Translation guide
To say malicious things about someone who is not present. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific verbs, idiomatic phrases, and descriptive expressions.
To speak ill of someone behind their back
The most common and natural way to say 'backbite' or 'speak ill of someone behind their back'. Literally 'to strike a shadow mouth'.
To spread harmful rumors or gossip about someone not present
Literally 'to spread rumors without root or leaf', meaning completely unfounded gossip. Emphasizes the false nature of the backbiting.
Do not translate 'backbite' literally as 背中を噛む (to bite the back). This makes no sense in Japanese.
陰口 (kageguchi) specifically refers to speaking ill of someone behind their back, while 悪口 (waruguchi) is general badmouthing, which can be done to someone's face. For 'backbite', 陰口 is more precise.
She is always backbiting her colleagues.
A more literal phrase meaning 'to say bad things in the shadows'. Slightly less idiomatic than 陰口を叩く but still natural.
He likes to backbite people.
A formal, written term meaning 'to slander' or 'to defame'. Used in legal or serious contexts.
He backbit the politician in the newspaper.
They backbit him by spreading baseless rumors.
Means 'to slander' or 'to defame'. Stronger than 陰口, implying malicious intent to damage reputation.
He wrote an article backbiting his rival.