悪

• Reading: あく
• Romaji: aku
• Kanji breakdown: 悪 (aku/waru) — evil, bad, wrong
• Pronunciation: /a.kɯ/

Meaning

Evil; vice; wickedness. The concept of moral wrongness or malice.

A noun representing the abstract concept of evil or wrongdoing. Used in philosophical, moral, and storytelling contexts. Common expressions include 善と悪 (good and evil), 悪に染まる (be tainted by evil), and 必要悪 (necessary evil). Often appears in manga, anime, and literature as a thematic element.

Examples

1. 物語の中で善と悪が戦っている。 Good and evil are battling in the story.
2. 必要悪という考え方もある。 There is also the concept of a necessary evil.
3. 悪を許さない強い心が大切だ。 It's important to have a strong heart that doesn't tolerate evil.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, literature, morality

Tone: negative

Origin & History

The kanji 悪 combines 亜 (sub-, secondary) and 心 (heart). Originally suggested a heart that is not upright, evolving to represent moral badness and evil.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal