Translation guide
The practice of avoiding language or actions that could exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people, especially those defined by race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. In Japanese, the concept is often discussed using borrowed terms or descriptive phrases, and the approach to PC culture differs from Western contexts.
Referring to the broad idea of avoiding offensive language or behavior toward marginalized groups.
The direct loanword from English, commonly used in media and academic contexts. Often abbreviated as ポリコレ.
Political correctness is an important concept in modern society.
Abbreviation of ポリティカル・コレクトネス, widely used in casual conversation and online.
Some say political correctness has become too strict lately.
Literally 'consideration for language use', this phrase captures the essence of PC without using loanwords.
Consideration for language use is required in the workplace.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'avoiding discriminatory expressions'. Used in formal explanations.
This guideline aims to avoid discriminatory expressions.
Describing a person, statement, or action that aligns with PC principles.
Means 'PC-considerate' or 'mindful of political correctness'. Used to describe language or behavior.
He always makes PC-conscious remarks.
Simply 'not discriminatory'. A straightforward way to say something is PC in the sense of being inoffensive.
Means 'respecting diversity'. Often used in corporate or educational contexts to describe PC-aligned attitudes.
Expressing the idea that political correctness goes too far or restricts free speech.
Literally 'PC fatigue', a term used to describe weariness with excessive political correctness.
Some people can't speak their true feelings due to PC fatigue.
Means 'excessive political correctness' or 'PC gone too far'. Common in debates.
Literally 'word hunting', a term for overly zealous policing of language, often used critically.
Referring to politically correct terms for particular groups or topics.
Instead of a single word for PC, Japanese often adopts specific neutral replacements, e.g., 障がい者 (instead of 障害者) for 'disabled person', or 性的少数者 for 'sexual minority'.
More companies are writing 'shougaisha' with hiragana instead of the kanji for 'harm'.
Means 'inclusive language', often used in diversity training.
The term 'political correctness' is often associated with Western social movements. In Japan, while the loanword ポリコレ is understood, the concept is sometimes viewed through a different lens, with less emphasis on individual identity politics and more on group harmony (和). Be aware that the intensity of PC debates may differ.
In many situations, instead of saying something is 'politically correct', Japanese speakers might say it shows 配慮 (consideration) or is 思いやりがある (thoughtful). This frames PC as a matter of empathy rather than a political stance.
Please check if that expression is non-discriminatory.
It's important to create a workplace environment that respects diversity.
Excessive political correctness threatens freedom of expression.
言葉狩りが激しくなると、何も言えなくなる。
When word hunting becomes intense, you can't say anything.
I try to use inclusive language.