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.
He hurled abuse at his boss.
Act of verbally abusing or reviling someone; often implies a tirade of insults.
She burst into tears after being verbally abused.
Speaking ill of someone; saying bad things about someone. More casual and common in daily conversation.
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.
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.
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.
To describe excessive or harmful use of drugs, alcohol, etc.
To describe non-consensual sexual acts or harassment.
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.
Abuse of official authority. Common in legal or corporate contexts.
He was disciplined for abuse of authority.
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.