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'.
学校でいじめが問題になっている。
Bullying is a problem at school.
彼はクラスメートにいじめられた。
He was bullied by his classmates.
The verb form meaning 'to bully'. Often used in the passive form いじめられる.
弟をいじめてはいけない。
You mustn't bully your little brother.
A colloquial term for a bully (the person who bullies).
あの子はいじめっ子だ。
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.
上司からのパワーハラスメントに悩んでいる。
I'm suffering from power harassment by my boss.
Literally 'workplace bullying'. A more general term for bullying at work.
職場いじめが原因で退職した。
I quit my job because of workplace bullying.
To refer to bullying that takes place online or through digital devices.
The most common term for cyberbullying. Combines ネット (internet) and いじめ.
ネットいじめは深刻な問題だ。
Cyberbullying is a serious problem.
An alternative term using the English loanword 'cyber'.
サイバーいじめの被害者が増えている。
The number of victims of cyberbullying is increasing.
To discuss bullying as a societal issue or concept.
Refers to the 'bullying problem' as a social issue.
いじめ問題について話し合う。
We discuss the issue of bullying.
Means 'bullying prevention'. Often used in school or policy contexts.
いじめ防止のための対策が必要だ。
Measures for bullying prevention are necessary.
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.
近所の人から嫌がらせを受けている。
I'm being harassed by a neighbor.