獰猛

• Reading: どうもう
• Romaji: doumou
• Kanji breakdown: 獰 (dou) — fierce, brutal; 猛 (mou) — ferocious, intense
• Pronunciation: /doː.moː/

Meaning

Fierce; ferocious; savage; brutally aggressive. Describes a person or animal that is violently aggressive and untameable.

A na-adjective used to describe extreme aggression or brutality in animals, people, or forces. Often pairs with 獰猛な動物 (ferocious animal) or 獰猛な性格 (fierce temperament). More intense than 凶暴 (kyoubou) and typically implies primal, uncontrolled violence rather than calculated cruelty.

Examples

1. 獰猛なライオンが檻の中で唸り声を上げた。 The ferocious lion let out a growl from inside its cage.
2. 彼は普段は穏やかだが、試合になると獰猛な一面を見せる。 He's usually calm, but once a match starts, he shows a fierce side.
3. 獰猛さを持つ者だけが、この過酷な自然界を生き延びることができる。 Only those with a savage nature can survive in this harsh natural world.

Usage Guide

Context: nature documentaries, literature, sports commentary, formal writing

Tone: intense

Origin & History

Composed of 獰 (dou), an uncommon kanji meaning 'fierce' or 'brutal,' and 猛 (mou) meaning 'ferocious.' Together they intensify each other to convey savage, unrestrained aggression.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal