Translation guide
The English word 'scandal' covers a range of situations from public outrage over misconduct to personal gossip. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 不祥事 (fushōji) for organizational or corporate scandals, while スキャンダル (sukyandaru) is used for celebrity or personal scandals. Other terms like 醜聞 (shūbun) and 疑惑 (giwaku) have more specific nuances.
An event involving misconduct, corruption, or wrongdoing that causes public outrage, especially in politics, business, or institutions.
The standard term for a scandal involving misconduct or disgrace within an organization, company, or public figure. Often used in news reports.
That company lost trust after causing a scandal.
Loanword from English, often used for sensational or media-driven scandals, including political ones. Slightly more colloquial than 不祥事.
The politician's scandal made the front page of the newspaper.
Means 'suspicion' or 'allegation'. Used when a scandal is still under investigation or not fully proven. Often paired with verbs like 持たれる (motareru) or 浮上する (fujō suru).
Allegations of bribery surfaced against the minister.
A formal or literary term for a disgraceful scandal or shameful rumor. Rare in everyday speech, but may appear in written media.
The scandal ended his political career.
A scandal involving a famous person's private life, such as affairs, leaked photos, or controversial behavior, often covered by tabloids.
The most common term for celebrity gossip or personal scandals. Widely used in entertainment news.
The actor's scandal was published in a weekly magazine.
Specifically refers to an extramarital affair, a common type of celebrity scandal. Often used in the phrase 不倫スキャンダル (furin sukyandaru).
Means 'gossip' or 'rumor', often about celebrities. Not as strong as 'scandal', but used in similar contexts.
A situation that brings shame or embarrassment to an individual or family, not necessarily public or media-driven.
Means 'shame' or 'disgrace'. Used when a scandal is seen as a personal or family dishonor. Often in phrases like 恥をかく (haji o kaku, to be embarrassed).
Don't do anything that would bring shame on the family.
A formal term for 'disgrace' or 'dishonor'. Used in serious contexts, such as a scandal that ruins one's reputation.
The public reaction of shock, anger, or controversy caused by a scandalous event.
Means 'uproar', 'disturbance', or 'commotion'. Often used when a scandal causes public turmoil or media frenzy.
That remark caused a huge uproar.
Literally 'ripple', used metaphorically for the repercussions or shockwaves of a scandal. Common in phrases like 波紋を広げる (hamon o hirogeru, to cause ripples).
不祥事 (fushōji) is used for serious organizational misconduct, such as corporate fraud or data breaches. スキャンダル (sukyandaru) is broader and often implies sensational media coverage, including celebrity gossip. In formal news, 不祥事 is preferred for institutional scandals, while スキャンダル can sound tabloid-like.
The company's scandal came to light.
Her scandal was quickly forgotten.
While スキャンダル can cover many types of scandals, for severe criminal cases like embezzlement or cover-ups, Japanese often uses more specific terms like 事件 (jiken, incident/case) or 不正 (fusei, wrongdoing). Using スキャンダル might trivialize the matter.
彼の不倫が発覚して大スキャンダルになった。
His affair was exposed and became a huge scandal.
芸能人のゴシップに興味がある。
I'm interested in celebrity gossip.
彼は不面目な事件で会社を辞めた。
He quit the company due to a disgraceful incident.
そのスキャンダルは政界に波紋を広げた。
The scandal sent ripples through the political world.