Translation guide
The English word "abuse" covers a wide range of harmful behaviors, from physical violence to verbal insults and misuse of power or substances. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific type of abuse.
To express harsh, insulting, or demeaning words directed at someone.
General term for abusive language, insults, or verbal abuse. Often used in formal contexts like workplace harassment.
彼は上司に暴言を吐いた。
He hurled abuse at his boss.
Act of verbally abusing or reviling someone; often implies a tirade of insults.
彼女は罵倒されて泣き出した。
She burst into tears after being verbally abused.
Speaking ill of someone; saying bad things about someone. More casual and common in daily conversation.
陰で人の悪口を言うのはよくない。
It's not good to speak ill of people behind their backs.
To curse or abuse someone verbally; strong and often emotional. Can sound literary or dramatic.
彼は相手を激しく罵った。
He violently abused his opponent with words.
To describe physical harm or violent treatment of a person.
Cruel treatment, physical or psychological abuse, especially of children, elderly, or vulnerable people. Also used for animal abuse.
児童虐待は深刻な問題だ。
Child abuse is a serious problem.
Violence, physical force. Often used in contexts like domestic violence (DV).
Assault, physical attack. Legal term for battery or physical abuse.
To describe misuse of a position of power for unfair or harmful purposes.
Abuse of power. A direct and formal phrase.
その政治家は権力の乱用で非難された。
The politician was criticized for abuse of power.
Abuse of official authority. Common in legal or corporate contexts.
職権乱用で懲戒処分を受けた。
He was disciplined for abuse of authority.
Abuse, misuse (of power, rights, etc.). Often used in compound words.
To describe excessive or harmful use of drugs, alcohol, etc.
Abuse, overuse (of substances). Used in terms like 薬物乱用 (drug abuse).
薬物乱用は健康を害する。
Drug abuse harms your health.
Addiction, dependency. Often used when abuse has led to addiction.
To describe non-consensual sexual acts or harassment.
Sexual abuse, especially of children or vulnerable individuals.
性的虐待の被害者が支援を求めた。
The victim of sexual abuse sought help.
Sexual harassment. Common abbreviation in workplace contexts.
虐待 (gyakutai) implies ongoing cruel treatment, often of someone under one's care (child, elderly, animal). 暴力 (bōryoku) is general violence or physical force. 暴行 (bōkō) is a legal term for assault or battery.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'abuse'. Always choose the specific term that matches the type of abuse (verbal, physical, power, substance, etc.). Using the wrong word can cause confusion or sound unnatural.
彼は妻に暴力を振るった。
He physically abused his wife.
彼は暴行の罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for assault.
権利の濫用は許されない。
Abuse of rights is not permitted.
アルコール依存症の治療が必要だ。
Treatment for alcohol abuse is necessary.
セクハラで訴えられた。
He was sued for sexual harassment.