Translation guide
How to express the idea of causing offence in Japanese, from direct statements to nuanced warnings.
Expressing that an action or statement causes someone to feel offended or insulted.
A standard, polite way to say 'to hurt someone's feelings' or 'to offend'. Suitable for formal and neutral contexts.
彼の言葉は彼女の気分を害した。
His words offended her.
Means 'to make someone feel uncomfortable/unpleasant'. Often used when the offence is more about discomfort than direct insult.
その冗談は彼を不快にさせた。
That joke made him uncomfortable/offended him.
Literally 'to make someone angry'. Used when the offence results in anger. More direct than 気分を害する.
彼の態度が上司を怒らせた。
His attitude angered/offended his boss.
Similar to 気分を害する but slightly more formal/literary. 'To hurt someone's feelings'.
その発言は多くの人の感情を害した。
The remark offended many people.
Warning or advising someone to avoid causing offence.
Common phrase meaning 'so as not to offend'. Used in warnings or advice.
気分を害さないように気をつけて話してください。
Please be careful not to offend when you speak.
Means 'so as not to be rude'. Often used when the offence is about manners or etiquette.
失礼にならないように、お辞儀をしてください。
Please bow so as not to be rude.
'So as not to anger/offend'. More direct, focusing on avoiding anger.
彼を怒らせないように、その話題は避けた。
I avoided that topic so as not to offend him.
Expressing that someone feels offended by something.
Can also be used intransitively with the person as subject to mean 'to take offence'.
彼はその冗談に気分を害した。
He took offence at the joke.
Literally 'to raise one's belly', meaning 'to get angry/offended'. More colloquial.
彼女は彼の言葉に腹を立てた。
She took offence at his words.
Onomatopoeic expression for being offended or annoyed, often shown in facial expression. 'To be miffed'.
彼はその質問にむっとした。
He took offence at the question.
Describing something that causes offence.
'Rude remark'. Common way to describe an offensive statement.
それは失礼な発言だ。
That's an offensive remark.
'Unpleasant behavior'. Used for actions that cause discomfort or offence.
彼の不快な行動に皆が困った。
Everyone was troubled by his offensive behavior.
Direct word for 'insult'. Stronger than 失礼.
それは侮辱だ。
That's an insult.
気分を害する focuses on emotional hurt, while 不快にさせる is more about causing discomfort or unpleasant feelings. 不快にさせる can be used for physical discomfort as well (e.g., bad smell).
彼の批判は彼女の気分を害した。
His criticism hurt her feelings.
タバコの煙が彼を不快にさせた。
The cigarette smoke made him uncomfortable.
Direct translations like 犯罪を引き起こす (cause a crime) are incorrect. Use the phrases above depending on context.