Translation guide
How to express 'speak ill of' in Japanese, covering direct criticism, gossip, and slander.
He's always speaking ill of others.
It's not good to speak ill of people behind their backs.
Literally 'say badly'. A slightly more direct way to say 'speak ill of'. Can be used for people or things.
You shouldn't speak ill of others.
A literary or formal word meaning 'to slander' or 'speak ill of'. Not common in everyday speech.
He never speaks ill of his colleagues.
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.
She often speaks ill of her friends behind their backs.
Noun meaning 'badmouthing' or 'slander'. Often used with verbs like 言う or 叩く.
Loanword from English 'gossip'. Used for celebrity gossip or casual rumor-mongering, not necessarily malicious.
To make false and damaging statements about someone, often with legal implications.
Do not directly translate 'speak ill of' as '病気を話す' or similar. It will not be understood. Use the phrases above.
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.
Speaking ill of someone behind their back is cowardly.
悪口ばかり言う人は嫌われる。
People who only speak ill of others are disliked.
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.