Translation guide
The term 'child abuse' covers physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. In Japanese, the most common and direct term is 児童虐待 (jidō gyakutai), but related terms exist for specific contexts.
The broad concept of child abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
The standard legal and social term for child abuse. Used in news, official documents, and everyday conversation.
Child abuse is a serious social problem.
Reports of child abuse are increasing.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'abuse toward children'. Slightly less formal than 児童虐待 but still common.
To prevent child abuse, community support is necessary.
Specifically physical harm or violence against a child.
Non-physical abuse that harms a child's emotional well-being.
The formal term for psychological or emotional abuse. Used in professional settings.
Psychological abuse is hard to see from the outside.
Literally 'verbal violence', this phrase is commonly used to describe emotional abuse through harsh words.
Verbal abuse is also a form of abuse.
Sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
The standard term for sexual abuse. Used in legal, medical, and social contexts.
Victims of sexual abuse need appropriate care.
Failure to provide for a child's basic needs, a form of child abuse.
児童虐待 is the formal, legal term and is most common in news and official documents. 子供への虐待 is more descriptive and can be used in everyday speech, but it is less concise. Both are widely understood.
In context, 虐待 (gyakutai) alone can mean child abuse if the topic is clear. For example, 虐待が増えている (Abuse is increasing) often implies child abuse in news headlines.
It is unacceptable for parents to use violence against their children.
The child was endangered due to neglect.