仕返しする

• Reading: しかえしする
• Romaji: shikaeshi suru
• Kanji breakdown: 仕 (shi) — to do, serve; 返 (kaeshi/hen) — to return, give back
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ka.e.ɕi.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To take revenge; to retaliate; to get back at someone. Implies a deliberate act of payback.

A する verb (Group 3). Combines 仕返し (retaliation) with する. Less formal and literary than 復讐する — used in everyday contexts from playground conflicts to workplace tensions. Can range from petty payback to serious retaliation. Often carries a childish or petty nuance.

Examples

1. いじめられた子供が仕返しするのは良くない。 It's not good for a bullied child to retaliate.
2. 彼女に裏切られたからといって、仕返しするつもりはない。 Even though she betrayed me, I don't intend to get back at her.
3. 兄にいたずらされたので、弟は仕返しを考えている。 Since his older brother pulled a prank on him, the younger brother is thinking about getting back at him.

Usage Guide

Context: conflict, relationships, school

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 仕 (to do/serve) and 返し (returning). Literally 'doing something back' — returning an action in kind, specifically as payback.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal