honor-based. This refers specifically to the samurai tradition of avenging a master or a relative. It has a noble, almost legalistic connotation in historical contexts.

Word Scale Context
仕返し Small Friends, family, pranks
復讐 Large Personal, emotional, drama
報復 Systemic Politics, war, business

Word	Scale	Context
仕返し	Small	Friends, family, pranks
復讐	Large	Personal, emotional, drama
報復	Systemic	Politics, war, business

Other less common terms include 返報 (henpou), which is a formal term for reciprocity (both good and bad), and 意趣返し (ishugaeshi), which refers to getting revenge specifically to vent one's spite or bitterness.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The second kanji, 讐, is one of the most complex characters commonly used in titles, with 23 strokes. It contains the radical for 'words' (言) and 'birds' (隹), suggesting a noisy or intense exchange.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fu.ku.ɕuː/

US /fu.ku.ʃuː/

Japanese is pitch-accented. In 'fukushuu', the pitch starts low on 'fu', rises on 'ku', and stays high for 'shuu' (Heiban pattern).

Rhymes With

Gakushuu (学習 - study) Tokushuu (特集 - special feature) Kyoushuu (郷愁 - nostalgia) Houshuu (報酬 - reward) Koushuu (公衆 - public) Choushuu (聴衆 - audience) Shoushuu (召集 - summons) Youshuu (洋酒 - western liquor)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it the same as 'fukushu' (short u), which sounds like 'multiple' or 'substitute'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'fukushuu' (review), though they are often the same pitch in many dialects.
Making the 'f' too strong like an English 'f' (use a soft 'h' sound made with lips).
Truncating the long vowel at the end.
Over-emphasizing the 'k' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The second kanji is very difficult to write and recognize for beginners.

Writing 5/5

讐 is one of the most complex kanji in common use.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is easy, but pitch accent matters.

Listening 3/5

Easy to confuse with 'fukushuu' (review) without context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

敵 (teki) 恨み (urami) 返す (kaesu) 誓う (chikau) 果たす (hatasu)

Learn Next

報復 (houfuku) 正義 (seigi) 葛藤 (kattou) 恩返し (ongaeshi) 和解 (wakai)

Advanced

仇討ち (adauchi) 勧善懲悪 (kanzen chouaku) 因果応報 (inga ouhou) 自業自得 (jigou jitoku) 溜飲 (ryuuin)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

復讐する (To take revenge)

Ni-particle for target

犯人に復讐する (Take revenge on the criminal)

Tame ni (Purpose)

復讐のために生きる (Live for the sake of revenge)

Passive Voice

復讐される (To be revenged upon)

Noun compounding

復讐心 (Vengeful heart)

Examples by Level

これは復讐です。

This is revenge.

Simple A is B sentence.

彼は復讐をします。

He will take revenge.

Using fukushuu as a suru-verb.

復讐はこわいです。

Revenge is scary.

Simple adjective sentence.

アニメの復讐。

Anime revenge.

Noun + no + Noun.

復讐、だめです。

Revenge is bad (not allowed).

Simple 'dame' (prohibited) structure.

私の復讐。

My revenge.

Possessive 'watashi no'.

復習じゃない、復讐だ。

It's not review, it's revenge.

Contrast between homophones.

復讐の映画。

A movie of revenge.

Descriptive noun phrase.

彼は敵に復讐した。

He took revenge on the enemy.

Target marked with 'ni'.

復讐をしたいですか？

Do you want to take revenge?

Tai-form for desire.

復讐は何も変えません。

Revenge changes nothing.

Negative verb ending.

これは恐ろしい復讐だ。

This is a terrifying revenge.

Adjective + noun.

彼は復讐を誓いました。

He vowed revenge.

Polite past tense.

復讐の話を聞きました。

I heard a story of revenge.

Past tense verb.

彼女は復讐のために来た。

She came for the sake of revenge.

'tame ni' for purpose.

