Translation guide
Expressing the act of saying negative things about someone when they are not present. Japanese has several common verbs and phrases for this, ranging from casual to formal, and often implies gossip or slander.
To say negative things about someone in their absence, often casually or maliciously.
The most common and versatile phrase for speaking ill of someone. Literally 'to say bad things'. Can be used in casual and formal contexts.
He's always speaking ill of others.
It's not good to speak ill of people behind their backs.
Specifically means 'to speak ill behind someone's back'. The word 陰口 (かげぐち) itself means 'backbiting'. 叩く (たたく) literally 'to strike' adds a nuance of attacking verbally.
Stop speaking ill of your colleagues behind their backs.
A more literal phrase: 'to say bad things in the shadows'. Emphasizes the secretive nature of the act.
Apparently she speaks ill of me behind my back.
Noun meaning 'backbiting' or 'malicious gossip'. Often used with verbs like 言う or 叩く.
I overheard someone speaking ill of him.
To make false and damaging statements about someone, often with legal or serious social implications.
To spread rumors or talk about someone's private affairs in a negative way, often among a group.
To gossip or spread rumors. Not always malicious, but often implies speaking about someone behind their back.
They are always gossiping about someone.
To spread gossip. ゴシップ is a loanword from English and often refers to celebrity or sensational gossip.
He quickly spreads gossip.
To speak ill of someone in a particular situation, like at work or among friends, with a nuance of complaining or venting.
To complain or grumble about someone/something. Often done behind the person's back, but not necessarily malicious; can be just venting.
We complained about the boss at the drinking party.
To speak ill of, disparage, or run down. Can be done openly or behind someone's back.
While 陰で (かげで) means 'behind one's back' literally, it is not always necessary. Phrases like 悪口を言う already imply the person is absent. Using 陰で adds emphasis on secrecy.
He spoke ill of me. (implies behind my back)
悪口 (わるぐち) is general 'badmouthing', while 陰口 (かげぐち) specifically means 'backbiting'. 陰口 is more secretive and often used with 叩く (たたく).
speak ill of vs backbite
He always runs down other people's work.