Aggressive in different languages

Aggressive in Different Languages

Discover 'Aggressive' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

The word 'aggressive' carries significant weight in our vocabulary, often used to describe bold, assertive behavior. But when does assertiveness cross the line into aggression? Understanding this concept is crucial in navigating personal and professional relationships, as it helps us communicate effectively while maintaining respect for others. Moreover, the cultural importance of this word varies across the globe, making its translations in different languages intriguing and enlightening.

For instance, did you know that the Latin translation of 'aggressive' is 'agressivus,' which stems from the word 'agredi' meaning 'to approach'? Or that in Russian, 'aggressivny' (агрессивный) can also imply a certain level of hostility? These nuances highlight how language and culture are intertwined, shedding light on societal norms and values.

So, whether you're a language enthusiast, a world traveler, or someone looking to expand their cultural knowledge, understanding the translations of 'aggressive' can be a fascinating journey. Let's explore some of these translations together.

Aggressive


Aggressive in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaansaggressief
Amharicጠበኛ
"ጠበኛ" also means 'one who attacks' or 'one who has a habit of fighting' in some contexts.
Hausam
In the Gwandara dialect of Hausa, "m" also means "to eat".
Igbokeesemokwu
The word "keesemokwu" derives from the Igbo words "kee" (to make) and "esemokwu" (speech), implying "making a speech that is aggressive."
Malagasymasiaka
"Masiaka" is related to the word "tsiaka" which means "to fight"
Nyanja (Chichewa)aukali
The word "aukali" in Nyanja (Chichewa) refers to an aggressive or ferocious animal.
Shonahasha
In some Shona dialects, “hasha” also means “to be tough” or “to be strong”.
Somalidagaal badan
The term "dagaal badan" literally translates to "possessing a lot of war," indicating a fierce and combative nature.
Sesothomabifi
'Mabifi' can also mean 'cruel' or 'unmerciful'
Swahilifujo
The term "fujo" can also be used to describe someone who is quick to anger or violence.
Xhosandlongondlongo
Ndlongondlongo has the alternate meaning of "a very tall or long person" in Xhosa.
Yorubaibinu
In Yoruba, the term «ìbínú» can also mean ‘anger’ or ‘rage’.
Zulunolaka
Nolaka derives from the Zulu word for "horn," imbola, and may suggest the threatening behavior of a horned animal.
Bambarafarin
Ewekple ŋusẽ
Kinyarwandaumunyamahane
Lingalamobulu
Lugandaamaanyi
Sepedirumola
Twi (Akan)patapaa

Aggressive in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicعدوانية
The word "عدوانية" also refers to acts of hostility or aggression, particularly in the context of international relations.
Hebrewתוֹקפָּנִי
The Hebrew word "תוֹקפָּנִי" ("aggressive") can also mean "valid" or "binding" in a legal or formal context.
Pashtoجارحانه
The Pashto word جارحانه ('aggressive') can also mean 'sharp' or 'piercing' when used to describe physical objects.
Arabicعدوانية
The word "عدوانية" also refers to acts of hostility or aggression, particularly in the context of international relations.

Aggressive in Western European Languages

Albanianagresive
In Albanian, "agresiv" also means "assertive" or "bold."
Basqueerasokorra
The word "erasokorra" has been used in the sense of "energetic" or "diligent" instead of "aggressive" in the past.
Catalanagressiu
The word “agressiu” in Catalan derives from the Latin verb “aggredior,” meaning "attack" or "go against."
Croatianagresivan
"Agresivan" also has a slang meaning of "bad-tempered" or "difficult".
Danishaggressiv
The Danish word "aggressiv" derives from the Latin word "aggressus" (''to approach'') and can also have the connotation of being forceful or energetic.
Dutchagressief
In Dutch, "agressief" can also mean "fierce" or "wild".
Englishaggressive
The word "aggressive" comes from the Latin word "aggredi," which means "to approach" or "to go towards."
Frenchagressif
The word "agressif" comes from the Latin word "aggredi", meaning "to attack" or "to come against."
Frisianagressyf
The word "agressyf" in Frisian comes from the French "agressif" and the Latin "aggressus", and can also mean "offensive" or "hostile" in some contexts.
Galicianagresivo
En gallego **agresivo** puede significar 'agrio' (en sabor)
Germanaggressiv
The German word "aggressiv" comes from the Latin word "aggressus" meaning "attack" or "approach".
Icelandicárásargjarn
The word "árásargjarn" is a compound of the words "árás" (attack) and "gjarn" (eager), suggesting an eagerness to attack.
Irishionsaitheach
The term 'ionsaitheach' is derived from the Old Irish word 'iunsaith' meaning 'attack' or 'oppression'.
Italianaggressivo
The Italian word “aggressivo” also means “assertive” or “pushy”
Luxembourgishaggressiv
In Luxembourgish, "aggressiv" not only means "aggressive," but also "pushy," "assertive," and even "insistent."
Malteseaggressiva
The Maltese word "aggressiva" originates from the Italian word "aggressivo", meaning "aggressive" in English.
Norwegianaggressiv
In Norwegian, 'aggressiv' has a broader meaning than in English, encompassing 'competitive' and 'assertive'.
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)agressivo
The word "agressivo" in Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) can also mean "assertive" or "self-confident."
Scots Gaelicionnsaigheach
The Scots Gaelic word 'ionnsaigheach' originates from the Proto-Celtic word 'insag-' meaning 'an assault'
Spanishagresivo
Originally meant "inclined to attack" in the 17th century, now also refers to behavior or language characterized by forceful assertion.
Swedishaggressiv
Swedish "aggressiv" can also mean "advancing", "moving forward", or "pushing".
Welshymosodol
The word "ymosodol" in Welsh derives from the word "ymgais," meaning "attempt," and the suffix "-ol," denoting a tendency or inclination.

