Translation guide
The English word 'sabotage' refers to deliberately damaging, obstructing, or undermining something, often in a covert or subversive way. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on the target (machinery, plans, relationships, etc.) and the method (physical destruction, obstruction, psychological undermining). This guide covers common Japanese expressions for different types of sabotage.
Deliberately damaging or destroying machinery, vehicles, or facilities to disrupt operations.
Literally 'destruction operations'. This is the closest general term for physical sabotage, often used in military, industrial, or espionage contexts.
They carried out sabotage against the enemy's supply lines.
Loanword from French/English. Commonly understood, but often implies labor-related slowdowns or deliberate inefficiency rather than violent destruction.
Sabotage occurred at the factory, and production stopped.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to deliberately destroy'. Use when the act is clearly intentional.
Someone deliberately sabotaged the machine.
Secretly or indirectly causing a plan, project, or relationship to fail.
Means 'obstruction' or 'interference'. Covers a wide range of sabotage-like actions, from blocking a proposal to disrupting a meeting.
He tried to sabotage the meeting.
Literally 'behind-the-scenes maneuvering'. Implies secret plotting to undermine someone or something, often in politics or business.
Means 'to cause to fail/collapse'. Used for sabotaging plans, negotiations, or systems.
His gaffe sabotaged the negotiations.
Unconsciously or consciously undermining one's own success or well-being.
Means 'to self-destruct' or 'to bring about one's own ruin'. Commonly used for self-sabotaging behavior.
He self-sabotaged under pressure.
Idiom: 'to strangle oneself'. Describes actions that harm one's own position or chances.
Adjectival noun meaning 'self-destructive'. Used in psychological contexts.
Intentionally working slowly or poorly to disrupt productivity, often as a form of protest.
Means 'work slowdown' or 'go-slow'. A labor tactic where workers reduce output without striking.
The union engaged in sabotage (slowdown) to demand a wage increase.
In labor contexts, this specifically refers to deliberate inefficiency or slowdowns.
Colloquial: 'to deliberately cut corners' or 'slack off'. Implies intentional poor performance.
破壊工作 implies physical destruction (e.g., blowing up a bridge), while サボタージュ often refers to non-violent disruption like work slowdowns. Use 破壊工作 for military/industrial sabotage, and サボタージュ for labor disputes or metaphorical sabotage.
The English word 'sabotage' is often used loosely (e.g., 'sabotaging a diet'). In Japanese, such metaphorical uses require different expressions. Do not use 破壊工作 for trivial matters; it sounds overly dramatic.
Behind-the-scenes sabotage by the opposing candidate was uncovered in the election.
Idiom meaning 'to pull someone's leg', i.e., to hinder or sabotage someone's efforts, often out of jealousy or rivalry.
Don't do things that sabotage your teammates.
He sabotaged himself by making that remark.
She has self-sabotaging behavior patterns.
The workers protested through sabotage (slowdown).
He sabotaged the project by deliberately slacking off.