akui

Akui is the romanized form of the Japanese word 悪意, meaning malice or ill intent. It denotes a negative mental attitude directed toward others, often implying a motive to cause harm. The term is used in formal writing, journalism, and discussions of psychology or social behavior.

In usage, 悪意 is commonly found in phrases such as 悪意を持つ (to hold malice), 悪意のある行為 (an act of malice), and 悪意を示す (to show hostility). Its opposite is 善意 (good will, good faith). In legal or investigative contexts, 故意 (deliberate intent) may be contrasted with 想定外の過失など, but 悪意 emphasizes a morally negative motive rather than mere carelessness.

Etymology: 悪 means "evil" or "bad," and 意 means "mind" or "intent." Together they form a compact term for a person’s morally negative motive. The word carries a judgmental nuance and is typically used when describing intent that is considered harmful, hostile, or prejudiced.

Notes: While commonly used in Japanese, the concept of malice expressed by 悪意 can appear in various registers, from everyday conversations to formal analysis. Distinctions among related terms, such as 善意 and 故意, help clarify whether motive is good-faith, neutral, or deliberately malicious.