復讐は甘いと言われる。

It is said that revenge is sweet.

Passive reporting 'to iwareru'.

彼はついに復讐を果たした。

He finally achieved his revenge.

Using 'hatasu' for completion.

復讐心に燃える若者。

A young man burning with a desire for revenge.

Compound noun 'fukushuushin'.

復讐は新たな悲しみを生む。

Revenge gives birth to new sadness.

Abstract concept as subject.

彼は復讐を遂げるために修行した。

He trained in order to accomplish his revenge.

'togeru' for long-term goal.

復讐劇の主人公になる。

To become the protagonist of a revenge drama.

Compound noun 'fukushuugeki'.

相手に復讐するのはやめなさい。

Stop taking revenge on your opponent.

Imperative 'yamenasai'.

彼は復讐されるのを恐れている。

He is afraid of being the target of revenge.

Passive form 'fukushuu sareru'.

復讐よりも許しが大切だ。

Forgiveness is more important than revenge.

Comparison using 'yori mo'.

冷酷な復讐が幕を開けた。

A cold-blooded revenge has begun.

Metaphorical 'maku o akeru'.

その復讐はあまりにも残酷だった。

That revenge was far too cruel.

Adverb 'amari ni mo' for intensity.

復讐に囚われて人生を台無しにする。

To be trapped by revenge and ruin one's life.

Passive 'torawarete' + 'dainashi ni suru'.

彼は復讐を唯一の生きがいにしている。

He makes revenge his only reason for living.

Noun as 'ikigai'.

復讐の連鎖を断ち切る必要がある。

It is necessary to break the cycle of revenge.

'rensa o tachikiru' (break the chain).

国家間の報復は復讐とは異なる。

Retaliation between nations is different from revenge.

Contrast between 'houfuku' and 'fukushuu'.

彼は復讐の鬼と化した。

He turned into a demon of revenge.

Idiomatic 'oni to kasu'.

復讐の機会を静かに待つ。

To wait quietly for an opportunity for revenge.

Adverb 'shizuka ni' modifying the verb.

復讐は、冷めてから食べるのが一番旨い料理だ。

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Japanese version of the famous proverb.

彼の心は復讐の念に深く蝕まれていた。

His heart was deeply eroded by thoughts of revenge.

Literary verb 'mushibamu'.

江戸時代、復讐は「仇討ち」として認められていた。

In the Edo period, revenge was recognized as 'adauchi'.

Historical context and passive 'mitomerarete ita'.

復讐の正当性を巡って激しい議論が交わされた。

A heated debate was held regarding the legitimacy of revenge.

Structure 'o megutte' (concerning).

彼は復讐を遂げた後、虚無感に襲われた。

After achieving revenge, he was overcome by a sense of emptiness.

Noun 'kyomukan' (emptiness).

復讐劇は、しばしば悲劇的な結末を迎える。

Revenge dramas often meet a tragic end.

Formal verb 'mukaeru'.

復讐という名の正義を振りかざす。

To brandish justice in the name of revenge.

Metaphorical 'furikazasu'.

その行為は、単なる復讐を超えた何かであった。

That act was something that transcended mere revenge.

Structure 'o koeta'.

復讐の美学が、この文学作品の根底に流れている。

An aesthetic of revenge flows at the base of this literary work.

Abstract noun 'bigaku' (aesthetic).

彼は復讐心の充足を求めて、泥沼の闘争に身を投じた。

Seeking the fulfillment of his vengeful heart, he threw himself into a quagmire of struggle.

Complex metaphor 'doronuma no tousou'.

復讐は、自己の存在証明のための苛烈な儀式であった。

Revenge was a fierce ritual for the sake of proving one's existence.

Advanced noun 'sonzai shoumei'.

怨念が復讐へと昇華される過程を描写する。

It describes the process by which a grudge is sublimated into revenge.

Technical verb 'shouka' (sublimation).

復讐の刃は、往々にして自分自身をも傷つける。

The blade of revenge often hurts oneself as well.

