残酷
ざんこく
zankoku
JLPT N1adjectiveVocabularyLevel 90 - JLPT N1
Quick answer
残酷 (ざんこく (zankoku)) means "Cruel". The reading is ざんこく (zankoku). Audio pronunciation and kanji breakdown are below.
Meaning
Cruel
Also : Brutal · Ruthless · Merciless
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Example Sentences
独裁者の残酷な支配は、多くの国民に苦しみをもたらした。
どくさいしゃのざんこくなしはいは、おおくのこくみんにくるしみをもたらした。
The tyrant's cruel rule brought suffering to many citizens.
Kanji in this word
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + に際して～に際して (ni saishite) - On the occasion of
- [Noun] + をもとに(して)～をもとに (wo moto ni) - Based on
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + にあたって～にあたって (ni atatte) - When doing; Upon
- [Verb/Adjective/Noun] + にしろ/にせよ～にしろ／にせよ (ni shiro/ni seyo) - Even if; Regardless of
- [Noun] + をめぐって～をめぐって (wo megutte) - Concerning; Over; Surrounding
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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