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.
敵の補給線に対して破壊工作を行った。
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.
工場でサボタージュが発生し、生産が止まった。
Sabotage occurred at the factory, and production stopped.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to deliberately destroy'. Use when the act is clearly intentional.
誰かが故意に機械を破壊した。
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.
彼は会議を妨害しようとした。
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.
彼の失言が交渉を破綻させた。
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.
彼はプレッシャーで自滅した。
He self-sabotaged under pressure.
Idiom: 'to strangle oneself'. Describes actions that harm one's own position or chances.
あんな発言をして、自分で自分の首を絞めた。
He sabotaged himself by making that remark.
Adjectival noun meaning 'self-destructive'. Used in psychological contexts.
彼女は自己破壊的な行動パターンを持っている。
She has self-sabotaging behavior patterns.
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.
組合は賃上げを求めて怠業を行った。
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.
彼はわざと手を抜いて、プロジェクトを遅らせた。
He sabotaged the project by deliberately slacking off.
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.
選挙で対立候補の裏工作が発覚した。
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.
チームメイトの足を引っ張るようなことはするな。
Don't do things that sabotage your teammates.
労働者たちはサボタージュで抗議した。
The workers protested through sabotage (slowdown).