Adverb 'ouou ni shite' (frequently/often).

法治国家において、私的な復讐は峻拒されるべきものである。

In a state governed by the rule of law, private revenge should be sternly rejected.

Formal verb 'shunkyo suru' (to sternly reject).

復讐のパラドックスは、達成が同時に喪失を意味することにある。

The paradox of revenge lies in the fact that achievement simultaneously means loss.

Academic term 'paradox'.

彼は復讐の亡霊に取り憑かれたかのように彷徨った。

He wandered as if possessed by the ghost of revenge.

Simile 'ka no you ni'.

Common Collocations

復讐を誓う

復讐を果たす

復讐を遂げる

復讐に燃える

復讐心を持つ

復讐劇

復讐の連鎖

復讐を企てる

復讐を恐れる

復讐の鬼

Common Phrases

復讐は蜜の味

— Revenge is sweet. It describes the satisfaction one feels after getting back at an enemy.

復讐は蜜の味というが、虚しさも残る。

復讐の刃

— The blade of revenge. A metaphorical way to describe the act of seeking vengeance.

復讐の刃が彼に向けられた。

復讐の物語

— A story of revenge. Used to categorize books or movies.

これは切ない復讐の物語です。

復讐の機会

— An opportunity for revenge.

彼は復讐の機会をうかがっている。

復讐を代行する

— To carry out revenge on someone's behalf.

復讐を代行する業者が存在するらしい。

復讐に人生を捧げる

— To dedicate one's life to revenge.

彼は復讐に人生を捧げてしまった。

復讐の炎

— The flames of revenge. Symbolizes intense, burning desire for vengeance.

復讐の炎が消えることはなかった。

復讐の対象

— The target of revenge.

彼が復讐の対象になった理由は不明だ。

復讐を煽る

— To incite or fuel revenge.

彼の言葉が人々の復讐を煽った。

復讐の是非

— The right or wrong of revenge. Used in philosophical discussions.

復讐の是非を問う映画だ。

Often Confused With

復讐 vs 復習 (fukushuu)

Means 'review' or 'study'. Pronounced identically. This is the most common error.

復讐 vs 報酬 (houshuu)

Means 'reward' or 'remuneration'. Sounds somewhat similar but has a positive meaning.

復讐 vs 復旧 (fukkyuu)

Means 'restoration' or 'recovery' (of a system/road).

Idioms & Expressions

"目には目を、歯には歯を"

— An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The classic law of retaliation.

復讐の基本は、目には目を、歯には歯をだ。

Proverb

"返報性の原理"

— The principle of reciprocity. A psychological term for the urge to return what is given.

復讐も返報性の原理の一つと言える。

Academic

"怨みに報いるに徳を以てす"

— To return kindness for hatred. The opposite of revenge.

復讐ではなく、怨みに報いるに徳を以てすべきだ。

Literary/Philosophical

"飼い犬に手を噛まれる"

— To have one's hand bitten by one's own dog. Used when someone you trusted takes revenge or betrays you.

信頼していた部下に復讐されるとは、まさに飼い犬に手を噛まれた気分だ。

Idiom

"煮え湯を飲まされる"

— To be forced to drink boiling water. Used when someone you trust betrays you, often leading to a desire for revenge.

彼には何度も煮え湯を飲まされたから、復讐したい。

Idiom

"恩を仇で返す"

— To return a favor with an injury. The ultimate betrayal that often triggers revenge.

恩を仇で返すような奴には、復讐して当然だ。

Idiom

"身から出た錆"

— Rust from one's own body. Meaning one's misfortune (like being the target of revenge) is their own fault.

復讐されるのは、身から出た錆だ。

Proverb

"人を呪わば穴二つ"

— When you curse someone, there are two holes (graves). Meaning revenge hurts both the target and the seeker.

復讐はやめなさい。人を呪わば穴二つと言うだろう。

Proverb

"意趣を晴らす"

— To clear a grudge. A slightly more formal way to say 'get revenge'.

