卑怯な（ひきょうな、hikyouna）
- cowardly

The Japanese word 卑怯な (ひきょうな) means "cowardly," "unfair," "underhanded," "sneaky," or "dishonest." It describes someone who acts in a way that is considered morally wrong, lacking in courage, or using unfair tactics to get an advantage. It often implies a lack of integrity or a willingness to avoid a fair fight or competition. The term carries a negative connotation.

⚫︎ 卑怯なやり方 Translation: A cowardly/unfair way of doing things. ⚫︎ 試合で卑怯な行為をする Translation: To do something unfair/dishonest in a match. ⚫︎ 卑怯な奴 Translation: A sneaky/cowardly person.

You use 卑怯な to describe actions, people, or situations you consider unfair, dishonest, or cowardly. It's often used when someone breaks the rules, takes advantage of others, or avoids direct confrontation in an unethical way. You can use it in conversations, written communication, or even to express your feelings in reaction to someone’s behavior.

卑怯な is primarily written using the kanji 卑怯な, but it can also be written in hiragana as ひきょうな. The okurigana is "な" (na) because it is a na-adjective. There is no other common way to write this word.

⚫︎ 不正な (fusei na) - unfair, unjust ⚫︎ ずるい (zurui) - cunning, sly, sneaky ⚫︎ 姑息な (kosoku na) - underhanded, temporary ⚫︎ 陰険な (inken na) - malicious, sneaky

⚫︎ 正直な (shoujiki na) - honest, straightforward ⚫︎ 公平な (kouhei na) - fair, impartial ⚫︎ 正当な (seitou na) - just, legitimate ⚫︎ 勇敢な (yuukan na) - brave, courageous

彼は試合で卑怯なプレーをした。 ・Translation: He played a cowardly/unfair play during the game. ・Explanation: This sentence describes someone who acted unfairly during a sports match.

そんな卑怯な手は使わないでください！ ・Translation: Please don't use such sneaky tactics! ・Explanation: This sentence directly criticizes someone for their unfair actions, asking them to stop.

The word 卑怯な is formed from the following components: 卑 (hi) - meaning "lowly," "base," "humble" 怯 (kyou) - meaning "cowardice," "timidity," or "fear" And the adjectival suffix "な" (na). Therefore, the word's etymology suggests a combination of a low or base character and fear or cowardice, resulting in the meaning "cowardly" or "unfair."