Translation guide
The English word 'trolling' refers to the act of deliberately provoking or upsetting others online for amusement. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different words and phrases capture specific aspects of trolling behavior, from mild mischief to malicious harassment.
彼は掲示板を荒らしている。
He is trolling the forum.
荒らしに反応しないで。
Don't feed the troll.
To describe the general act of posting inflammatory, off-topic, or disruptive messages to get a reaction.
The most common term for online trolling or disruptive behavior. It can refer to both the act and the person (a troll). Often used as a noun or with する to mean 'to troll'.
掲示板が荒らしに遭っている。
The forum is being trolled.
彼はよく掲示板を荒らす。
He often trolls forums.
Literally 'fishing', this refers to baiting people into responding, often by posting deliberately provocative or false statements. It emphasizes the act of luring someone into an argument.
それは釣りだよ。本気にしないで。
That's just trolling. Don't take it seriously.
彼は釣り投稿で有名だ。
He's famous for his trolling posts.
Means 'incitement' or 'provocation'. It can be used for trolling that aims to stir up anger or conflict, often in comment sections or social media.
彼のコメントはただの煽りだ。
His comment is just trolling.
A more formal term for 'trolling behavior', often used in rules or reports.
荒らし行為は禁止されています。
Trolling is prohibited.
A direct loanword from English, sometimes used in gaming or online communities, but less common than native terms.
あの人はただのトロールだ。
That person is just a troll.
When trolling involves spreading fake news or hoaxes to deceive others for fun.
Again, 'fishing' is the go-to term for baiting people with false information. It implies the poster knows it's not true and is waiting for reactions.
そのニュースは釣りだから、拡散しないで。
That news is just trolling, so don't spread it.
Means 'false rumor' or 'hoax'. It can be used for trolling that involves spreading baseless rumors.
それはデマだよ。信じないで。
That's a hoax (trolling). Don't believe it.
When trolling crosses into targeted harassment, cyberbullying, or stalking.
Literally 'net bullying'. This is the standard term for cyberbullying, which can include severe trolling.
彼はネットいじめで訴えられた。
He was sued for online harassment (trolling).
General term for 'harassment'. When modified with ネット or オンライン, it specifies online harassment.
Refers to stalking behavior, which can include persistent trolling or following someone across platforms.
彼の執拗なメッセージはストーカー行為だ。
His persistent messages are stalking (trolling).
荒らし is a broader term for any disruptive online behavior, including spamming or vandalism. 釣り specifically refers to baiting people into reacting, often with false or provocative statements. If someone is posting nonsense to ruin a discussion, it's 荒らし. If they're trying to trick people into an argument, it's 釣り.
荒らしはすぐに削除された。
The troll post was deleted immediately.
その釣りに引っかかってはいけない。
Don't fall for that trolling.
The English word 'trolling' is sometimes used as-is in Japanese (トロール), but it's not widely understood outside of certain online communities. Using 荒らし or 釣り is much more natural and clear.
Loanword for 'fake news'. While not exclusively trolling, it can describe the content used in trolling.
彼はよくフェイクニュースを流して楽しんでいる。
He often enjoys spreading fake news as trolling.
彼の行為はオンラインでの嫌がらせだ。
His actions are online harassment (trolling).