Aggressive in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianагрэсіўны
"Агрэсіўны" (aggressive) can also mean "assertive" or "ambitious" in Belarusian.
Bosnianagresivan
The word 'agresivan' in Bosnian also means 'offensive' or 'assertive'.
Bulgarianагресивен
In Bulgarian, the word 'агресивен' also carries the meaning of 'persistent', and is used in contexts such as 'aggressive marketing'.
Czechagresivní
"Agresivní" comes from the Latin "aggredi," meaning to go towards but also to attack, and can be used literally (e.g. "agresivní pes") or figuratively (e.g. "agresivní reklama").
Estonianagressiivne
'Aggressiivne' is derived from Latin 'aggressus', meaning 'attack'.
Finnishaggressiivinen
The word "aggressiivinen" comes from the Latin word "aggredior", meaning "to attack" or "to go against."
Hungarianagresszív
"Agresszív" in Hungarian comes from the Latin word "aggressor", meaning "attacker", but unlike in English, in Hungarian, it can also mean "active" or "dynamic" in a positive sense.
Latvianagresīvs
The word "agresīvs" in Latvian can also mean "bold" or "energetic".
Lithuanianagresyvus
"Agresyvus" can also mean "pushy" or "importunate".
Macedonianагресивни
The word "агресивни" can also mean "pushy" or "assertive" in Macedonian.
Polishagresywny
"Agresywny" in Polish can also mean toxic, harmful, or corrosive.
Romanianagresiv
The word "agresiv" comes from the French word "agressif" which in turn comes from the Latin word "aggredi" meaning "to attack".
Russianагрессивный
The word "агрессивный" ("aggressive") in Russian can also mean "assertive" or "pushy".
Serbianагресиван
"Агресиван" also means "impulsive" and shares etymology with the word for "anger" (љут).
Slovakagresívny
The word "agresívny" in Slovak can also mean "assertive" or "pushy".
Slovenianagresiven
"Agresiven" in Slovenian can also mean "assertive" or "bold."
Ukrainianагресивний
The word "агресивний" comes from the Latin word "aggressus", meaning "to approach" or "to attack". It can also refer to someone who is hostile or confrontational.

Aggressive in South Asian Languages

Bengaliআক্রমণাত্মক
আক্রমণাত্মক' could also mean 'violent' or 'an offensive act'.
Gujaratiઆક્રમક
The word "આક્રમક" has its roots in the Sanskrit word "क्रम्" (kram), meaning "step". In its original context, it meant "stepping forward" or "taking a step". It later evolved to mean "attacking" or "assaulting".
Hindiआक्रामक
आक्रामक (ākrāmak) derives from the Sanskrit word "क्रामति" (krāmati) meaning "to step or stride" and carries connotations of forceful invasion or trespass.
Kannadaಆಕ್ರಮಣಕಾರಿ
Malayalamആക്രമണാത്മക
The word
Marathiआक्रमक
"आक्रमक" also means "insolent" in Marathi.
Nepaliआक्रामक
"आक्रामक" is derived from the Sanskrit root "कर्म" (karma) and means "one who acts", or "one who does". In addition to its literal meaning of "aggressive", it can also be used to describe someone who is assertive, proactive, or self-assured.
Punjabiਹਮਲਾਵਰ
"ਹਮਲਾਵਰ" is a Punjabi adjective meaning "aggressive". Its alternate meaning is "a person who attacks without warning".
Sinhala (Sinhalese)ආක්‍රමණශීලී
The word can also be used to describe an army's invasion of a territory.
Tamilமுரட்டுத்தனமான
Teluguదూకుడు
"దూకుడు" can mean both "impudence" and "insolence" apart from denoting "aggression"
Urduجارحانہ
The word "جارحانہ" can also mean "offensive" or "hurtful" in Urdu.

