冷酷

• Reading: れいこく
• Romaji: reikoku
• Kanji breakdown: 冷 (rei) — cold, cool; 酷 (koku) — severe, harsh, cruel
• Pronunciation: /ɾeː.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Cruel; coldhearted; ruthless. Showing no sympathy or compassion for others.

A na-adjective and noun describing extreme emotional coldness and lack of mercy. Stronger than 冷たい (tsumetai, cold) in interpersonal terms — 冷酷 implies calculated, deliberate cruelty. Common patterns: 冷酷な人間 (ruthless person), 冷酷な仕打ち (cruel treatment). Often used in literature, drama, and news to describe villains or harsh decisions.

Examples

1. あの上司は冷酷な判断で社員を解雇した。 That boss coldly fired employees without hesitation.
2. 物語の悪役は冷酷で容赦がなかった。 The villain in the story was ruthless and showed no mercy.
3. 冷酷な現実を受け入れなければならない。 We have no choice but to accept the cruel reality.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, news, drama

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 冷 (rei, cold) + 酷 (koku, severe/harsh). Literally 'cold and harsh' — emotional frigidity combined with severity.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal