Learn more about this word
皮肉
Hiniku covers irony and sarcasm, but leans harsher than the English word: it implies a deliberate barb aimed at someone. In a culture that prizes indirectness, being told you are being hiniku is an accusation, not a compliment on your wit.
Examples in context
彼の皮肉には棘がある。
His sarcasm has thorns in it.
皮肉を言われて、返す言葉がなかった。
I was met with sarcasm and had no reply.
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