Translation guide
How to express 'speak ill of' in Japanese, covering direct criticism, gossip, and slander.
To criticize or say negative things about a person, often behind their back.
The most common and neutral way to say 'speak ill of' or 'say bad things about' someone. Literally 'say bad mouth'.
彼はいつも人の悪口を言っている。
He's always speaking ill of others.
陰で悪口を言うのはよくない。
It's not good to speak ill of people behind their backs.
To engage in casual negative talk about someone, often spreading rumors or complaints.
Specifically means 'to badmouth behind someone's back'. Emphasizes the secretive nature of the talk.
彼女はよく友達の陰口を叩く。
She often speaks ill of her friends behind their backs.
To make false and damaging statements about someone, often with legal implications.
Means 'to slander' or 'defame'. Stronger than 悪口, implies false accusations.
彼はライバルを中傷する記事を書いた。
He wrote an article slandering his rival.
Do not directly translate 'speak ill of' as '病気を話す' or similar. It will not be understood. Use the phrases above.
彼のことを悪く言わないで。
Don't speak ill of him.
悪口 (waruguchi) is general badmouthing, while 陰口 (kageguchi) specifically means talking behind someone's back. Use 陰口 when emphasizing secrecy.
陰で悪口を言うのは卑怯だ。
Speaking ill of someone behind their back is cowardly.
Literally 'say badly'. A slightly more direct way to say 'speak ill of'. Can be used for people or things.
人のことを悪く言うべきではない。
You shouldn't speak ill of others.
A literary or formal word meaning 'to slander' or 'speak ill of'. Not common in everyday speech.
彼は同僚をそしるようなことはしない。
He never speaks ill of his colleagues.
Noun meaning 'badmouthing' or 'slander'. Often used with verbs like 言う or 叩く.
悪口ばかり言う人は嫌われる。
People who only speak ill of others are disliked.
Loanword from English 'gossip'. Used for celebrity gossip or casual rumor-mongering, not necessarily malicious.
彼らは芸能人のゴシップで盛り上がっている。
They are excitedly gossiping about celebrities.
Formal term for 'slander' or 'libel'. Often used in legal contexts.
誹謗中傷は法律で罰せられる。
Slander and defamation are punishable by law.