Translation guide
A spoiler is information that reveals key plot details of a story, potentially ruining the experience for someone who hasn't seen or read it. In Japanese, the concept is commonly expressed with the loanword ネタバレ, but there are also native phrases and verbs for the act of spoiling.
To refer to information that gives away important parts of a story, or to warn someone that such information is present.
The most common and direct equivalent. It can be used as a noun meaning 'spoiler' or as part of the verb (to spoil). Often used in warnings like (spoiler alert).
This article contains spoilers.
Please don't spoil it.
A common warning phrase meaning 'spoiler alert' or 'beware of spoilers'. Often seen online before revealing plot details.
Spoiler alert below!
The verb form meaning 'to spoil'. Used when someone reveals plot details.
He spoiled the ending of the movie.
A stronger warning meaning 'spoilers strictly prohibited'. Used in forums or communities where spoiling is heavily penalized.
Spoilers are strictly prohibited in this thread.
Refers to the act of avoiding spoilers, often used in contexts like 'spoiler-free review'.
I avoid social media to prevent spoilers.
To describe the action of revealing plot details, often with a negative connotation.
A native Japanese phrase meaning 'to give away the plot' or 'to spill the beans'. ネタ refers to the core material or joke, and ばらす means to expose or reveal.
He accidentally spoiled the story.
Literally 'to say the punchline'. Often used for spoiling the ending or twist of a story, especially in jokes or short stories.
Don't tell me the ending beforehand.
A more formal or literary way to say 'reveal the ending'. Used in reviews or discussions.
A mechanical device on a vehicle that disrupts airflow to reduce lift or increase drag. This is a technical meaning unrelated to stories.
The direct loanword for the automotive or aviation part. Used in technical contexts.
This car has a rear spoiler.
While スポイラー is the correct term for a car or aircraft part, it is not used for plot spoilers. Always use ネタバレ for that meaning.
You can simply say ネタバレだよ！ (That's a spoiler!) or ネタバレしないで (Don't spoil) in casual settings. The word is very flexible.
This review reveals the ending.