Translation guide
The English word "misogyny" refers to hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women. In Japanese, there is no single everyday word that perfectly matches the broad English usage. Instead, learners should choose expressions based on the specific nuance: systemic discrimination, personal hatred, or ingrained prejudice.
Expressing a general attitude of hatred or strong dislike toward women.
Literally 'contempt for women'. This is the most direct and common translation for 'misogyny' in formal or academic contexts. It emphasizes looking down on women.
彼の発言には女性蔑視が表れている。
His remarks reveal misogyny.
Literally 'woman-hater' or 'dislike of women'. This is more colloquial and refers to a personal aversion rather than systemic prejudice. It can be used for individuals.
彼は女嫌いで有名だ。
He is known for being a misogynist.
The English loanword. Used in academic or feminist discourse, but not widely understood in everyday conversation. Best reserved for contexts where the English term is already established.
ミソジニーは社会構造の問題だ。
Misogyny is a problem of social structure.
Referring to misogyny as a social or institutional phenomenon, not just personal feeling.
Literally 'discrimination against women'. This is the standard term for sex-based discrimination and is widely used in legal, social, and everyday contexts. It focuses on unequal treatment rather than emotional hatred.
職場での女性差別は依然として深刻だ。
Discrimination against women in the workplace remains serious.
Means 'sex discrimination' or 'sexism'. It can refer to discrimination against either gender, but context usually clarifies. Often used interchangeably with 女性差別 when the target is women.
Describing attitudes or behaviors where women themselves uphold sexist beliefs.
A direct translation of 'internalized misogyny'. Used in feminist and academic writing. It clearly conveys the psychological aspect.
内面化された女性蔑視は、女性同士の競争をあおることがある。
Internalized misogyny can fuel competition among women.
Since there is no common single word, you can describe the idea: '女性でありながら、無意識に女性を低く見てしまうこと' (unconsciously looking down on women despite being one). This is clearer in conversation.
彼女は、女性でありながら女性蔑視の発言をしてしまうことがある。
She sometimes makes misogynistic remarks even though she is a woman.
Words like 女嫌い can sound overly personal or emotional. For social critique, use 女性蔑視 or 女性差別. Using ミソジニー may confuse listeners unfamiliar with the English term.
女性蔑視 (contempt) emphasizes an attitude of looking down on women, while 女性差別 (discrimination) focuses on unequal treatment. In many contexts they overlap, but 女性差別 is more common in legal and everyday settings.
A law was enacted to eliminate sex discrimination.