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.
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.
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.
同僚の陰口を叩くのはやめなさい。
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.
彼女は陰で私のことを悪く言っているらしい。
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.
彼の陰口が耳に入った。
I overheard someone speaking ill of him.
To make false and damaging statements about someone, often with legal or serious social implications.
Formal term for slander or defamation. Often used in legal contexts or to describe online harassment.
インターネット上での誹謗中傷は犯罪になり得る。
Slander on the internet can be a crime.
To slander or defame. Slightly less formal than 誹謗中傷 but still strong.
彼はライバルを中傷する記事を書いた。
He wrote an article slandering his rival.
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.
彼女たちはいつも誰かの噂話をしている。
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.
彼はすぐにゴシップを広める。
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.
飲み会で上司の愚痴をこぼした。
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.
彼は私の悪口を言った。
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).
悪口を言う vs 陰口を叩く
speak ill of vs backbite
He always runs down other people's work.