彼は見事に意趣を晴らした。

Formal

"溜飲を下げる"

— To feel relieved or satisfied after getting something off your chest or getting revenge.

復讐して溜飲を下げる。

Idiom

Easily Confused

復讐 vs 報復 (houfuku)

Both mean retaliation/revenge.

Houfuku is more formal, political, and systemic. Fukushuu is personal and emotional.

貿易摩擦による報復措置。 (Retaliatory measures due to trade friction.)

復讐 vs 仕返し (shikaeshi)

Both mean getting back at someone.

Shikaeshi is for minor, immediate, or petty things. Fukushuu is for deep, serious grievances.

弟にいたずらの仕返しをした。 (I got back at my brother for his prank.)

復讐 vs 仇討ち (adauchi)

Both involve killing an enemy for revenge.

Adauchi is specifically historical and implies a sense of duty or honor in the samurai era.

彼は父の仇討ちを成し遂げた。 (He accomplished the revenge for his father.)

復讐 vs 意趣返し (ishugaeshi)

Both mean revenge.

Ishugaeshi specifically highlights the 'spite' or 'grudge' aspect of the act.

彼は単なる意趣返しで反対した。 (He opposed it just out of spite.)

復讐 vs リベンジ (ribenji)

Loanword from 'revenge'.

In Japanese, Ribenji means 'trying again' or 'a rematch'. It is usually positive.

次回の試合でリベンジしたい。 (I want a rematch in the next game.)

Sentence Patterns

AはBに復讐する。

彼は敵に復讐する。

AはBへの復讐を誓う。

彼女は裏切り者への復讐を誓った。

復讐のために〜する。

復讐のために力を蓄える。

復讐を果たして、〜。

復讐を果たして、彼は去って行った。

復讐心に〜。

復讐心に駆られて、間違いを犯した。

〜という名の復讐。

正義という名の復讐を果たす。

復讐の連鎖を〜。

復讐の連鎖を断ち切らねばならない。

復讐の美学を〜。

復讐の美学を追求した作品だ。

Word Family

Nouns

復讐心 (fukushuushin - vengeful spirit)

復讐劇 (fukushuugeki - revenge drama)

復讐者 (fukushuusha - revenger/avenger)

Verbs

復讐する (fukushuu suru - to take revenge)

Adjectives

復讐心に満ちた (fukushuushin ni michita - vengeful/full of revenge)

恨み (urami - grudge)

報復 (houfuku - retaliation)

仇 (kataki - enemy/foe)

仕返し (shikaeshi - payback)

報い (mukui - retribution)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media/fiction; rare in polite real-life daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'fukushuu' for studying. → Using 'fukushuu' (復習) for studying.
The pronunciation is the same, but the kanji and meaning are totally different.
Using 'fukushuu o suru' for a small joke. → Using 'shikaeshi o suru'.
'Fukushuu' is way too heavy for light jokes.
Targeting with 'o' instead of 'ni'. → Targeting with 'ni'.
The person you take revenge on is the indirect object.
Thinking 'ribenji' means revenge. → 'Ribenji' means 'second try'.
In Japanese, 'ribenji' is a positive word for a rematch.
Confusing 'fukushuu' with 'houfuku' in personal stories. → Use 'fukushuu' for personal drama.
'Houfuku' sounds like a government report.

Tips

Anime Vocabulary

If you hear a character say 'Ore no fukushuu da', they are likely the protagonist of a dark series.

Verb Usage

Remember the target of revenge takes the particle 'ni'. 'Enemy ni fukushuu suru'.

Historical Context

Learning about the 47 Ronin will help you understand why this word has such depth in Japan.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 讐 has many strokes. Take your time writing it; don't rush.

Casual Alternative

If someone eats your snacks, say 'shikaeshi shite yaru' (I'll get you back) instead of 'fukushuu'.

Compound Words

Learn 'fukushuushin' (vengeful heart) to describe a character's internal state.

Homophone Check

In a sentence like 'Test no fukushuu', it's almost 100% 'review'.

The Cycle

The phrase 'fukushuu no rensa' (cycle of revenge) is a common trope in philosophical Japanese media.

Kanji Radical

The '言' (word) radical in 讐 suggests that words or accusations are part of the conflict.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'FUKU' as 'returning' (like a refund) and 'SHUU' as the 'shoe' you throw at your 'enemy'. You are returning the blow to your enemy.

Visual Association

Imagine a samurai returning to a burnt village and pointing his sword at a distant castle. The 'return' (復) is the key.

Word Web

Vengeance Grudge Payback Retribution Enemy Samurai Anime Justice

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence story about a character seeking 'fukushuu' for a stolen lunch, then realize the word is too serious and change it to 'shikaeshi'.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji: 復 (fuku) and 讐 (shuu). 復 originally referred to walking back or returning to a path. 讐 originally meant to answer or respond, often in the context of an enemy or a legal dispute.

Original meaning: The original meaning was 'to return a response to an enemy' or 'to repay an adversary'.

Sino-Japanese (Kango), derived from Middle Chinese roots.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word in a professional environment. It implies a level of malice that is inappropriate for the workplace.

In English, 'revenge' can be used more broadly than 'fukushuu', covering both serious and slightly less serious contexts. English speakers might use 'get back at' for things that a Japanese speaker would call 'shikaeshi'.

The 47 Ronin (Chushingura) - The ultimate Japanese revenge story. Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto) - A modern pop-culture icon of fukushuu. Lady Snowblood (Shurayuki-hime) - A famous revenge-themed manga and movie.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Literature/Movies

復讐劇の傑作
復讐に燃える主人公
衝撃の復讐シーン
復讐の物語

History

仇討ちの歴史
武士の復讐
法的な禁止
復讐の正当性

Legal/News

復讐殺人
報復行為
私刑の禁止
被害者の感情

Personal Feelings

復讐心を抑える
復讐を忘れる
復讐を誓う
復讐に囚われる

Gaming/Anime

復讐のスキル
復讐のクエスト
復讐のイベント
復讐者の武器

Conversation Starters

"復讐をテーマにした映画で一番好きなのは何ですか？"

"「復讐は何も生まない」という言葉についてどう思いますか？"

"もし誰かにひどいことをされたら、復讐を考えますか？それとも許しますか？"

"日本の歴史における「仇討ち」について知っていますか？"

"復讐と正義の違いは何だと思いますか？"

Journal Prompts

あなたが読んだり見たりした作品の中で、最も印象的だった復讐の話について書いてください。

復讐心が人間に与える影響について、あなたの考えを述べてください。

もしあなたが復讐を誓った主人公だとしたら、どのような行動をとりますか？

「許し」と「復讐」のどちらがより難しいと思いますか？その理由も教えてください。

現代社会において、なぜ復讐は法律で禁止されているのか考えてみましょう。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. It's too strong for everyday situations. Use 'shikaeshi' instead for small things.

Focus on the first kanji '復' (return). The second one '讐' is very hard, so just try to recognize the 'words' and 'birds' components.

In stories, it can be seen as 'justice,' but in real Japanese culture, it is almost always viewed as a negative cycle that should be avoided.

'Fukushuu' is dark revenge. 'Ribenji' is a second chance or a rematch in sports/exams.

In standard Japanese (Tokyo dialect), both are Heiban (flat), so they sound identical. Context is everything.

It provides a very strong, clear motivation for characters and creates high-stakes drama.

Yes, it fits the concept of personal retribution well.

'Suru' (to do), 'hatasu' (to achieve), or '誓う' (to vow).

It is used by everyone, but in fiction, it is often associated with male protagonists in shonen manga.

Not really. The concept itself is impolite. 'Houfuku' is more formal but still refers to retaliation.