When someone says something that means the opposite of what they actually feel or what is actually true, that's 「皮肉」 (hiniku). It's a way of expressing humor or making a point by saying something ironic or sarcastic. Think of it as a subtle joke or a clever comment that has a double meaning. For example, if it's raining heavily and someone says, "What lovely weather!" – that's 「皮肉」. It's often used to add a bit of wit to a conversation or to highlight a contrast between what is said and what is reality.
皮肉 30秒了解
- irony
- sarcasm
- opposite meaning
Let's talk about the Japanese word 皮肉 (hiniku). It's an important word to understand if you want to grasp nuance in conversations. Think of it as 'irony' or 'sarcasm' in English.
- Japanese Word
- 皮肉 (hiniku)
- Part of Speech
- Noun, な-adjective
- CEFR Level
- B1
- Definition
- Irony; sarcasm; a form of humor where words mean the opposite of what is expressed, often to mock or emphasize a point.
§ Understanding 皮肉
皮肉 (hiniku) describes situations or statements that are ironic or sarcastic. It's used when there's a discrepancy between what is said and what is actually meant, or between what is expected and what actually happens. It can be used to criticize, mock, or add humor.
§ Examples of 皮肉 in Sentences
Here are some common ways you'll hear or use 皮肉.
彼の言ったことは皮肉だった。
His words were ironic/sarcastic.
彼女の皮肉なコメントに皆が笑った。
Everyone laughed at her sarcastic comment.
それは皮肉にも、彼が一番苦手なことだった。
Ironically, that was the thing he was worst at.
彼の優しい言葉は、実は皮肉だった。
His kind words were actually sarcastic.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
While 皮肉 is often translated as 'irony' or 'sarcasm', it's worth looking at some related concepts in Japanese to understand its nuances better. There isn't a perfect one-to-one mapping for every English word, so knowing the distinctions is helpful.
- ジョーク (jōku): This is a loanword directly from English 'joke'. ジョーク refers to something said or done to provoke laughter, generally in a lighthearted and non-malicious way.
彼はいつも面白いジョークを言う。
He always tells funny jokes.
- 当てこすり (atekotsuri): This word specifically means 'sarcasm', 'insinuation', or 'veiled criticism'. It implies a more direct and often negative intent behind the words.
彼の言葉は当てこすりだった。
His words were sarcastic (insinuating criticism).
- 遠回しな言い方 (tōmawashi na iikata): This phrase means 'indirect way of speaking' or 'roundabout expression'. It doesn't necessarily imply irony or sarcasm, but rather a gentle or hesitant way of communicating, often to be polite or avoid direct confrontation.
彼女は遠回しな言い方で不満を伝えた。
She expressed her dissatisfaction indirectly.
In summary:
- 皮肉 (hiniku) covers both situational irony and verbal sarcasm, often with a humorous or critical undertone. It's the most general term for 'irony' or 'sarcasm'.
- ジョーク (jōku) is for general jokes, which can include some forms of irony, but is broader and not necessarily critical.
- 当てこすり (atekotsuri) specifically points to sarcasm with an intent to criticize or insult.
- 遠回しな言い方 (tōmawashi na iikata) is about indirect communication, which might be polite, but not necessarily ironic or sarcastic.
Mastering 皮肉 will help you understand more complex conversations and add a layer of sophistication to your Japanese. Keep practicing these distinctions!
难度评级
Two common kanji, '皮' (skin) and '肉' (meat), but the combination's meaning is less direct. Context is key for understanding.
Relatively straightforward kanji, but remembering the specific combination for this abstract meaning might take practice.
Pronunciation is regular: ひにく (hi-ni-ku).
Understanding it in conversation requires recognizing the tone and context for irony/sarcasm, which can be subtle.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
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如何使用
When using 「皮肉」(hiniku), it often describes a situation or statement that is ironic or sarcastic. It can be used to describe the irony of fate or a sarcastic comment made by someone.
For example:
それは皮肉なことに、彼が一番苦手なことだった。
(Sore wa hiniku na koto ni, kare ga ichiban nigate na koto datta.)
(It was ironically, the thing he was worst at.)
彼の言葉には皮肉が込められていた。
(Kare no kotoba ni wa hiniku ga komerarete ita.)
(His words contained sarcasm.)
Confusing 「皮肉」(hiniku) with general humor or jokes. While sarcasm is a type of humor, 「皮肉」specifically refers to irony or sarcasm, often with a critical or cynical undertone, rather than just being funny.
Overusing it in casual conversation where a more direct or gentle expression might be more appropriate. In Japanese culture, direct sarcasm can sometimes be perceived as rude or overly critical, so it's important to be mindful of the context and your relationship with the listener.
自我测试 18 个问题
彼女のコメントは___だった。 (Her comment was ___.)
文脈から、皮肉が最も適切です。 (From the context, ironic is the most appropriate.)
彼の話はいつも___が多い。 (His stories often have a lot of ___.)
皮肉は言葉の裏に別の意味があることを指します。 (Sarcasm refers to words having another meaning behind them.)
それは本当に___な状況だ。 (That's a truly ___ situation.)
期待と現実が異なる状況に皮肉が使われます。 (Ironic is used for situations where expectation and reality differ.)
彼は___を込めて言った。 (He said it with ___.)
言葉の裏に違う感情がある場合、皮肉が使われます。 (When there's a different emotion behind the words, irony is used.)
その映画の結末は___的だった。 (The ending of that movie was ___.)
予想外で、逆の結果になる結末に皮肉が当てはまります。 (Ironic applies to unexpected endings with a reverse outcome.)
彼の笑顔は___のように見えた。 (His smile looked like ___.)
笑顔が言葉の裏にある感情と異なる場合、皮肉が示唆されます。 (If a smile differs from the emotion behind the words, sarcasm is implied.)
This sentence means 'His irony is always interesting.' The particles connect the words logically.
This sentence translates to 'She said something ironic and laughed.' '言って' is the te-form of '言う' (to say).
This means 'Ironically, the situation ruined his plan.' '皮肉にも' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'ironically.'
The sentence structure flows naturally to express that his words sounded ironic, implying his true feelings were different.
This order correctly conveys that the situation ironically unfolded exactly as he had planned.
The sentence describes her frequent use of irony to lighten the mood.
/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
皮肉 (hiniku) is a versatile word for expressing irony or sarcasm in Japanese.
- irony
- sarcasm
- opposite meaning
例句
彼の言葉には皮肉が込められていた。
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
更多emotions词汇
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
