Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of bullying is most commonly expressed with the word いじめ, which covers a wide range of behaviors from school bullying to workplace harassment. Other terms exist for specific contexts like power harassment or cyberbullying.
To refer to bullying in a general sense, especially among children or in social groups.
The most common and direct translation for 'bullying'. It can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to bully'.
Bullying is a problem at school.
He was bullied by his classmates.
The verb form meaning 'to bully'. Often used in the passive form いじめられる.
You mustn't bully your little brother.
A colloquial term for a bully (the person who bullies).
That kid is a bully.
To refer to bullying or harassment in a workplace context, especially by a superior.
Often shortened to パワハラ. Refers specifically to harassment by someone in a position of power, such as a boss.
I'm suffering from power harassment by my boss.
Literally 'workplace bullying'. A more general term for bullying at work.
I quit my job because of workplace bullying.
To refer to bullying that takes place online or through digital devices.
To discuss bullying as a societal issue or concept.
The English word 'bullying' implies a power imbalance and repeated harm. In Japanese, いじめ covers both severe bullying and milder teasing, but context usually makes it clear. For light teasing among friends, からかう might be more appropriate.
嫌がらせ (いやがらせ) means 'harassment' or 'malicious annoyance' and can be used for one-time acts, while いじめ usually implies ongoing behavior. 嫌がらせ is often used for adult contexts like neighbor disputes or stalking.
I'm being harassed by a neighbor.