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残酷な仕業 (a cruel deed)

Grammar & Usage

noun phrase

written / dramatic

How it works

Formed by the na-adjective 残酷 (cruel/brutal) linked by the attributive particle な to the noun 仕業 (deed/act). The noun 仕業 carries an inherent negative nuance, almost exclusively used for undesirable, malicious, or blameworthy actions.

Sample sentences

こんな残酷な仕業をする犯人を絶対に許すことはできない。

I can never forgive the criminal who committed such a cruel act.

罪のない動物に対する残酷な仕業に、多くの人々が憤慨した。

Many people were outraged by the cruel deed committed against innocent animals.

平和な村を一晩で焼き払ったのは、一体誰の残酷な仕業なのか。

Whose cruel deed was it that burned down the peaceful village overnight?

Quick facts

pitch_accent:ざんこく (0 - heiban) + な + しわざ (0 - heiban)

kanji_breakdown:残酷 (cruel/ruthless) + な (attributive) + 仕業 (action/work/deed)

nuance_of_shiwaza:Unlike generic words for action like 行為 (kōi) or 行い (okonai), 仕業 (shiwaza) strongly implies mischief, crime, or malicious intent, often asking who is responsible.

Often used with

残酷な仕業に怒りを覚える (to feel anger at a cruel act)

誰の仕業か (whose doing it is)

冷酷な仕業 (a cold-hearted act)

卑劣な仕業 (a despicable act)

Mnemonic

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Example

こんな残酷な仕業をする犯人を絶対に許すことはできない。

I can never forgive the criminal who committed such a cruel act.

罪のない動物に対する残酷な仕業に、多くの人々が憤慨した。

Many people were outraged by the cruel deed committed against innocent animals.