Aggressive in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)好斗的
好斗 also means “fond of fighting” and “pugnacious.”
Chinese (Traditional)好鬥的
好鬥的, also pronounced “hǎodòu de”, can also mean “fond of fighting” or “ready to fight”.
Japaneseアグレッシブ
In Japanese, アグレッシブ (aguresshibu) does not only mean aggressive but also energetic and positive.
Korean적극적인
"적극적인" is also used to describe someone who is enthusiastic or proactive.
Mongolianтүрэмгий
Түрэмгий is derived from the Mongolian word 'түрэм' which means 'law' or 'regulation', suggesting that aggressive behavior is considered a violation of societal norms.
Myanmar (Burmese)ရန်လို
ရန်လို ('aggressive') is also used as a name in Myanmar for either gender, and it means 'enemy' in Pali.

Aggressive in South East Asian Languages

Indonesianagresif
The Indonesian word "agresif" comes from the Dutch word "agressief", which in turn is derived from the Latin word "aggressus", meaning "to attack".
Javaneseagresif
The Javanese word "agresif" has the same root as the word "agresi" which means "attack" or "aggression" in Indonesian.
Khmerឈ្លានពាន
The word "ឈ្លានពាន" literally means "to leap out and grab" or "to spring upon". It is often used to describe the behavior of predators or attackers.
Laoຮຸກຮານ
Malayagresif
In Malay, 'agresif' also means 'active' or 'dynamic'.
Thaiก้าวร้าว
The word "ก้าวร้าว" also means "to progress" or "to advance" in Thai.
Vietnamesexâm lược
The word "xâm lược" in Vietnamese can also refer to "to invade" or "to encroach upon".
Filipino (Tagalog)agresibo

Aggressive in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijaniaqressiv
The Azerbaijani word "aqressiv" is borrowed from French "agressif" with an unchanged meaning and pronunciation
Kazakhагрессивті
The word "агрессивті" in Kazakh is derived from the Russian word "агрессивный" and can also mean "insistent" or "persistent".
Kyrgyzагрессивдүү
In Kyrgyz, the word 'агрессивдүү' can also refer to behaviors or actions that are forceful, assertive, or demanding.
Tajikхашмгин
The word "хашмгин" can also mean "furious" or "angry".
Turkmenagressiw
Uzbektajovuzkor
The word "tajovuzkor" is derived from the Persian word "tajâvuz" and the Uzbek suffix "-kor" (meaning "maker"). It can also refer to "impetuous" or "audacious" behavior.
Uyghurتاجاۋۇزچى

Aggressive in Pacific Languages

Hawaiianhōʻeuʻeu
"Hōʻeuʻeu" can also mean "to stir up," "to incite," or "to provoke."
Maoripukuriri
As well as meaning 'aggressive', 'pukuriri' can also mean 'to push' or 'to urge'.
Samoanfaʻasauā
The phrase "fa'asauā" comes from the words "sauā" (savage) and "fa'a" (to make), suggesting a transformation into a savage or aggressive state.
Tagalog (Filipino)agresibo
Agresibo, meaning "aggressive" in Tagalog, originates from the Spanish word "agresivo," with similar connotations.

Aggressive in American Indigenous Languages

Aymaranuwasiri
Guaranioñemombaretéva

Aggressive in International Languages

Esperantoagresema
"Agresema" is a portmanteau of "agresi" ("aggress") and "ema" ("my") and can be used to refer to a state of being overly self-protective.
Latinferox
The Latin word 'ferox', meaning 'aggressive', is derived from 'ferus' meaning wild and 'ox' meaning sharp, and thus translates as 'sharp-wild'.

Aggressive in Others Languages

Greekεπιθετικός
In Greek, "επιθετικός" (epitheticós) carries both the connotation of physical aggression and verbal hostility.
Hmongtxhoj puab heev
"Txhoj puab heev" can also be used to describe someone who is very persistent or determined.
Kurdishêrşişbaz
The word "êrşişbaz" in Kurdish originates from the Persian "ēršiš" (envy, ill will) with the suffix "baz" (doer, practitioner), suggesting a sense of ill-intentioned provocation.
Turkishagresif
Turkish word "agresif" originally meant "active, energetic". The current meaning of "aggressive" is a loan from English.
Xhosandlongondlongo
Ndlongondlongo has the alternate meaning of "a very tall or long person" in Xhosa.
Yiddishאַגרעסיוו
אַגרעסיוו means "aggressive" in Yiddish but can also mean "disagreeable" or "difficult to deal with".
Zulunolaka
Nolaka derives from the Zulu word for "horn," imbola, and may suggest the threatening behavior of a horned animal.
Assameseআক্ৰমণাত্মক
Aymaranuwasiri
Bhojpuriआक्रामक
Dhivehiހަރުކަށި
Dogriउग्गर
Filipino (Tagalog)agresibo
Guaranioñemombaretéva
Ilocanoagresibo
Kriovɛks
Kurdish (Sorani)دووژمنکارانە
Maithiliआक्रामक
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯁꯥꯎꯒꯟꯕ
Mizotawrawt
Oromobalaafamaa
Odia (Oriya)ଆକ୍ରମଣାତ୍ମକ
Quechuawaykaq
Sanskritविगृह्य
Tatarагрессив
Tigrinyaተባኣሳይ
Tsongavurhena

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