Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'bad reputation' depends on whether you're talking about a person, a company, a product, or a general rumor. The most common and versatile word is 悪評 (akuhyou), but there are many nuanced alternatives.
To say that someone or something has a bad reputation in general.
The most direct and common translation for 'bad reputation'. It can be used for people, companies, products, etc.
That company has a bad reputation.
He is worried about his bad reputation.
Often used for products, services, or performances that are poorly received. Implies unpopularity or unfavorable reviews.
The new movie had a bad reputation / was poorly received.
Literally 'bad name', often used for notorious people or places. Stronger than 悪評, implies infamy.
He is a gangster with a bad reputation.
A common phrase meaning 'to have a bad reputation'. More colloquial than 悪評.
That restaurant has a bad reputation.
To express that someone's reputation has been damaged by a specific event or gossip.
Refers to a stigma or disgrace attached to one's name. Often used in phrases like 汚名を着せられる (to be branded with a bad reputation).
He was branded with a bad reputation.
Literally 'bad rumor'. Used when the bad reputation is based on gossip rather than established fact.
There are bad rumors circulating about her.
Loanword from English, used for scandals that cause a bad reputation, especially for celebrities or politicians.
To describe someone or something that is well-known for negative reasons.
To express that a reputation has been harmed or lost.
To damage one's own or someone else's reputation. Often used reflexively.
He damaged his reputation with a gaffe.
To lose trust or credibility, which often implies a bad reputation.
Idiom meaning 'to hit rock bottom' (of reputation). Often used with 評判.
悪評 is the most general 'bad reputation'. 不評 is often used for things like products or performances that are poorly received. 悪名 implies notoriety or infamy, often for people or places.
Avoid directly translating 'bad reputation' as 悪い評判. While understandable, it is not idiomatic. Use 悪評 or 評判が悪い instead.
His reputation hit rock bottom because of the scandal.
The company lost its credibility (and reputation) due to that incident.
彼の評判は地に落ちた。
His reputation hit rock bottom.