Translation guide
The concept of sexism in Japanese is expressed through terms describing gender discrimination, traditional gender roles, and specific behaviors. The most common and direct term is 性差別 (seisabetsu), but related concepts like 女性蔑視 (josei besshi, misogyny) and 男性優位 (dansei yūi, male dominance) are also important. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on the nuance they want to convey.
To refer to discrimination based on sex or gender in a broad sense, such as in society, workplace, or law.
The standard term for sexism or gender discrimination. It is neutral and widely used in formal and informal contexts.
性差別は許されない。
Sexism is unacceptable.
職場での性差別をなくすべきだ。
We should eliminate sexism in the workplace.
Literally 'discrimination between men and women'. Often used interchangeably with 性差別, but can emphasize the binary aspect.
男女差別のない社会を目指しています。
We aim for a society without gender discrimination.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'discrimination based on sex'. Used in legal or formal explanations.
性による差別は法律で禁止されています。
Discrimination based on sex is prohibited by law.
To express an attitude of looking down on women, belittling them, or treating them as inferior.
Means 'contempt for women' or 'misogyny'. It focuses on the attitude of disrespect rather than systemic discrimination.
彼の発言には女性蔑視が感じられる。
His remarks reveal a contempt for women.
女性蔑視の文化を変えなければならない。
We must change the culture of misogyny.
A more colloquial way to say 'look down on women'. It implies a dismissive attitude.
彼はよく女を軽んじるようなことを言う。
He often says things that belittle women.
The loanword 'misogyny'. Used in feminist discourse or academic contexts, but less common in everyday speech.
To describe a system or attitude where men are considered superior or hold power over women.
Means 'male dominance' or 'male supremacy'. Often used to describe social structures.
この会社はまだ男性優位の体質だ。
This company still has a male-dominated culture.
A traditional term meaning 'respect men, despise women'. It refers to the ideology of male superiority, often used historically.
男尊女卑の考え方は時代遅れだ。
The idea of male superiority is outdated.
To describe specific comments or actions that are sexist.
Short for 'sexual harassment remarks'. Commonly used for sexist comments in the workplace or public.
彼のセクハラ発言が問題になった。
His sexist remarks became a problem.
A more formal way to say 'sexist remarks'. 性差別的 is the adjectival form.
政治家の性差別的な発言が批判された。
The politician's sexist remarks were criticized.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to make fun of women' or 'to treat women as stupid'. Strongly derogatory.
そんな言い方は女をバカにしている。
That way of speaking is insulting to women.
To refer to words or phrases that are considered sexist or gender-biased.
Means 'sexist language'. Used to describe words that discriminate based on gender.
性差別的な言葉を使わないように気をつけている。
I try not to use sexist language.
Similar to above, but explicitly mentions 'men and women'. Often used in guidelines for non-sexist language.
この表現は男女差別的だと指摘された。
This expression was pointed out as being sexist.
性差別 (seisabetsu) is the broad term for sexism, encompassing discrimination against any gender. 女性蔑視 (josei besshi) specifically means contempt for women. Use 性差別 for general discrimination, and 女性蔑視 when the focus is on misogynistic attitudes.
性差別は男性に対しても起こりうる。
Sexism can also occur against men.
彼の態度は明らかに女性蔑視だ。
His attitude is clearly misogynistic.
While 性差別的 (seisabetsuteki) exists, it is often more natural to rephrase the sentence. For example, instead of 'He is sexist', say 彼は性差別的な考えを持っている (He has sexist ideas) or 彼は女性を軽んじている (He looks down on women). Directly saying 彼は性差別者だ (He is a sexist) is grammatically correct but can sound blunt or accusatory.
彼は性差別的な考えを持っている。
He has sexist ideas.
彼女は性差別に敏感だ。
She is sensitive to sexism.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use セクハラ (sexual harassment) to refer to sexist behavior, even if it's not strictly harassment. For example, a sexist joke might be called セクハラ発言. However, in formal contexts, it's better to use 性差別.
性差別は多くの国でまだ大きな問題です。
Sexism is still a big problem in many countries.
彼女は職場で性差別に直面した。
She faced sexism at work.
彼のコメントは性差別に満ちていた。
His comments were full of sexism.
ミソジニーは社会問題の一つだ。
Misogyny is one of the social issues.
Means 'patriarchy'. Used in academic or feminist contexts to describe a system where men hold primary power.
家父長制が性差別の根源だと言われる。
Patriarchy is said to be the root of sexism.