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.
sexism (general, gender discrimination)
Most common and direct translation.
sexism (attitude of looking down on women)
Often used for misogyny or contempt for women.
To refer to discrimination based on sex or gender in a broad sense, such as in society, workplace, or law.
To express an attitude of looking down on women, belittling them, or treating them as inferior.
To describe a system or attitude where men are considered superior or hold power over women.
To describe specific comments or actions that are sexist.
Short for 'sexual harassment remarks'. Commonly used for sexist comments in the workplace or public.
To refer to words or phrases that are considered sexist or gender-biased.
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.
Sexism is still a big problem in many countries.
We should eliminate sexism in the workplace.
We aim for a society without gender discrimination.
Discrimination based on sex is prohibited by law.
Means 'contempt for women' or 'misogyny'. It focuses on the attitude of disrespect rather than systemic discrimination.
His remarks reveal a contempt for women.
We must change the culture of misogyny.
A more colloquial way to say 'look down on women'. It implies a dismissive attitude.
He often says things that belittle women.
The loanword 'misogyny'. Used in feminist discourse or academic contexts, but less common in everyday speech.
Misogyny is one of the social issues.
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.
The idea of male superiority is outdated.
Means 'patriarchy'. Used in academic or feminist contexts to describe a system where men hold primary power.
Patriarchy is said to be the root of sexism.
His sexist remarks became a problem.
A more formal way to say 'sexist remarks'. 性差別的 is the adjectival form.
The politician's sexist remarks were criticized.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to make fun of women' or 'to treat women as stupid'. Strongly derogatory.
That way of speaking is insulting to women.
I try not to use sexist language.
Similar to above, but explicitly mentions 'men and women'. Often used in guidelines for non-sexist language.
This expression was pointed out as being sexist.
Sexism can also occur against men.
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.
He has sexist ideas.
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.
彼女は職場で性差別に直面した。
She faced sexism at work.
His comments were full of sexism.